DATO’ SERI NG CHAI ENG
Starting as a trading company focused on wire-cut machines, UWC, guided by founders Dato’ Ng Chai Eng and Lau Chee Kheong, evolved over three decades into UWC Berhad, an integrated engineering service provider supporting the semiconductor, life sciences, and medical technology industries. Since its inception in 1990, UWC has served a global clientele in demanding industries, establishing itself as a salient catalyst.
As a conglomerate, UWC encompasses a diverse group of companies strategically positioned to deliver comprehensive solutions in high-quality precision computer numerical control (CNC) machining, sheet metal fabrication, certified welding, advanced assembly, and part finishing. UWC thrives on tackling challenging engineering and manufacturing tasks, showcasing expertise in semiconductors, life sciences, telecommunications, electronics, automation, and heavy-duty industries. A longstanding commitment to quality and innovation defines UWC’s approach to product development, with the team prioritising attention to detail, focusing on quality, precision, and client satisfaction.
By synchronising various operational elements, including cost management, data integration, and streamlined delivery timelines, UWC has secured a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. With nearly thirty years of experience, UWC remains dedicated to enhancing value for its stakeholders. The group continuously strengthens and expands its capabilities, test systems, and development in automation and robotics while customising process flows to better support diverse regional needs.
Looking ahead, UWC embraces a forward-thinking and innovative mindset, ensuring readiness to meet future challenges and opportunities. The company recognises the vital role that new product introduction (NPI) plays in optimising the time to market for new products. Selecting the right NPI partner ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion. Innovative companies depend on UWC’s team and specialised NPI capabilities to accelerate time to market while delivering the highest-quality products to their customers.
UWC’s core competencies encompass design engineering, prototyping, supply chain management, electromechanical assembly, sub-module assembly, complete turnkey assembly, test engineering services, and contract manufacturing expertise. With extensive experience in design, rapid prototyping, product verification, volume production, and logistics, the group views NPI as an art form. UWC’s commitment to constantly reinventing its approach to NPI drives the group’s success.
Maintaining competitiveness hinges on the group’s internal capacity to adopt cutting-edge technologies. To achieve this, the group collaborates closely with customers and suppliers, enhancing technical know-how and working together on new product introduction (NPI) projects and process improvements that yield innovative solutions at competitive prices. The group takes pride in its innovation capabilities, as demonstrated by the successful implementation of automation initiatives to reduce reliance on human intervention in daily operations.
The group focuses on enhancing production line efficiency by integrating CNC milling machines with robotic arms. This integration not only improves production line efficiency but also delivers superior quality compared to manual methods, undergirding the group’s commitment to excellence in manufacturing.
In the financial year ending 2023, the group intensified efforts to digitalise operations by deploying wireless measuring equipment and replacing manual recording and reporting with an Internet of Things (IoT) data analytical platform. These advancements signify substantial progress towards fully adopting Industry 4.0 principles, reinforcing the group’s status as an effective one-stop solution centre. The group’s technological capabilities remain crucial to its success as it expands and ascends the value chain.
In 2022, Umedic Group Bhd (UMC), a medical company privately owned by Dato’ Ng, was successfully listed on Bursa Malaysia’s Ace Market. In 2024, UMC was transferred to the Main Market with a valuation of RM220 million. Dato’ Ng serves as UMC’s non-executive chairman, guiding the company’s strategic direction.
UMC primarily markets medical devices and manufactures disposable medical consumables for intensive care units. The company distributes essential equipment such as ventilators and ultrasound machines and provides healthcare services through the UMC Care Centre and private ambulances, asserting itself as an indispensable linchpin in the healthcare tapestry.