2015 has flown by much too quickly. As we usher in 2016, we are constantly reminded of the challenging times going forward. The global economic uncertainties and volatility and the slowdown in China have both impacted Malaysia and the South-South economies in which we operate in.

In this edition, we provide members with an account of MASSA’s mission to Timor-Leste. The business mission was led by Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, MASSA’s Executive Committee member. Tan Sri Soong is also the Executive Adviser of ACCCIM and has been a driving force to encourage Malaysian businesses especially SME companies to venture abroad and to look for new markets for their products and services. We applaud and thank Tan Sri Soong for his passion and drive to assist Malaysian SMEs to develop and grow.

Timor-Leste offers many opportunities to do business. Their Government welcomed our delegation with much enthusiasm. We want to take this opportunity to record our thanks and appreciation to H.E. Tajul Aman Mohammad and his team in the Embassy of Malaysia in Dili for their support and assistance which made our mission a success.

Also in this edition, we provide you with an account of the 4^th Showcase Malaysia 2015 that was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This 4^th edition has demonstrated that, through the steadfast efforts of Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) together with MATRADE and MASSA, the business relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh has grown deeper and wider. Going forward this augurs well for bilateral trade and investments between our two countries.

The Government has been intensifying its efforts to focus on SME development – the backbone of our economy. We bring you an article on SME Corp. Malaysia and the range of facilitation services that Malaysian companies can avail themselves to.

MIER’s latest report on 3Q2015 of Malaysia’s economic performance is also included in this edition for your review.

We in the editorial team take this opportunity to thank all our members, associates, sponsors and contributors for assisting us in the publication of our e-newsletter throughout 2015. We look forward to this continued collaborations to bring members and readers more interesting and useful articles that can add value to your respective business endeavours.

We wish all members and readers, “Season’s Greetings” and a happy prosperous & healthy New Year.

Fatimah Sulaiman

Editor