KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Cape EMS Berhad (“Cape EMS” or “the Group”) has unveiled its strategic transformation roadmap, dubbed “CEB 2.0,” aimed at repositioning the Group from a traditional electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider into a high-value technology and infrastructure partner.

The strategic pivot is designed to build long-term earnings resilience and restore market confidence by moving beyond conventional “box-build” assembly into engineering-led, infrastructure-linked, and solution-based offerings.

Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Christina Tee Kim Chin, stated that the shift represents a fundamental upgrade in the Group’s business model.

“Cape 1.0 was about scale. CEB 2.0 is about value,” she said. “We are transitioning from hardware-centric manufacturing towards engineering integration, intelligent manufacturing networks, and clean-energy infrastructure.”

Four Strategic Pillars The transformation is anchored on four key business pillars: EMS, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Wireless IoT, and Intelligent Manufacturing Network (IMN).

Central to this strategy is the IMN, driven by the Group’s US-based subsidiary iConn Inc. The division operates a ‘virtual plant’ model that facilitates distributed, AI-optimised production across multiple geographies. This approach allows Cape EMS to mitigate tariff exposure, adapt to geopolitical shifts, and support multinational customers pursuing “China+1” supply-chain diversification strategies.

Capitalising on Johor’s Data Centre Boom Concurrently, the Group is expanding into the BESS and renewable energy infrastructure space through its subsidiary, Cape Renewables, in partnership with Shanghai Sermatec Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

The initiative involves the localisation of BESS assembly and lifecycle support in Johor, aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This positions Cape EMS to serve the rising demand from data centres and industrial operators seeking energy reliability.

Tee noted that Johor’s emergence as the nation’s primary data centre hub, coupled with the momentum of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), provides significant strategic tailwinds.

“Cape EMS is positioning itself as a critical infrastructure partner supporting energy resilience, smart mobility, and digital infrastructure operations within this high-growth corridor,” she added.

To support this ecosystem, the Group has entered into a strategic collaboration with Engytech Engineering Services to build digital infrastructure operation and maintenance capabilities. Plans are also underway to establish a Data Centre Academy in Johor to address talent shortages in mission-critical facilities, supporting the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 goals.

Focus on Quality Growth From a capital markets perspective, the Board has outlined a priority over the next 12 to 24 months to demonstrate consistent profitability and disciplined execution. The Group views its return to profitability in the first quarter of FY2026 as a baseline for sustainable performance.

“We are focused on sustainable margin improvement, prudent capital deployment, and transparent engagement with investors. We are not chasing growth for growth’s sake — we are pursuing quality growth,” Tee emphasised.

By operating at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, Cape EMS aims to build a more resilient, infrastructure-linked earnings profile moving forward.

Atlanta — Following the Supreme Court's invalidation of IEEPA-based tariffs and implementation of new Section 122 global tariffs of 10-15%, the Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) is urging policy makers to prioritize stability and transparency in trade regulations to support the complex electronics supply chain.

"The electronics supply chain operates on relatively thin margins and requires predictable business conditions to function effectively," said David Loftus, President & CEO of ECIA. "While we adapt to new tariff structures, the constant volatility creates substantial operational and financial strain throughout our industry. Our manufacturers and authorized distribution channel need stability to serve customers reliably and maintain the working capital necessary for a healthy supply chain."

The rapid succession of tariff changes has created significant challenges for our manufacturers, and especially for their electronics distributors who serve as the critical link between global manufacturers and thousands of domestic customers.

Key pressure points include:

• Pricing uncertainty that prevents accurate long-term customer quoting and extends sales cycles
• Working capital trapped in duty drawback claims that can take months or years to process
• Inventory valuation volatility from sudden tariff shifts affecting millions in on-hand stock
• Documentation complexity requiring extensive tracking across thousands of components from multiple origin countries

"Our industry thrives on innovation and speed to market," Loftus continued. "Regulatory instability undermines both. We need consistent tariff classifications, transparent landed cost information from importers of record, and streamlined duty recovery processes to maintain supply chain reliability."

ECIA represents the full spectrum of companies in the electronics components supply chain.

Learn more about tariffs.

CYPRESS, CALIFORNIA – February 2026 – Hanwha Semitech Americas announced the appointment of Marin Coronado Mendoza as General Manager of Hanwha Semitech Mexico, where he will lead the company’s operations, sales, and customer support across the region.

Based in Guadalajara, Marin Coronado brings more than 25 years of experience in electronics manufacturing, surface mount technology (SMT), and capital equipment leadership in Mexico and the United States. In his new role, he will focus on strengthening Hanwha Semitech’s presence in Mexico, supporting manufacturers with local expertise, and expanding regional service and sales capabilities.

Prior to joining Hanwha Semitech, Marin Coronado served as Mexico North Territory Sales Manager at ASMPT USA SMT, where he managed sales operations across Northern Mexico, supporting more than 80 customer accounts. During his tenure, he drove multimillion-dollar capital equipment sales, led cross-border logistics and technical support efforts, and worked closely with customers on equipment evaluations, demonstrations, and long-term production strategies.

Earlier in his career, he spent over 12 years as General Manager for ASM Assembly Systems Mexico, overseeing national operations, engineering, sales, service, and full P&L responsibility. Under his leadership, ASM expanded its market presence in Mexico and strengthened customer relationships across high-volume and high-reliability manufacturing sectors. His background also includes engineering manager and leadership roles at Sanmina and Siemens Siplace, where he began his career as a field service engineer and technical support.

Marin Coronado holds a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Universidad de Guadalajara.

“Mexico continues to be a critical manufacturing hub for electronics and advanced assembly,” said Marin Coronado, General Manager of Hanwha Semitech Mexico. “I’m excited to work closely with our customers and partners to support their production goals with the speed, service, and technical depth they expect from Hanwha.”
Hanwha Semitech Americas provides advanced SMT placement systems, automation solutions, and smart factory technologies to electronics manufacturers worldwide, supporting applications across automotive, industrial, medical, aerospace, and high-reliability markets.

For more information about Hanwha Semitech, visit www.hanwhasemitech.com/en/

About Hanwha Semitech Americas:

Hanwha Semitech Americas is a leading global provider of precision manufacturing and technology solutions. Renowned for its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, Hanwha Techwin is committed to driving advancements in the electronic manufacturing industry, supporting manufacturers worldwide in their pursuit of global competitiveness.

TEMPE, AZ – Benchmark Electronics, Inc. has entered into an employment agreement with David Moezidis, who will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 31, 2026, according to a recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Moezidis, 54, will also serve on the company’s board of directors during his tenure as CEO.

The agreement, dated February 19, sets Moezidis’s annual base salary at $900,000. He will be eligible for an annual target cash bonus equal to 115% of his base salary, with a maximum bonus opportunity of 200%.

In February 2026, Moezidis will receive equity awards valued at $2.5 million, divided evenly between time-based restricted stock units and performance stock units. Upon taking office as CEO, he will receive an additional $1.5 million in equity awards, also split evenly between time-based and performance-based units. The time-based awards will vest in three equal annual installments, subject to continued employment, while performance stock units will vest over three years based on the same performance criteria applied to other executive officers in 2026.

Under the terms of the agreement, if Moezidis’s employment is terminated without cause or he resigns for good reason, he will receive a lump-sum payment equal to two times the combined value of his base salary and target bonus, along with a pro-rated annual bonus and pro-rated vesting of equity awards. If such termination occurs within 24 months following a change in control, severance increases to three times the total cash amount, and all outstanding equity awards will vest at target levels.

The agreement also provides for accelerated vesting of awards in the event of death and includes two-year non-compete and non-solicitation provisions following termination.