Diary of Events (April 2023 Issue)
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)’s Domestic Investment Division paid a Courtesy Call on MASSA to introduce and discuss MIDA’s recently-mandated role to facilitate Cross Border Investments (CBI).
MIDA’s Domestic Investment Division was represented by Mr Sukri Abu Bakar, Director, Ms Mimi Izura Mohamed Iqbal, Senior Deputy Director and Ms Nazlizan Abdullah, Senior Assistant Director. MASSA was represented by Ms Ng Su Fun who was joined by Mr Samuel Loh and Ms Nur Syuhaida.
The meeting discussed potential areas of collaboration between MIDA and MASSA pertaining to CBI activities to and with the South-South (developing) countries.
From left-to-right:
Ms Nur Syuhaida, Secretariat, MASSA, Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Mr Sukri Abu Bakar, Director, Domestic Direct Investment Division, MIDA, Ms Mimi Izura Mohamed Iqbal, Senior Deputy Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA and Ms Nazlizan Abdullah, Senior Assistant Director, Domestic Investment Division, MIDA.
From left-to-right:
Mr Rajen Doiraraj, Senior Manager, Partnership Development, MRANTI and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA
MASSA led a delegation of its members, and the business community to a visit to the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) on 21 February 2023. The delegation, led by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA comprised the Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Mr Sharipov Parviz, Counsel, Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Mr Zamkovyy Vadim and 40 other participants from the membership of MASSA, government agencies, academia, thinktanks, business councils / chambers and the business community.
MRANTI is Malaysia’s central research & innovation commercialisation agency. Its purpose is to accelerate commercialisation of technology by nurturing strong partnerships and strategic collaborations between the industries and academia. This Visit was organised with the aim to introduce, highlight and showcase MRANTI and MRANTI Park, and the role MRANTI plays in inculcating a culture of innovation.
A group photo of the participants of the Visit. (front-most row, from left-to-right)
Mr. Fikri Ashraf, Senior Executive, Partnership Development, MRANTI, H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and Mr Zamkovyy Vadim, Second Secretary, Embassy of the Russian Federation.
Mr Yusnee Rahmat Yusof, General Manager Enterprise Development, MRANTI delivered the Welcome Speech.
Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA delivered the Opening Speech.
Mr Fikri Ashraf, Senior Executive, Partnership Development, MRANTI delivered a Presentation introducing MRANTI, its aims, mission and role to encourage Research, Development, Commercialisation and Innovation in Malaysia.
Two of MRANTI’s tenant companies were then invited to share their business experiences and, on the support, and assistance provided by MRANTI in developing their business.
Ts. Tharmaindran G, CEO at Bnetworks, IoT Consultant for Property Technology
Mr Daniel Liew Chee Kin, Co-Founder, Sophic MSC
Following that, the participants were brought to visit MRANTI’s MakersLab, a prototyping space equipped with technology, tools and facilitators for guidance and assistance.
The Visit ended with a Networking Luncheon hosted by MRANTI.
Photo Gallery:
MASSA extends its appreciation to the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Commercialisation and Innovation (MRANTI) for hosting the MASSA delegation’s visit to its premises.
4) Courtesy Call from H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand on MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim on 23 February 2023
The Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malaysia, the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri paid a Courtesy Call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA on 23 February 2023. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr Sharipov Parviz, Consul.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim (left), President, MASSA and H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri (right), Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Malayisa
Exchange of Gifts
The meeting exchanged insights and shared the business opportunities in the Republic of Tajikistan, and highlighted the economic potential and strategic advantages the nation has.
5) MASSA – EXIM Bank Business Briefing & Networking Session with Central Asia 14 March 2023 at Main Hall, EXIM Bank
The Export – Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank) hosted a Business Briefing and Networking Luncheon with Central Asia in collaboration with MASSA on 14 March 2023. Central Asia, comprising Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. The event saw 60 participants comprising members of MASSA, EXIM Bank’s clientele, government agencies, thinktanks and the business community in attendance.
Recognizing the synergy between the two organisations (MASSA and EXIM Bank) towards promoting and enhancing Malaysia and South-South business linkages, and building on the momentum of the previous year, which celebrated 30 Years of Central Asia – Malaysia Diplomatic Relations, the event was timely as our nations, and the global economy re-open, resume and return in line with the waning of the pandemic.
This session was organised with the aim to feature the Central Asian nations coupled with EXIM Bank’s expertise and knowledge and MASSA’s services as a business association to bring together members, clients, and stakeholders to reconnect with the view towards revitalizing business connections and form trade linkages between Malaysia and Central Asia.
From left to right:
Mr Atai Namatbaev, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic,
H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
H.E. Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
En Arshad bin Ismail, President & CEO, EXIM Bank,
H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan,
H.E. Muhammetnyyaz Mashalov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and
YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Executive Committee Member, MASSA.
The programme was as follows:
En Arshad bin Ismail, President & CEO, EXIM Bank delivered the Welcome Remarks.
YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Executive Committee Member, MASSA delivered the Opening Remarks of YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MASSA.
Pn Zabedah Giw, Acting Chief Strategy Officer, EXIM Bank delivered a Presentation on the Central Asia Market Outlook, Opportunities & Challenges in 2023.
The session then adjourned for a coffee break before resuming with presentations by the representatives from Central Asia.
H.E. Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
H.E. Ardasher S. Qodiri, Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan.
Mr Atai Namatbaev, Charge d’ Affaires, Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Representatives from EXIM Bank then delivered presentations on the Bank’s services and offerings.
Pn Nurbayu Kasim Chang, Chief Business Officer delivered a Presentation titled ‘EXIM Bank’s Financial Offerings for Malaysian Companies: The Value Proposition’
Mr Khoo Kah Jin, Head of Insrance / Takaful delivered a Presentation titled ‘Secure Trading with EXIM Bank’s Trade Credit Insurance & Takaful Proposition: Why Must Your International Business Have It?’.
Token of Appreciation
Tokens of Appreciations by EXIM Bank were presented to the representatives of the Central Asian Embassies and YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir (pic below, right) by En Arshad bin Ismail (pic below, left), President & CEO of EXIM Bank.
The business briefing then adjourned to a networking luncheon hosted by EXIM Bank.
Photo Gallery:
MASSA extends its appreciation to the Export – Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank) for hosting the event, and to the Central Asian Embassies for their kind cooperation and participation at this event.