(Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh being briefed by a vendor, Mohammad Zulkiflee Bin Arshad from Teras Integrasi Sdn Bhd after the signing ceremony)

Kuala Lumpur, 22 April 2015 - Sime Darby Berhad has launched its Bumiputera Vendor Development Programme today, a programme that is designed to assist specific Bumiputera companies to develop their capabilities in partnership with the diversified multinational company.

It has identified nine companies to come under the BVDP initially. The companies signed Memorandum of Understanding agreements with Sime Darby Plantation and Sime Darby Property, the two divisions with a notable spread of Bumiputera vendors in their businesses.

"In support of Malaysia's national agenda, the Group is determined to increase our pool of approved Bumiputera vendors in the Approved Vendor List to 30%.

"We are also looking to further assist our Bumiputera vendors in this programme to become more competitive in the local and global markets," said Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh, President and Group Chief Executive of Sime Darby.

Sime Darby has implemented the Vendor Development Programme since 2008 and it now has 19 companies identified as 'Preferred Suppliers' to its Property Division. In line with the government's plan that requires Government-linked Companies to have a BVDP, Sime Darby has adopted the Trade Ministry's framework for the BVDP, with enhancements from the company's own policies.

During the development phase, the selected vendors will be given the opportunity to supply goods and services strategic to the needs of Sime Darby for a period of 3 - 5 years. Their performance and achievements will be monitored and Sime Darby will also assist the vendor to obtain financial and training assistance from government agencies, financial institutions or any other certified technical agencies.

Upon graduating from the programme with all its KPIs met, the vendor will be recognised as a 'Sime Darby Preferred Vendor', which will enhance its opportunity to be involved in future projects.

The BVDP MOU signing ceremony was held in conjunction with Sime Darby's Procurement Leadership Council, a two-day event that gathers the group's procurement fraternity to discuss procurement best practices and latest development in the area of procurement.

Sime Darby has delivered savings of RM60 million from procurement activities in the financial year ended June 30 2014.

"Procurement governance is not just a compliance tool but it needs to be internalised by every Sime Darby employee. Having good, reliable and high performing vendors can deliver positive benefits to both parties," said Adi Wira Abd Razak, Group Procurement Head for Sime Darby.

For further information, please contact:

Ahmad Shahriman Johari
Head, External Communications
Sime Darby Berhad
Tel: +(603) 2711 0923
Mobile: +(019) 333 8320
Email: shahriman.johari@simedarby.com

About Sime Darby Berhad

Sime Darby is a Malaysia-based diversified multinational involved in key growth sectors, namely, plantation, industrial equipment, motors, property and energy & utilities. Founded in 1910, its business divisions seek to create positive benefits in the economy, environment and society where it has a presence.

With a workforce of over 120,000 employees in over 25 countries, Sime Darby is committed to building a sustainable future for all its stakeholders. It is one of the largest companies on Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalisation of RM56.72bn (USD15.57bn) as of 20 April 2015.
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