EcoNoon launches newly patented LED

EcoNoon Sdn. Bhd. unveiled its best kept secret at a worldwide launch held at the Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Penang yesterday – a newly patented LED light module together with two other light products. The Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng was present to witness the signing of the licensing agreement between the manufacturer, Econoon Sdn. Bhd. and Loh Ban Poh, the inventor.

The directors of EcoNoon presented the Chief Minister a rechargeable light bulb that consumes only 4 watts but functions like a 40 watts bulb.

“This launching will (also) help to promote Penang and Malaysia as a leading LED hub,” said Lim in his congratulatory speech, adding that the state government is willing to assist new small and medium enterprises (SME) by providing subsidized rentals for a period of up to two years.

The globe- bulb (GL series)  and spotlight and floodlight (SL series) provide bulbs from between 4 and 12 watts. During the demonstration, Lim was overheard commenting that EcoNoon bulbs were less glaring than the other bulbs that were on display.

At present, EcoNoon has an assembly plant located in China, and another plant of about 2500 square feet at Permatang Pauh in Penang. The paid-up capital is 2 million, and the company is forecasting a revenue of RM40 to RM50 million in sales for the first year. The China plant has a production capacity of 100,000 bulbs per month.

Nawi bin Alias, chairman of EcoNoon says that the company is looking for a further investment of RM30 million. Its first order is from Japan and the first shipment will be ready in four months time.

Directors of EcoNoon claim that they are “selling sunlight” and that the lighting industry is a USD100 billion industry.

Marketing Director, Ooi Seoh Lin explains that since noon is the brightest time of the day, they have adopted it as the name for their company.

“Our patent doesn’t need to use the printed circuit board (PCB) and has very good heat dissipation,” he added.

Among the advantages of LED or ‘light emitting diodes’ are effective cost-savings, energy savings, environmentally friendly with small footprint, non-toxic and no maintenance required.

“We are concentrating on commercial use first like manufacturing stadium lights and street lights,” said Charlie See, the Operations Director, adding that the bulbs are able to help save energy of up to 70%.

EcoNoon is one of the few Malaysian companies that manufacture LED, and will be competing against major household names like Lumileds-Phillips, Osram, Avago, Cree and Nichia. Lumileds-Phillips, Osram and Avago have operations in Penang. Four Penang-based companies and another in Malacca provide support services to these multinational companies.

According to a report in The Star Paper in 2009, technology and capital barriers were the main reason that hindered local participation in an otherwise lucrative and potential industry.