Globetronics to invest RM85mil in new smart sensors
Globetronics Technology Bhd will invest a record RM85mil this year to mass-produce two new smart sensors, the group chief executive said on Wednesday.
Source: Globetronics Technology Berhad · August 2, 2026 at 10:56 PM · AI-assisted report
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SINGAPORE, 3 AUGUST 2026 —
Globetronics Technology Bhd will invest a record RM85mil this year to mass-produce two new smart sensors, the group chief executive said on Wednesday.
Group chief executive officer Datuk Huck Lee Heng told StarBiz the RM85mil allocation would cover the balance of the year after RM65mil had already been spent since January. The funds will be used for sensors destined for smart healthcare wearables and automotive lighting.
“Prototypes are due in the third quarter of 2017, with mass production starting between November and December,” Heng said. The new devices are expected to improve display quality and security in smart devices and help the company post double-digit growth in its 2017 financial performance.
Heng said the group had hired 200 engineers, managers and technicians to support the expansion, bringing total staff to more than 3,000. All funds are being drawn from internal cash reserves, he added.
The group’s 2017 capital expenditure will be funded entirely from internal sources. Heng said the company remains committed to distributing 70% to 80% of its 2017 net profit as dividends. He also said Globetronics would hold its gearing ratio close to zero by year-end.
Globetronics paid a 23 sen dividend per share for the 2016 financial year. Heng said customer forecasts indicate 2018 could be even stronger.
Analysts see clearer earnings visibility after the company secured new sensor orders. AllianceDBS Research noted that Globetronics’ earnings recovery is supported by its new sensor lineup and by the acquisition of Heptagon, a Singapore-based sensor customer, by AMS AG. AMS AG has indicated Heptagon’s revenue will rise from mid-2017, the report said.
Globetronics’ push into smart sensors coincides with a rebound in global semiconductor demand. Gartner forecasts worldwide semiconductor revenue will grow 7.2% to US$364.1 billion in 2017, reversing a 1.5% contraction in 2016. Gartner research vice-president Ganesh Ramamoorthy said the recovery began in the second half of 2016 and is expected to continue through 2017, driven by inventory restocking and higher average selling prices in memory and application-specific products.
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