Dragon Asia Group Dives into Maritime Sector with Strategic Investment in Long-Term Marine, Bolstering Ship Building and Repair Capabilities Alongside MMHE

Dragon Asia Group, a prominent investment conglomerate with a diversified portfolio, has announced a significant strategic investment in Long-Term Marine, a move poised to bolster the ship building and ship repair capabilities of the Malaysian maritime sector. This crucial collaboration will strategically leverage the extensive facilities and expertise of Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE), a leading player in the region's oil and gas and marine industries.

This landmark investment signifies Dragon Asia Group's commitment to expanding its footprint into the robust and growing maritime industry, particularly within the dynamic Southeast Asian market. The partnership aims to capitalize on increasing demand for both new vessel construction and comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for a diverse range of marine assets.

A Synergy of Strengths:

The collaboration is designed to create a powerful synergy between the involved parties:

• Dragon Asia Group: As the investor, Dragon Asia Group brings vital capital injection, strategic oversight, and strong regional and global business networks. This investment reflects their confidence in the long-term potential of the marine sector and Malaysia's strategic position as a maritime hub.

• Long-Term Marine: While specific details of Long-Term Marine's existing operations and expertise are integral to the partnership, the investment suggests they bring specialist knowledge, operational capabilities, and potentially established client relationships within the ship building and repair domains. Their role will likely be pivotal in project execution and operational management.

• Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE): MMHE is a cornerstone of this tripartite arrangement. Renowned for its world-class facilities, including expansive dry docks, state-of-the-art workshops, and a highly skilled workforce, MMHE provides the critical infrastructure and technical prowess necessary for undertaking complex and large-scale ship building and repair projects. Their proven track record in handling sophisticated offshore structures and large vessels adds immense credibility and capability to the venture.

Strategic Rationale and Market Impact:

The timing of this investment aligns with a period of significant activity in the global maritime industry. Factors such as aging fleets requiring regular maintenance, the transition to more environmentally friendly vessels, and sustained global trade drive the demand for reliable and efficient ship building and repair services.

This strategic partnership is expected to yield several key benefits:

• Enhanced Capacity: The combined resources and expertise will significantly increase the capacity for both new builds and critical repair works, catering to a wider range of vessel types and sizes.

• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The investment is anticipated to stimulate local economic growth through job creation in highly skilled areas, technology transfer, and opportunities for local vendors and suppliers.

• Strengthening Malaysia's Maritime Hub Status: By bringing together a strong investor, operational specialist, and leading shipyard, this collaboration further solidifies Malaysia's position as a preferred destination for comprehensive maritime services in Asia.

• Technological Advancement: The partnership may pave the way for adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices in ship building and repair, aligning with global industry trends towards efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Quotes from Leadership (Illustrative):

While official statements are pending, industry observers anticipate positive remarks from the leaders of the involved entities:

• Dato Seri Jeffery, CEO of Dragon Asia Group: "This strategic investment in Long-Term Marine, leveraging the formidable capabilities of MMHE, represents a pivotal moment for Dragon Asia Group. We see immense potential in the maritime sector and are confident that this partnership will not only deliver significant value but also contribute substantially to the region's industrial growth and technological advancement."

• Mohammad Suhaimi bin Mohd Yasin, CEO of Long-Term Marine: "We are incredibly excited to welcome Dragon Asia Group as a strategic investor and to deepen our collaboration with MMHE. This partnership empowers us to scale our operations, enhance our service offerings, and pursue ambitious projects that will redefine standards in ship building and repair for the region."

• Mohd Nazir Mohd Nor, Managing Director of MMHE: "Our collaboration with Long-Term Marine, backed by Dragon Asia Group, underscores our commitment to strengthening the Malaysian maritime ecosystem. By combining our world-class infrastructure and expertise with their operational focus and strategic investment, we are poised to serve the growing needs of the global shipping industry more effectively and efficiently."

This strategic move by Dragon Asia Group marks a significant development for the Malaysian maritime industry, promising a new era of growth, innovation, and enhanced capabilities in the vital sectors of ship building and repair.