Ultimate Print, Darphane ink partnership to propel Malaysia's printing industry forward

KUALA LUMPUR: In a strategic move set to boost Malaysia’s printing technology sector, Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd and Turkiye's state-owned mint, Darphane, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with the aim to establish Selangor as a leading regional hub for technology and security printing.

At the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof commended the partnership, calling it a testament to Malaysia’s increasing appeal as a high-tech hub in Southeast Asia.

"The partnership between Ultimate Print and Darphane demonstrates Malaysia's potential to become a centre of excellence for advanced printing solutions," he remarked.

Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Azizi Fickry expressed excitement over the collaboration, emphasising the mutual benefits and potential advancements it would bring to the printing sector.

"We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Darphane. This MoU signifies our commitment to advancing the printing industry in Malaysia and establishing Selangor as a regional hub for technology and security printing. Together, we will drive innovation and set new standards in the industry," he said.

Azizi added that Darphane’s decision to enter the Asian market with a Malaysian partner highlighted the region’s growth potential and he emphasised that the partnership would significantly bolster Malaysia’s capabilities in specialised fields like identity card and passport printing through Darphane's advanced technology.

"Darphane has explored the European market extensively, but not Asia. Choosing Malaysia and Ultimate Print as their new strategic partner is an honour," he said.

Meanwhile, Darphane Deputy General Director Mehmet Hekim shared similar enthusiasm, describing the MoU as a milestone in Darphane's international expansion.

“Darphane is excited to collaborate with Ultimate Print Sdn Bhd. This partnership aligns with our vision of expanding our global footprint and contributing to the growth of the printing technology sector.

"We look forward to a fruitful collaboration that will benefit both parties and the industry at large," he said.

One of the partnership’s core objectives was to explore and expand Malaysia's capabilities in security printing, a specialised field that includes producing secure items like banknotes, tax stamps, e-visas and high-security documents.

Drawing on Darphane's centuries-old expertise, the partnership is expected to enable Ultimate Print to offer cutting-edge solutions for both government and private sector clients.

By leveraging Darphane's extensive experience in security document production, Ultimate Print aims to enhance its offerings for high-security services within Malaysia, including printing services for identity cards and passports.

This capability, previously dominated by larger global players, has immense potential to boost Malaysia's standing in the security printing market and meet the evolving demands of both local and international markets.

The collaboration is expected to yield substantial economic benefits by promoting technology transfer, skill development and innovation.

"The services we intend to offer the Malaysian government will be greatly enhanced by Darphane’s expertise in identity and security printing. This partnership will elevate Malaysia's capabilities in this critical field,” Azizi highlighted.

Ultimate Print, a Malaysian printing solutions leader with over 30 years of experience, specialises in book, digital, packaging, newspaper, and Quran printing.

This new partnership will see the company introduce cutting-edge security printing solutions, reinforcing its reputation as an industry leader in the region.

Established in 1467 during the Ottoman Empire, Darphane operates under Turkey’s Ministry of Treasury and Finance, based in Istanbul.

The institution produces coins, banknotes, official seals, medals and revenue stamps, positioning it as a global authority in high-security printing.

Through this partnership, Malaysia’s printing sector is set to achieve new milestones, strengthening its position as a major player in the region’s high-security printing industry.