Showcase Malaysia 2013

  At Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel,

Dhaka, Bangladesh from 23 to 25 May 2013

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Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI) successfully organized Showcase Malaysia 2013 for the 3rd time in Dhaka from 23  to 25 May, 2013 at the Ballroom, Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Show was inaugurated by Mr. Dilip Barua, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Industries, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. H.E. Norlin Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh & Patron, BMCCI attended as Special Guest. Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Executive Adviser of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and also Executive Committee member of MASSA and Dr. Mary Wong Lai Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) were present as the Guests of Honour. Besides, foreign diplomats, high government officials, business leaders and members of BMCCI attended the inaugural function. The inaugural function was widely covered by both print and electronic media.

47 Stalls comprising 34 Companies/Organizations including Malaysian High Commission, MASSA, MATRADE, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia Healthcare Trade Council (MHTC) participated in the 3-day event with Malaysian products and services. Moreover, 4 Seminars and more than 475 one-to-one business meetings took place. The Show attracted huge audience both trade visitors and general public. About 10,000 visitors visited the 3 day show.

 

 

About 77 Malaysian businessmen including the exhibitors representing products & services sector, which includes Telecommunication, Banking, Tourism, Healthcare Services & Healthcare Tourism, Information Technology, Education, Training & ICT, Insurance & Takaful Software Solutions, Engineering Services, MG Oil/Fireguard, Food & Beverages, PP Compression Fittings, Property, High Density Fiberboard/Door Facing, Soil Stabilizer and Soil Sample, Cleaning Items, Fragrance Concentrate Liquid, Detergents and Industrial Cleaning Chemicals, Cleaning Equipment, Solar System, Herbal based and Health Food Products, Plastic Cistern & Fitting, Wet Tissue Products, Cosmetics & Chemicals, Real Estate & Housing participated in the trade show.

Under the leadership of Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Executive Adviser of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) and also Executive Committee of MASSA,  a 17-member Trade and Investment delegation visited Bangladesh from 21 to 24 May, 2013.  During their visit, they made courtesy calls on Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FBCCI) followed by One to One Business meetings. Other 19 member Business Delegation under the leadership of Dr. Mary Wong Lai Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) also participated in the Showcase Malaysia 2013.

 

 

 

BMCCI had also arranged the following seminars alongside the Showcase event:-

– Innovative SME Start with A Positive Attitude

– Inauguration of Bangladesh Malaysia Healthcare

– MM2H and Eco Tourism of Malaysia and

– Enhancing Investment Climate

On the Second day of the event, a Cultural show followed by Grand Gala Dinner was organized where in Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, M.P. attended as the Chief Guest. H.E. Norlin Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh and Patron of BMCCI and Mr. Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, President of FBCCI also attended as  Special Guests. On behalf of MATRADE, Mr. Shah Nizam Ahmed, Consul (Trade), MATRADE, Chennai was also present on the occasion. Two Cultural teams (one from Tourism Malaysia) performed their dances and songs on the cultural aspects of their respective countries during the show. The Malaysian Businessmen and guests enjoyed the Cultural show and dinner.

Showcase Malaysia 2013 was a success.  The event strengthened the relationship between the following:-

• Organiser – Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BMCCI)

• Sponsor organisations

– ROBI Axiata Limited

– Dana Engineering International Ltd.

– Pubali Bank Limited

– Green Delta Insurance Company Ltd.

– The City Bank Limited

• Supporting organisations

–  High Commission of Malaysia in Bangladesh

– Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

– Tourism Malaysia

– Malaysia Airlines

– Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

– Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA)

• The Government of Bangladesh and The Government of Malaysia

MASSA wish to record its appreciation to BMCCI, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, H.E. Norlin Othman and members of the High Commission in Dhaka, MITI and MATRADE for the support extended to MASSA and the participating Malaysian companies at “Showcase Malaysia 2013”.

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 Malaysia-Vietnam Business Forum

at Hotel Royal, Kuala Lumpur on 7 June 2013

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Her Excellency Madame Nguyen Thi Doan, Vice State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam led a 35 business delegation from Vietnam attended the 2013 Global Summit of Women held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 8 June 2013.

The delegation members comprised from sectors covering leather, food, confectionery, beverages, beauty products, tourism, garments, footwear and constructions materials.

In conjunction with the visit, the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and industry (VCCI) and the Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Malaysia organised a “Malaysia-Vietnam Business Forum on 7 June 2013 at the Royal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Her Excellency Madame Nguyen Thi Doan delivered a Keynote Address at the business forum.  H.E. Mr Nguyen Hong Thao, Ambassador of Vietnam to Malaysia also delivered a Speech at this event.

YB Datuk Ir. Hj. Hamim Samuri, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) Malaysia  presented a paper on the “Economic Environment, Investment and Trade Development Opportunities in Malaysia” to the participants.

Mr Vu Tien Loc, Chairman and President of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce And Industry (VCCI) also delivered a Speech and Presentation on the “Opportunities and Potential of Economic and Trade Cooperation between Vietnam & Malaysia” at this forum.

 

MASSA was represented by Tan Sri Dato’ Michael Chen Wing Sum, Vice-President of MASSA and Ms Florence Khoo of MASSA Secretariat at this event.

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Visit by MATRADE Officials to MASSA

on 11 June 2013

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(i)    MATRADE Officials namely Puan Wan Norma Wan Daud, Director, Cross Border Division and Ms Amilatun Fazlina Zakaria, Manager visited MASSA office on 11 June 2013.  The following were the gist of the discussion:-

        (a)    To familiarise each other (MATRADE & MASSA) of its activities and programmes for members and the business sector.

        (b)    To inform MASSA that the Cross Border Division in MATRADE will be the focal point on matters relating  to cross border investment or reverse investment and led by its director, Puan Wan Norma Wan Daud,

         (c)    This Cross Border Division aims to:-

          (i)    Collate and disseminate information pertaining to the investment regime of countries that have the potential for Malaysia investments.

          (ii)    Collate and build data/information of Malaysian companies who are currently investing overseas.

          (iii) Collate and build data/information on Malaysian diaspora.

          (iv)  Provide information as above, to the Malaysian investing community to assist them in the process of evaluating the potential to invest abroad in their chosen field.

(ii)  MASSA was grateful for the MATRADE visit.  Together, MASSA and MATRADE will share its networks and contacts and will cooperate to organise events and programmes for the benefit of members and Malaysian businesses.

(iii)  MASSA members may access MATRADE’s website @ www.matrade.gov.my for the programmes for this Cross Border Division.

 

  

MATRADE Cross Border Division is located at:-

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)

15th Floor, Menara MATRADE

Jalan Khidmat Usaha Off Jalan Duta

50480 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603-6207 7077 / Fax: +603-6203 7260

Website: www.matrade.gov.my

Contact:

1) Puan Wan Norma Wan Daud

    Director, Cross Border Division

    Email: wnwd@matrade.gov.my

 

2) Ms Amilatun Fazlina Zakaria

    Manager, Cross Border Division

    Email: amilatun@matrade.gov.my

 

 

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22nd Annual General Meeting of MASSA

on 13 June 2013

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MASSA held its 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Restoran Seri Melayu, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur on 13 June 2013, chaired by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA.

The AGM convened promptly at 4:30pm upon obtaining the requisite quorum of members.  The President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim gave a welcoming address to the members present as well as to the Committee members.  Therefore, he proceeded with the business of the AGM according to the Agenda of the meeting proceedings.

         

 

 

 

The meeting unanimously adopted the Annual Report  

and the Audited Accounts of the Association for the

year ended 31 December 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Executive Committee and Office Bearers elected for the term 2013/2015 at the AGM were:-

 

OFFICE BEARERS

President                      :   Tan Sri Azman Hashim

Vice President (i)        :   Tan Sri Datuk Seri Utama Thong Yaw Hong

Vice President (ii)       :   Tan Sri Dato’ Michael Chen Wing Sum

Hon. Secretary             :   Datuk T.Y. Lee

Asst. Hon. Secretary   :   Puan Fatimah Sulaiman

Hon. Treasurer            :   Datuk Lim Fung Chee

 

MASSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

1.  Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng

2.  Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli Kushairi

3.  Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong

4.  Dato’ Teh Kean Ming

5.  Dato’ J Jegathesan

6.  Dato’ Cheah Sam Kip

7.  Datuk Looi Cheok Hun

8.  Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid

 

The President thanked the 2011/2013 Executive Committee and Office Bearers that had served in the last term.  The President also made a special reference and recorded a vote of thanks to Tan Sri Dato’ Krishnan Tan Boon Seng who retired as Executive Committee Member at this AGM.  Tan Sri Dato’ Krishnan Tan Boon Seng has served on the MASSA Executive Committee since the Association’s inception in 1992.

The President further thanked and welcomed the Executive Committee for the new term of 2013/2015 and look forward to working together  to steer the Association forward successfully.

President’s Statement by Tan Sri Azman Hashim

 

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At the conclusion of the AGM, the members enjoyed a sumptuous high tea spread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Interview with the President of MASSA

by Asia Business Channel  on 12 July 2013

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Mr Thomas Leamy and Ms Ulrike Bruening from Asia Business Channel had an interview with the President of MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim on 12 July 2013 for Channel News Asia.

The interview gave MASSA President the opportunity, amongst others to share the  following:-

– A brief introduction and history of Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA)

– MASSA’s roles and effort as a business NGO

– Its achievements todate and the challenges it will face going forward

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Courtesy Call on President of MASSA

by Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile

On 15 July 2013

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H.E. Ganeson Sivagurunathan, Ambassador of Malaysia to Chile made a courtesy call on President of MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim on 15 July 2013.

H.E. Ambassador updated MASSA President on the status of the economy of Chile being now located at the 10th place in the ranking of the fastest growing economies in the world, registering a growth of 3.8% in April 2012 and 4.7% in July 2012.  The IMF Report predicts a 4.9% GDP expansion for Chile in 2013 while the OECD has forecasted Chile’s growth to reach 5.4% in 2014.  Chile prides itself on economic stability and has a market economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade with a reputation for strong financial institutions and solid policy that has hitherto given it a strong sovereign rating in South America.

H.E. Ambassador urged Malaysian companies to look at Chile as a hub to enter the South American markets.  Chile is a member of the Rio Group, an associate member of MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market), a full member of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), a founding member of Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and Pacific Alliance (comprising Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica).

Chile has a highly open economy.  It has signed 23 Free Trade Agreements with 60 countries including Malaysia, which collectively represent more than 86% of the world’s GDP, and hold double taxation agreements with 24 countries.

Total trade in 2012 between Malaysia and Chile amounted to RM1.07 billion.  Exports to Chile in 2012 recorded a growth of 10.9% totalling RM421.29 million with the top five exported products being E & E products, rubber products, timber products, machinery appliances and parts, and chemical products.  Meanwhile, imports from Chile were valued at RM646.7 million for the year 2012.  Products imported were mainly metal, agricultural goods, processed food and chemicals and chemical products.  The bilateral trade balance has however been in Chile’s favour over the years due to the high volume of copper imported for our electronics industry.

MASSA President assured H.E. Ambassador of MASSA’s cooperation with our Embassy in Santiago and to continue its role to build bridges to South-South countries especially with Chile in Latin America.

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Visit by Officials of the Embassy of the

Republic Kazakhstan on 22 July 2013

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Mr Daniyar Sarekenov, Minister Counsellor and Mr Yerzhan Assaubay, First Secretary (Head of the Economy Division) of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Kuala Lumpur visited MASSA on 22 July 2013.  The visit was to establish ties and to be acquainted with each other.

Kazakhstan was one of the top 3  most rapidly growing economies in terms of annualized GDP growth between 2000 and 2010 (8.3%).  The country has successfully implemented a number of key regulatory and structural reforms, preserving political and macroeconomic stability.  Kazakhstan’s vision in supporting diversified economic development, strengthening entrepreneurship and holding open and constructive dialogue with investors has certainly benefited the well-being of the country.

While Kazakhstan’s rich endowment in natural resources has played an important role in its economic development, the country is diversifying away from an overdependence on extractive industries.  By 2016, GDP per capita is expected to reach US$15,000, compared with the current level of US$11,300, and Kazakhstan will be classified as a “high income economy” according to the World Bank’s classification.

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 Networking and Business Seminar with

H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma,

President of the Republic of South Africa

on 26 August 2013

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The South Africa High Commission and the Department of Trade & Industry of the Republic of South Africa in partnership with MITI, MIDA, MATRADE, MASSA and the Malaysia-South Africa Business Council (MSABC) organised a Networking and Business Seminar with the President of the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma together with a high level business delegation on 26 August 2013 at Putrajaya Marriott Hotel & Spa, Putrajaya.

The Networking and Business Seminar provided a platform for the business communities of both countries to interact and to exchange business information.

Minister of International Trade & Industry (MIT) of Malaysia, Hon. YB Dato’ Seri Mustapha Mohamed gave a welcome opening address which was followed by an address by Hon. Dr. Rob Davies, Minister of Trade & Industry of the Republic of South Africa.

H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma gave a Presidential Address at the Seminar.  The Hon. President acknowledged and gave recognition to the 20 years of diplomatic ties that Malaysia and Republic of South Africa have built on.  The Hon. President called on the business communities of Malaysia and Republic of South Africa to revitalise their business exchanges as both Republic of South Africa and Malaysia are gateways to Asean and the greater African continent.  The African continent is on the move and Republic of South Africa is keen to consider Malaysia as a strategic partner for mutual economic development.  The President encouraged the business communities of both countries to engage in constructive economic exchanges especially in areas of poverty alleviation, healthcare, crime and corruption and jobs creation.

Networking Session between Malaysian and South African businessman at the Seminar

 

More than 200 Malaysian business people attended the Seminar and had the opportunity to meet the Republic South Africa business delegates at a cocktail session in the evening.

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Forthcoming Events

1) INTRADE Malaysia 2013 will be held at Menara MATRADE, Kuala Lumpur from 26 to 28 November 2013.