Greetings from MASSA!

In this August edition of our newsletter, we present readers with a country feature on the Republic of Mauritius. We want to thank the Mauritius High Commission and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius for the Message from the Chairman of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius, and two articles titled, “Mauritius A Thriving Economic Powerhouse” and “Mauritius Your Preferred Business Destination” which shares with readers the latest facts and business, trade and investment opportunities in Mauritius. We look forward to more business engagements between our members in Malaysia and partners in the South-South region with Mauritius.

In this issue of the Newsletter, we report on two Malaysia – China Investment Forums organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, namely, the Malaysia – China (Guangxi) Investment Forum 2022 on 26 April 2022 and the Malaysia – China (Chongqing) Investment Forum 2022 on 12 August 2022. Members may contact MATRADE Officers based in Chengdu City (with coverage of Chongqing, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Tibet, Yunnan & Xinjiang) and Guangdong Province (with coverage of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hunan & Jiangxi).

On 22 June 2022, MASSA held its 31^st Annual General Meeting (AGM) in a hybrid format, and the 2021 – 2022 Annual Report is enclosed with the report on the AGM. As the country moves into the endemic phase of the COVID pandemic, MASSA will endeavour to resume its Face-to-Face activities and to renew its acquaintances with the offices of the High Commissions and Embassies of the developing countries based in Malaysia. MASSA connected with the Bangladesh – Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) and the Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (EXIM Bank) on 9 June 2022 and 9 August 2022 respectively, to discuss areas for collaboration in light of the re-opening of borders and the gradual resumption of business activities and engagements in-person.

To that end, several events to keep an eye out for are in the works, in particular, we wish to highlight the upcoming iNNOVATE Tech Show 2022 which is supported by MASSA. Do look out from our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my.

We thank members, our article contributors and partners for your support to date and look forward to your participation in MASSA’s coming events.

Thank you.

Ng Su Fun

Editorial MASSA

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA 

The first half of 2022 began with a rocky start, but as the year progressed, the gradual acclimatisation of the world to the new normal of an endemic COVID saw various encouraging developments. Global growth continued to moderate in the second quarter of the year as a result of the slowdown in major economies, with the IMF projecting 2.9% for 2022 and 3.0% in 2023.

Bank Negara Malaysia had reported that the Malaysian economy in 2Q 2022 recorded an accelerated expansion of 8.9% supported by the reopening of borders, recovery of the consumer-related subsectors, labour market improvements, strong expansion in business-related activities supported by the Government’s policy assistance. Malaysia’s integration into the global value chain and the country’s adaptability had played a key role in trade recovery while its well-developed manufacturing ecosystem had managed to gradually transition and diversify from assembly to value-added activities and R&D activities thus maintaining the country’s strong external demand. This was seen across the economy as businesses adapted to the pandemic and adopted varying degrees of digitalisation to continue their operations on online platforms.

While economic growth is gaining momentum and private sector dynamism is clearly back on track, expectations remain cautiously optimistic as the positive macro indicators are tempered by various risks that can potentially derail the global recovery process. High commodity prices, monetary policy tightening, rising geopolitical tensions, growing financial instability, and in particular, the worsening food insecurity resulting from the devastating impact of climate change, had led to a greater strain on the already stretched thin supply chain. These factors, in turn, have triggered an increase in the volatility of global financial market conditions. Malaysia’s core inflation, increased 0.8% from 1.7% as at 1Q 2022. This trend is expected to continue in 2022.

This post-pandemic era presents the ever-growing need for economies and businesses to accelerate their transition towards the green and sustainability agenda, and adopting a circular economy with a greater focus to ‘build back better’. The implementation of the Government Green Procurement policy and the provision of alternative financing such as green sukuk are encouraging developments in this direction.

The Malaysian Government had also introduced various strategies and initiatives, which included the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the National Trade Blueprint 2022 – 2025 to speed up digitalisation, revitalising quality investments and developing a future-ready workforce with the proper skillset to maintain the country’s trade competitiveness and investment attractiveness.

MASSA held its 31st Annual General Meeting on a hybrid basis on 22 June 2022. I would like to thank the Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members who continue to serve the Association till 2023.

I appreciate the continuing support of all Members with your involvement at our regular meetings, events and webinars. I also wish to thank article and feature contributors from across the MASSA network, who have provided valuable and insightful articles for our newsletters and not forgetting the sponsors of our website.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
25 August 2022

MASSA 2021 – 2022 Annual Report

‣ President’s Statement

‣ Editorial

‣ Business Chamber Feature: Malaysian Business Chamber Lao PDR (MBCL)

‣ Regional Comprehensive Partnership Agreement (RCEP)

‣ Diary of Events (December 2021 – April 2022)

‣ 2 December 2021
M/S Shearn Delamore & Co.’s Doing Business in ASEAN Webinar: “Why Doing Business in Malaysia Should Be Your Choice”

‣ 11 January 2022
Meeting with Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam (MBCV) and Malaysian Business Chamber Lao PDR (MBCL)

‣ 17 February 2022
Cambodia – Malaysia Business Forum  2022 titled “Dissemination of the Law on Investment of the Kingdom of Cambodia”

‣ 25 February 2022
MATRADE Briefing Session on Empower Trade Association (ETA) Grant

‣ 6 April 2022
Webinar on Lao PDR titled “Lao – a Multi-Modal Transport Hub for ASEAN under RCEP & the Laos – China Railway”

‣ Forthcoming Events

1) M/S Shearn Delamore & Co.’s Doing Business in ASEAN Webinar: “Why Malaysia Should Be Your Choice” held on 2 December 2021 via Zoom Meeting

Malaysian South-South Association (MASSA) co-organised as webinar with M/S Shearn Delamore & Co. entitled Doing Business in ASEAN Webinar: “Why Malaysia Should Be Your Choice”. The webinar was held on 2 December 2021.

The webinar focused on the attributes of Malaysia as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors who wish to set up a base from which to do business in ASEAN. The webinar highlighted key Corporate, Intellectual Property (IP) and Tax laws for doing business in Malaysia.

The programme for this webinar is as follows:

4.00 – 4.10 pm: Welcome & Introduction to Shearn Delamore & Co.

4.10 – 4.35 pm: Corporate / M&A

4.35 – 4.55 pm: Intellectual Property

4.55 – 5.20 pm: Tax & Revenue

5.20 – 5.30 pm: Wrap-up & Thank You

The panel of speakers were as follows:

The webinar began with welcoming address from Ms Karen Abraham, Partner & Head of Intellectual Property Department, Shearn Delamore & Co. (pic below).

Following the welcome address, Ms Karen Abraham invited her partner, Ms Irene Yong, Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co., Tax & Revenue Department, (pic below) to give an introduction on Shearn Delamore & Co.’s profile and services offered.

Mr Nicholas Tan, Partner, Shearn Delamore & Co., Corporate Department, (pic below) to presented on the case for Malaysia as a well-suited choice for investments from the corporate law perspective.

Mr Nicholas Tan spoke on how foreign companies could build a business presence/entity in Malaysia, through setting up a private company limited by shares (JV or subsidiary) or setting up a branch office in Malaysia.

He also shared on sectorial approval requirements and restrictions, mainly the foreign ownership of business licenses and shareholding. Depending on the business activity or sector, certain business licenses in Malaysia can be 100% foreign-owned.

His presentation also highlighted some of the attributes of Malaysia as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors who wish to set up a base from which to do business in ASEAN, namely:

• Freedom of contract, provided that the matter contracted is not illegal and contravene the public policy.
• The use of English language. Malaysia accepts commercial documents in English and generally have no requirement to translate them into another language.
• English can be used in commercial activities, including correspondences with governmental regulators and agencies.
• Dispute resolution, court, arbitration and mediation. Malaysia has structured a court system and is a signatory of the New York Convention and is home for the Asian International Arbitration Centre.
• E-signature is allowed for most documents in Malaysia, except for certain documents that includes Power of Attorney, Wills, Trusts etc.

Following on, the remarks of the leadership of CDC and MBCC:

H.E Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, Secretary General of CDC, delivering his keynote remarks.

This LOI is a new law to promote investments into Cambodia with open, transparent and attractive investment incentives to all encouraged sectors namely High-Tech industries, innovative industries with high added value, industries support production chains and agricultural, electrical, digital industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) etc and many more priority sectors, providing inclusive policies and incentives to all large enterprises or SMEs that invests into Cambodia.

This Law aims to establish an open, transparent, predictable and favourable legal framework to attract and promote quality, effective and efficient investments by Cambodian nationals or foreigners for socio-economic development in the Kingdom of Cambodia by:

1. Increasing Cambodia’s competitiveness so its economic structure may diversify and become resilient to regional and global crises;

2. Modernizing and increasing the productivity of local industries and strengthening connectivity with regional and global supply chains by promoting increased capital inflows, and the transfer of technology, knowledge and know-how;

3. Establishing an investment incentive regime that is transparent, predictable, non-discriminatory and competitive that supports socio-economic policies; and

4. Providing protection to investors’ rights and legitimate interests in the Kingdom of Cambodia through the establishment of a comprehensive and equitable legal framework in line with national interests.

This Law applies to all Qualified Investment Projects, Expanded Qualified Investment Projects and Guaranteed Investment Projects registered with the Council for the Development of Cambodia or Municipal-Provincial Investment Sub-Committees.

The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) shall be established as an executive body acting as the “Etat-Major” and One-Stop Service of the Royal Government of Cambodia responsible for overseeing and managing development cooperation, private investment, and special economic zones.

The key highlights:

• Companies in the green sector will be eligible to get the incentives first. Companies that invest their research, development and innovations with environmental protection/conservation in mind is also eligible to get the additional incentives such as the 150% deduction of tax base. This in line with the ESG goals.

• H.E Mr Sok Chenda Sophea assured that the economic land concessions (ELC) will not be reduced further than the current 50 years tenure.

• The three years tax holiday will not be triggered on the first day investors registered at the CDC, but it will be triggered on the first day the company generate their income.

• It is emphasized that (current and future) investors to contact CDC directly regarding the laws and regulations for maximum benefits and protections, which is available 24/7 and will respond within 48 hours, at the following:

Hotline: +855 23 427 597 / +855 23 428 954
Email: info@cambodiainvestment.gov.kh
Website: http://www.cambodiainvestment.gov.kh

YM Raja Badrulnizam Raja Kamalzaman, Director, ASEAN & Oceania Section, MATRADE who delivered the opening remarks.

Ms Nyaee Ayop, Senior Manager, ASEAN & Oceania Section, MATRADE presenting her briefing.

Key features of this Grant include: –

• • Support for Trade Associations and Business Chambers to drive and intensify export promotion activities (such as international trade fairs & trade missions) undertaken from 14 March 2022 to 31 December 2022 (subject to change).
  

• • If approved, assistance is provided in the form of (matching) grants up to 70% of the total cost or a maximum of RM500,000 (whichever is lower).

• • The Grant targets:
  • – High Value products such as: chemicals & chemical products, building and construction materials, automotive, medical devices, oil & gas etc.
  • – High Tech products such as: electrical & electronics, ICT and aerospace
  • – Promoting sustainable-related products & services and those adopting a sustainability agenda
    

• • The expected KPI of the Grant is not less than RM400 per RM1 spent.

For further details you may contact: The Secretariat, Empower Trade Associations (ETA) Grant, Level 11, East Wing, Menara MATRADE, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur.

Group photos of the participants:

5) Webinar on Lao PDR: “Laos – Multi-Modal Transport Hub for ASEAN under RCEP & the Laos – China Railway” held on 6 April 2022

The Webinar on Lao PDR: “Laos – Multi-Modal Transport Hub for ASEAN under RCEP & the Laos – China Railway” held on 6 April 2022 was jointly organised by Malaysian South-South Association (MASSA) with Malaysian Business Chamber Lao PDR (MBCL), the Embassy of Malaysia in Lao PDR and the Expertise Resource Association (ERA).

The Laos – China High Speed Railway is a timely logistical infrastructure that will bring improved connectivity and new trade linkages to the ASEAN trade bloc and the wider Asia-Pacific region, which is timely as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – the world’s largest free trade agreement is set to be ratified for most of its 15 members in 2022. All ASEAN countries are signatory to the RCEP.

This webinar was aimed at introducing the Laos – China Railway, the arising incentives from Lao PDR and the resultant business opportunities of the logistical infrastructure.

This webinar garnered 120 participants from Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and other countries, comprising of mostly business owners and practitioners in the logistics and transportation industry.

Introduction and Brief History

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is regarded as the world’s largest free-trade-agreement (FTA) thus far, with 15 member countries consisting of 10 ASEAN Member States and 5 non-ASEAN states. RCEP, which entered into force on 1 January 2022, will potentially assist the Region’s post-pandemic recovery through trade liberalisation, digital economy, liberalisation of investments and creation of a common Rules of Origin (criteria needed to determine the national source of a product) to encourage regional and global trade, investments flow as well as services trend among its member signatories.

The negotiations on RCEP were first launched at the 21st ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2012, with the objective to establish a modern, comprehensive, high-quality and mutually beneficial economic partnership that will facilitate the expansion of regional trade and investment, contribute to global economic growth and development as well as to encourage market and employment opportunities for businesses and people in the region.

Source: Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Scope of RCEP:

1. 1. Tariff elimination for trade in goods, including the related chapters of rules or origin, customs procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, standards, technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures and trade remedies; 
2. 2. Liberalisation of services sectors, including financial services, telecommunications services and movement of natural persons; 
3. 3. Promotion, facilitation, protection and liberalisation of investment; 
4. 4. Competition policy (countries are allowed to implement national laws related to state-owned enterprises), intellectual property rights, electronic commerce and government procurement (no market access, only for information exchange and promotion of transparency measures), 
5. 5. Economic and technical cooperation and SMEs; and 
6. 6. Legal and institutional issues. 
   

(Extracted from MITI’s official website at https://fta.miti.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/rcep)

Benefits to Malaysia

The RCEP streamlines existing ASEAN+1 FTAs that involves Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. It provides transparent, specific, rules-based multilateral framework for trade and investment. thereby enabling greater participation of businesses, especially small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) through opportunities for expansion and diversification in the greater trade ecosystem.

The RCEP Agreement officially came into force for Malaysia on 18 March 2022. According to Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)’s official press release, the establishment of RCEP positions the Asia-Pacific region as the new centre of gravity for global commerce, with total trade expected to increase nearly US$42 billion. Malaysia is expected to be the largest beneficiary in terms of gains in exports, projected up to US$200 million increase. Among the benefits that Malaysian businesses will be able to gain include:

1. 1. Increased commercial opportunities and partnerships with other signatory countries. 
2. 2. Opportunities for domestic and foreign companies to locate in Malaysia as an ASEAN production base for economic and global value chain activities in the region. 
3. 3. Malaysian manufacturers and suppliers will be able to source quality raw materials that can be competitively priced as well as getting a wider scope for accumulation under the calculation on Rules of Origin. 
4. 4. Increase of trades and services arising from digitalization and e-commerce further enhancing cooperation for service industries such as telecommunications, consultancy, banking and finance. 

Opportunities to Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro-Enterprises

The small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises in Malaysia, will have greater opportunities for participating and contributing to economic growth, employment and innovation of the country as the free trade agreement offers:

1. 1.Large market access to a third of world’s population with nearly 30% of world’s gross domestic product 
2. 2. Lower barriers of entry for Malaysian goods and services 
3. 3. Streamlined rules of origins that encourage investments flow from more developed countries 
4. 4. Integration of supply chain that opens up opportunities for SMEs to attract foreign investors 
5. 5. Harmonisation of international standards and technical regulations including intellectual property rights / protection 
6. 6. Technology transfer / exchange with developed countries 
7. 7. Transparency, information sharing, trade facilitation, economic cooperation and standardisations of international rules relating to e-commerce 

Malaysian businesses are encouraged to respond to the opportunities and exercise due diligence that comes with the enforcement of RCEP, keep updated with the Government’s policies on technology in line with IR4.0 and digitalization as well as adapting to a greener economy to achieve ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Businesses are encouraged to take full advantage of the regional marketing networks, existing and new, to access into the regional and global value chains, and to continue to leverage digitalisation and its arising solutions and technologies alongside a continuous development of human resources and upskilling to maintain competitiveness. Malaysian businesses are encouraged to visit Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)’s official website at https://fta.miti.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/rcep to learn more on the RCEP.

References / Further Readings

• • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement Enters into Force for Malaysia Today – 18 March 2022. Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)’s press release, https://www.miti.gov.my/miti/resources/Media%20Release/Media_Release(FINAL)_-RCEP_ENTERS_INTO_FORCE_FOR_MALAYSIA_TODAY.pdf 
• • Three Areas Where RCEP May Help the Region’s Post-Pandemic Recovery by Cyn-Young Park, Sanchita Basu-Das & Pramila Crivelli – 22 November 2021. Asian Development Blog, https://blogs.adb.org/blog/three-areas-where-rcep-may-help-region-s-post-pandemic-recovery 
• • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership: Implications, Challenges and Future Growth of East Asia and ASEAN – 14 March 2022. Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia – ERIA, https://www.eria.org/publications/regional-comprehensive-economic-partnership-implications-challenges-and-future-growth-of-east-asia-and-asean 
• • RCEP and Intra-ASEAN Trade by Shankaran Nambiar – 23 January 2021. Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), https://www.mier.org.my/_files/ugd/c2a1aa_2e074e77cc354f998d0f44e343db0bba.pdf 
• • Insight – Ride the RCEP train or be left behind, SMEs told by Yap Leng Kuen – 14 March 2022. SME Corporation Malaysia, http://www.smecorp.gov.my/index.php/en/resources/2015-12-21-10-55-22/news/4586-insight-ride-the-rcep-train-or-be-left-behind-smes-told 
• • RCEP – The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) website by ASEAN Secretariat, https://rcepsec.org/ 
• • ACCIM Press Statement on the Ratification of Malaysia in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – 18 March 2022. The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), https://www.acccim.org.my/en/rcep-ractification/ 

Click the link below to be able to watch the shared URL in the presentation –

https://www.canva.com/design/DAE3jdFOM2c/JFsmoqmi_jAOy026BLp2dw/view?utm_content=DAE3jdFOM2c&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink

MASSA extends its appreciation to Mr Tee Chee Seng, President of the Malaysian Business Chamber of Lao PDR (MBCL) and MBCL for this feature.

Greetings from MASSA!

The first quarter of 2022 had been eventful.

For this April newsletter, we bring you a feature article on Lao PDR. This land-locked country is now a land-linked country and offers many opportunities for cross-border business. We thank Malaysian Business Chamber Lao PDR (MBCL) for providing this feature and for highlighting the potential of doing business in Laos. MASSA co-organized a webinar on “Laos – Multi-Modal Transport Hub for ASEAN under RCEP & the Laos – China Railway” on 6 April 2022. This railway commenced operations in December 2021 connecting ASEAN to the land-linked region, China, its hinterland and Europe.

On 18 March 2022, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) came into force in Malaysia. We have a report on RCEP providing members useful links for your referral.
M/S Shearn Delamore & Co. partnered with MASSA and hosted a webinar on 2 December 2021 titled “Why Doing Business in Malaysia Should Be Your Choice”. Malaysia is strategically located and has the potential to be a regional hub for an ASEAN outreach.

MASSA’s associate in Cambodia, the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) invited MASSA members to a webinar on 17 February 2022 detailing the new Law on Investment (LOI) of the Kingdom of Cambodia effective from 1 January 2022. Cambodia is an emerging ASEAN member nation (being the current chair of ASEAN) and this new law on investment reflects the Government’s progressive, forward-looking, pro-business stance.

We thank members, our article contributors and partners for your support to date and look forward to your participation in MASSA’s coming events. Do look out from our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my.

As Malaysia moves into the endemic COVID-19 phase with the opening of international borders, we wish you good health.

To those celebrating the upcoming festivities, Selamat Hari Raya 2022.

Thank you.

Ng Su Fun

Editorial MASSA

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA 

2022 began when most countries progressively transitioned towards endemic management of COVID-19. The global economy anticipates to continue its recovery path, albeit having to adjust and respond towards evolving uncertainties exacerbated by the global supply chain issues, and now, further compounded by geopolitical instability.

Economic recovery for Malaysia is expected to gain momentum in 2022, with the reopening of its economy and international borders. Malaysia will be a beneficiary of the expanding global demand and thus its economy is expected to grow between 5.3% and 6.3% for 2022. This growth is expected to be further supported by a recovery in the labour market, external demand and improvement in household spending.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement came into force for Malaysia on 18 March 2022. As an official member of the largest free-trade-agreement in the world, and being in the center of ASEAN, enables Malaysia to access a larger market (a third of the world’s population) combined with the lowered barrier of entry via tariff reduction on more than 90% of goods in trade and mutually recognising international standards, technical regulations and intellectual property rights. I encourage MASSA members and our business community, especially the SMEs, to fully utilise and position your businesses to reap the gains of this FTA, by making full use of digitalisation, harnessing the power of e-commerce, innovation and joint ventures with countries such as China and Japan.

The China-Laos Railway began its operations in December 2021. Aside from boosting tourism, this timely logistical infrastructure will enhance cross-border commerce with reduced costs and transit time. This will bode well to encourage greater trade linkages between ASEAN countries and the wider Asia-Pacific Region with China, its hinterland and Europe.

MASSA will continue its role in supporting our Government and be a platform to highlight the opportunities for businesses, especially with the developing countries. MASSA will continue its engagement and collaborative efforts with Government agencies, fellow business associations, both old and new, and keep MASSA members and stakeholders updated with the latest trends, changes or relevant events. I do encourage members to attend these events and evaluate the opportunities arising therefrom.

I would like to express my appreciation to all members for your continuous support and cooperation, especially my fellow Executive Committee members with your attendance and participation at our regular meetings as well as your generous contributions. I also wish to thank all our supporters who have contributed valuable and insightful articles.

I wish everyone good health and success this year.
Selamat Hari Raya 2022!

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
22 April 2022 

Greetings from MASSA!

2021 had been a most eventful year.

The COVID pandemic grounded mobility on land, sea and air, shuttered businesses, disrupted supply chains that became a global issue, not forgetting lives and livelihood that were lost or destroyed. This had impacted all layers of society and businesses in a profound way.

The containment measures led to a shift towards digitalisation in all aspects of living and doing business. MASSA was not exempted from this shift. It reached out to likeminded organisations and organised webinars on latest innovations in topics such as cybersecurity, drones, robotics and AI. In this edition’s Diary of Events we have reported on four webinars that were organised. These include: (1) “How Safe Are You Online?” on 18 August 2021, (2) “Cyber-Attack Prevention for Consumers and Enterprises” on 4 October 2021, (3) “Opportunities in the Drone Industry” on 13 October 2021 and (4) “How AI & Robotics Impacts Your Life” on 25 November 2021. More than 400 members and the business community joined us for these events.

With the easing of lockdown restrictions in 2H2021, MASSA had the opportunity to engage with members of the Embassy of Chile in Malaysia, InvestPerak and the Investment Office of the Presidency of Turkey.

In this December edition of the 2021 Newsletter, we want to thank H.E. Don Diego Velasco-von Pilgrimm, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Chile to Malaysia and to Brunei Darussalam for his role to reconnect MASSA with Chile & Latin America and his message for this edition of the Newsletter. Through His Excellency Don Diego Velasco-von Pilgrimm, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Chile to Malaysia and to Brunei Darussalam we were able to connect with Don Vincente Pinto, Investment Commissioner of Chile for Asia, Chile’s Foreign Investment Promotion Agency, InvestChile, who had provided the latest updates on the economic and emerging business trends in Chile and also as a gateway to Latin America.

We are also pleased to feature an article on “Cybersecurity Challenges that Small and Medium Enterprises Faced and Its Way Forward” contributed by Dato’ Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia highlighting the instances of cyber-threats, practical measures for the implementation of cybersecurity for businesses, especially SMEs and the initiatives under CyberSecurity Malaysia to support businesses as they develop and introduce sound cybersecurity strategies and solutions.

As we come to the close of 2021, we are thankful to MASSA members, article contributors, and collaborators for their persevering support throughout this challenging year. MASSA remains committed to present to members, trade, investment and business leads from the South-South countries, especially in light of the pandemic ushering an increased need for collaborative efforts at all levels and especially on the digital platform. To this end, several events (virtual and hybrid in nature) are in the works with our partners and collaborators. We look forward to your participation in these events in the coming year.

We wish all members and readers, a happy new year 2022, stay safe and keep well in these Covid-19 days.

Ng Su Fun

Editorial MASSA