(1)  Malaysia-Argentina Roundtable Meeting

       on 6 May 2019

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) received an Argentina delegation, led by Vice President of Argentina, H.E. Marta Gabriela Michetti.  Her Excellency was received by YB Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia.  Accompanying the Vice President was H.E. Manual Jose Balaguer Salas, Ambassador of Argentina to Malaysia and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and senior Argentina business people who have businesses established in Malaysia, namely Imartex and Workana.

(left) H.E. Marta Gabriela Michetti, Vice President of Argentina and (right) YB Datuk Darell Leiking, MITI Minister at the Malaysia-Argentina Roundtable Meeting

(left to right) Ambassador Pablo Quirno, UnderSecretary of International Economic Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Mr Ricardo Negri, President of the National Service of Agri-Food Health & Quality (SENASA), Mr Guillermo Bernaudo, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Fisheries and H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas, Ambassador of Argentina to Malaysia

Deputy Secretary-General (Trade) of MITI, Dato’ Sri Norazman moderated the Roundtable Dialogue.  The Malaysian Industry captains at the roundtable included Petronas President & CEO, Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, Sri Inderajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd Chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri A. P. Arumugam and IJM Corporation Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Soam Heng Choon.

(left to right) Tan Sri Dato’ Seri A. P. Arumugam, Chairman, Sri Inderajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, Tan Sri Dato’ Wong Foon Meng, Chairman of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd and Tan Sri Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin, President & CEO of PETRONAS

(right) Tan Sri Dato’ Wong Foon Meng, Chairman of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd presenting MASSA “27th Years of South-South Co-operation” book to H.E. Marta Gabriela Michetti, Vice President of Argentina

MASSA was represented by Tan Sri Dato’ Wong Foon Meng, Chairman of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd, Ms Ng Su Fun and Ms Florence Khoo.  Other representatives included the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and SMI International Trade Association (SMITA) were also present.

Argentina presents opportunities to do business in the sectors of Energy & Mining, Infrastructure, Agrobusiness, Industrial Goods and Value Added Services.  Bilateral trade is currently in Argentina’s favour.  The delegation sought the assistance of Malaysia to enable the  import of Argentinian beef into Malaysia.

(2)  Courtesy Call on President of MASSA by the

       African Diplomatic Corps in Malaysia

On May 27 2019, the African Diplomatic Corps in Malaysia made a courtesy call on MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim.  The delegation was led by the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps who is the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata.

His delegation comprised of:-
1.    H.E. Gamal Abdelrehim Mohamed Metwally 
       Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

2.   H.E. Mlondi Dlamini 
      High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Eswatini

3.    H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora 
       High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana

4.    H.E. Francis Ndewgwa Muhoro
        High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya

5.    H.E. Walubita Imakando 
        High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia

(left to right) H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata – Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Walubita Imakando – High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia, Tan Sri Azman Hashim – President MASSA, H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora – High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Francis Ndewgwa Muhoro – High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Mlondi Dlamini – High Commissioner of the Kingdom of Eswatini and H.E. Gamal Abdelrehim Mohamed Metwally – Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt

 (3)  YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad dialogue with

        MASSA & African Diplomatic Corps in Malaysia

        on 11 June 2019 in Putrajaya

YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad met the Executive Committee of MASSA and the Heads of African Mission based in Malaysia at a dialogue at the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya.

Dialogue at the Prime Minister’s office in Putrajaya

(left to right) Tan Sri Azman Hashim – President of MASSA, Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum and Datuk Lim Fung Chee, both Vice-President of MASSA at the dialogue session

MASSA was led by its President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim and the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps who is the Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata led the African side.

(center) YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – Prime Minister of Malaysia (left) YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah – Foreign Minister of Malaysia and (right) Tan Sri Azman Hashim – President of MASSA

YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was accompanied by the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah, officials from the Prime Minister office and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, the Chief Executive Office of MATRADE.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim in his Opening Address, thanked YAB Prime Minister for the timely meeting and welcomed his advise, views and recommendations for reviving Malaysia-Africa relations.

(right) H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata – Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and H.E. Samkelisiwe Mhlanga – High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa

H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata on behalf of the heads of the African Diplomatic Corps congratulated Tun Dr Mahathir on his appointment as the 7th Prime Minister following the success of his coalition party’s win at the last General Elections in May 2018.  He recalled Tun Dr Mahathir’s administration during his tenure as the 4th Prime Minister championing the South-South.  Following the recent dialogue of the heads of the African Diplomatic Corps  with YB Foreign Minister, he noted Malaysia’s stand to continue to sustain south-South cooperation.  He expressed looking forward to hear from YAB Prime Minister the policy direction of the new Malaysian government as a guide to their respective engagements, going forward.

YAB Tun Dr Mahathir touched on a number of issues that included the following:-
– The new Government’s role to restructure the present Government’s administration.

– Clamp down on corruption.

– Malaysia will be friendly with all countries of the world, irrespective of their ideology.

– The policy of a trading nation is to have markets for the goods and services, it produces.

– He elaborated on the role Foreign Investment (FDI) plays in helping a nation to industrialize through the attainment of technology and jobs creation.

– The need to win the hearts and mind of the populace is important for the Government to rule and administer well.

– There must be peace and stability for democracy to thrive.

– A 2 party system is the best way for democracy to function resulting in one winner and a loser.  The losing party must accept their loss (as a new culture) and only try again at the next election.  Violence shall have no place in politics.  Acceptance of defeat is important.

– We wish our neighbours to be prosperous, in order that they become a good market for us.  Hence the policy of “”Prosper The Neighbour”.

(3rd from right) H.E. Francis Ndegwa Muhoro – High Commissioner of Kenya

(center) H.E. Anne Namakau Mutelo – High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia

The Zambian High Commission, Kenya High Commission, Namibia High  Commission and Ghana High Commission expressed their respective congratulations and thanks to YAB Prime Minister.  Some of the recommendations raised included:-

– Request to engage with the African countries on a regular sustainable basis.

– Africa is a continent of 55 countries amongst whom 50 are stable and thriving.

– It has a population of 1.2 billion.

– There is good potential for Malaysian goods, such as, palm oil & rubber gloves to gain  footholds in Africa.

– Africa is a continent with vast natural resources that is largely unexplored.

YAB Prime Minister responded in the affirmative to encourage more dialogues and meetings, in order to identify each other’s strengths for mutual gain.  He agreed that  business connections between Malaysia and Africa need to be resuscitated.

The meeting ended with a group photo taken together with YAB Prime Minister. 

(left to right) Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli Kushairi, Datuk T.Y. Lee, Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid, H.E. Anne Namakau Mutelo and Tan Sri Azman Hashim

(right) YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and (left) Dato’ J. Jegathesan

(left to right) Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum, H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora – High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana and Datuk Lim Fung Chee

(left to right) Dato’ Soam Heng Choon, Datuk T.Y. Lee and Dato’ J. Jegathesan

(left to right) Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa, Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum and Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman

Group photo with YAB Prime Minister

(4)  Coordination Meeting on “4th Showcase 

       Bangladesh” at Bangladesh High Commission

       on 17 June 2019

A coordination meeting was held to discuss the “4th Showcase Bangladesh 2018 – Go Global” at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.  This event will be held at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2019  Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, MASSA EXCO member and Executive Adviser of ACCCIM and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA were present at the meeting.

(left to right) Mr Syed Moazzam Hossain – President BMCCI, H.E. Md Shahidul Islam – High Comissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong – MASSA EXCO & Executive Adviser ACCCIM and (right) Mr Rajibul Ahsan – First Secretary (Commercial), Bangladesh High Commission

“4th Showcase Bangladesh 2018 – Go Global”  

at Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2019

The Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) hosted the “4^th Showcase Bangladesh 2018 – Go Global”  at Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.  This Showcase was supported by Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), Malaysia External Trade Development Cooperation (MATRADE) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
 

This event was graced by Special Guests; YB Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Honorable Deputy Minister, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia and Mr. Imran Ahmad, M.P., Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the Chief Guest, Mr. Tipu Munshi, M.P., Honorable Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

With the theme of “Go Global”, the Showcase Bangladesh aimed to expand Bilateral Trade between Bangladesh and Malaysia and to attract investments into Bangladesh.

This Showcase hoped to create brand awareness for Bangladeshi products, services and to promote Bangladesh as a trade and investment destination for Malaysian companies seeking to explore business opportunities in the South Asia region.  Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, MASSA EXCO member attended the Opening Ceremony.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, MASSA EXCO member at the Opening Ceremony

Participants at the Opening Ceremony

The Speakers at the “Go Global” Seminar included the following:-

(1) Dr. Atiur Rahman, Former Governor of Bangladesh Bank & Professor, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka

(2)  Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Executive Director, Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh

(3) Mr. Asif Ibrahim, Former President, DCCI & Vice Chairman, Newage Group

(4) Mr. Shameem Ahmed Chowdhury Noman, Secretary General, Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA)

(5) Mr Syed Almas Kabir, Vice President, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI)

Group photo taken with Bangladesh Dignitaries

B2B meeting session between Malaysian and Bangladesh delegates during the Showcase Bangladesh.

(5)  28th Annual General Meeting of MASSA

       on 20 June 2019

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA chaired the Twenty-Eighth (28th) Annual General Meeting of MASSA at the Banquet Hall, 26th Floor, Bangunan Ambank Group, Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur. 

The President of MASSA welcomed members and Committee members and proceeded with the business at the AGM.

(3rd from left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim – President of MASSA chairing the MASSA 28th Annual General Meeting with MASSA EXCO members (left to right) Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli Kushairi, Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum – Vice President MASSA, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid and Dato’ J. Jegathesan

Tan Sri Azman Hashim delivered his address and the meeting proceeded to unanimously adopt the Annual Report and the audited accounts of the Association for the year ended 31st December 2018.

MASSA members attending the 28th MASSA Annual General Meeting

The Executive Committee and Office Bearers for the new term 2019 – 2021 are as follow:-
OFFICE BEARERS
President                                     :   YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim
Vice President (i)                       :   YABhg Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum
Vice President (ii)                      :   YBhg Datuk Lim Fung Chee
Honorary Secretary                   :   YBhg Datuk Lee Teck Yuen
Honorary Treasurer                   :  YBhg Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng,JP
Honorary Assistant Secretary  :  YBhg Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin

MASSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Mohd Ramli      YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew
Kushairi                                                 Hoong
YBhg Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh          YBhg Dato’ Soam Heng Choon
Abdul Khalid
YBhg Dato’ J. Jegathesan                   YBhg Dato’ Tan Kia Loke
YBhg Dato’ Cheah Sam Kip                YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir

EX-OFFICIO
YBhg Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil           –   Ministry of International Trade
                                                                           & Industry (MITI) Malaysia
YBhg Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman   –   Ministry of Foreign Affairs
                                                                          (Wisma Putra)
YBhg Dato’ Azman Mahmud                 –   Malaysian Investment
                                                                          Development Authority (MIDA)
YBhg Dato’ Wan Latiff Wan Musa        –   Malaysia External Trade
                                                                          Development Corporation
                                                                          (MATRADE)

The President thanked the Executive Committee and Office Bearers for their continuing support and MASSA members for their participation in MASSA events and activities.

(right) Tan Sri Azman Hashim and Ms Siti Fatma Omar, Principal Asst. Secretary, International Cooperation and Development Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong and Dato’ J. Jegathesan

Group photo (seated, 4th from left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA with MASSA members after the MASSA 28th Annual General Meeting

(left) Datuk Merlyn Kasimir – Director, AMK Business International Sdn Bhd and Ms Kavita Mathuvay – Director, Bilateral Economic & Trade Relations, America, Europe & Africa, MITI

Group photo (seated, 4th from left) Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA with MASSA members after the MASSA 28th Annual General Meeting

 (6)  Presentation on “Opportunity to Change the

         World via Tech Startups” by Mr Mohd Atasha

         Alias, CEO of Foxymojo & Co.            

Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, Chief Executive of Foxymojo & Co, a digital & management consulting firm gave a talk on “Opportunity to Change the World via Tech Startups Investment in Emerging Markets / South-South Countries” to MASSA members prior to the MASSA 28th Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2019.

His focus  is to assist SMEs to accelerate growth and advise business leaders on how to thrive in the Digital Era through Digital Transformation and connects them to business and investment opportunities.

Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, Chief Executive of Foxymojo & Co. giving a talk on “Opportunity to Change the World via Tech Startups Investment in Emerging Markets / South-South Countries” to MASSA Members

Mr Mohd Atasha Alias, Chief Executive of Foxymojo & Co. giving a  talk on “Opportunity to Change the World via Tech Startups Investment in Emerging Markets / South-South Countries” to MASSA Members

(4th from left to right) Tan Sri Ghazzali Sheikh Abdul Khalid, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum and MASSA members present at the talk

(8)  Malaysia Madagascar Business Forum 2019 on

        1 August 2019

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry Malaysia (MITI) received a delegation from Madagascar.  MASSA was invited, together with a number of Chambers, business associates and Malaysian companies who were interested to do business with Madagascar.

The Government delegation was led by Mr Michaelangelo Zasy, Mission Head Projects and Urban Development Presidency of the Republic of Madagascar.

(left to right) Mr Andry Ravalomanda – CEO of the Economic Development Board of Madagascar, Mr Michaelangelo Zasy – Mission Head Projects and Urban Development Presidency of the Republic of Madagascar and Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil

  
Mr Andry Ravalomanda, CEO of the Economic Development Board of Madagascar gave an economic presentation of his country and highlighted the numerous sectors with investment potential.  These include the following areas on Agriculture, Infrastructure Development, Tourism, Mining, Light Industry, ICT, Renewable Energy, etc…

To support the development of bilateral economic exchanges with this country, the Malaysia Madagascar Business Council (MMBC) has been formed,  helmed by its Chairman, Dr Abdul Kabur Ibrahim.

MMBC will be organising a business mission to Madagascar from 13 to 17 October 2019.  MASSA members are encouraged to find out more about Madagascar and consider participating in the mission organised by MMBC.   https://edbm.mg will have more details.

Z I M B A B W E

Zimbabwe Flag

Zimbabwe – Coat of Arms

Harare, Capital of Zimbabwe

General country info on Zimbabwe 

Zimbabwe is located in the centre of Southern Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It bordered by Zambia to the North, Mozambique to the East, South Africa to the South and Botswana to the West. Situated at the heart of the North-South Corridor, Zimbabwe is an ideal railways, roads, power and telecommunications network regional logistics hub.

Zimbabwe has a population of 13.1 million people (2012) and has an Average Annual Population Growth Rate of 2.3%.

Zimbabwe trade statistics

Zimbabwe is open for Business:

Investment and Trade Opportunities

The resuscitation of Zimbabwe’s economy has been receiving tremendous support, both internationally and locally. Pronouncements by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, that “Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” have set out a development strategy for the country. The Government of Zimbabwe has been working tirelessly to achieve the country’s vision “To Become an Upper-Middle Income Economy by 2030.” Zimbabwe recognises the critical role of investment and trade to achieve the set vision. The economy is sustained by various sectors that offer lucrative and mutually beneficial opportunities for everyone.

In the mining sector, Zimbabwe boasts of over 60 internationally tradeable minerals from gold, copper, iron, coal to diamonds, platinum, lithium, chrome and plenty more. Investment is welcome in the mining value chain which includes exploration, extraction, finance, technical services, logistics, beneficiation and value addition.

Geological map of Zimbabwe indicating the vast minerals it has

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and it provides vertical and horizontal linkages to other economic sectors. This sector is linked with other major sectors of the economy as it is a source of the much needed agro-based raw materials. Zimbabwe has one of the best climates and fertile soils suitable to grow numerous crops. Investment opportunities in the sector are in the form of contract farming, provision of financial and technical services, production of maize, tobacco, cotton, tea, vegetables and flowers, timber, sugar, fruits, livestock, soya bean and many others.

Zimbabwe’s vibrant agricultural sector

Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector is quite diverse with various sub-sectors such as food processing, packaging, engineering, beverages, construction, agricultural inputs and implements, pharmaceuticals, furniture, electricals, textiles and clothing. This sector plays a key role in the economy particularly in the value addition and beneficiation of the country’s primary products (raw materials) from the agricultural and mining sectors.

Zimbabwe has investment opportunities in manufacturing

In the tourism sector, Zimbabwe is among the top 10 countries to visit in 2019 as listed by Lonely Planet, one of the renowned travel guide publishers. Thrill seekers and wildlife lovers will find some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Zimbabwe. All these can be explored from a choice of five-star exclusive luxury accommodation to   do-it-yourself bush camping. Zimbabwe has vast tourist attractions. The Majestic Victoria Falls, the ancient stone fortresses of the Great Zimbabwe, the mystic Eastern Highlands, the mythical Lake Kariba and the mind-boggling balancing rocks in Matopos National Park, just to name a few, will leave one amazed and refreshed.

The majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Ancient stone fortresses of the Great Zimbabwe

The mythical Lake Kariba

The mystic Eastern Highlands

The mind-boggling balancing rocks in Matopos National Park

The Government of Zimbabwe is offering a variety of incentives in the Special Economic Zones. Investors should take advantage of these fiscal and non-fiscal incentives on offer. The gravy train has taken off, “Zimbabwe is Open for Business.”

President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa

Zimbabwe’s Investment Guidelines and Opportunities

For more details on Investment Guidelines and Opportunities in Zimbabwe, kindly download the document on:
https://www.investzim.com/reports-downloads/send/2-zimbabwe-investment-authority/16-investment-guidelines-and-opportunities-in-Zimbabwe

Contact details of Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Malaysia

H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentially
Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
124, Jalan Sembilan
Taman Ampang Utama
68000 Ampang
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel & Fax: +603-4266 8779
Email: zimkualalumpur@zimfa.gov.zw
Email: zimembk@gmail.com

Greetings from MASSA! 

We passed 2H2019 and are pleased to report on a number of events and initiatives by MASSA.

H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Malaysia who is also the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in Malaysia led the African countries with missions in Kuala Lumpur for a dialogue with YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on 11 June 2019.  MASSA was priviledged to have been able to facilitate this important meeting.  Much effort was made by all parties, especially the Secretary of the African Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, who laid the initial efforts to network with MASSA. MASSA will endeavour to renew its engagements with the African continent. 

We are most pleased to share with readers a country report on Zimbabwe, prepared for MASSA readers by H.E. Cuthbert Zhakata, Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Malaysia.

The 4th Showcase Bangladesh was successfully organised by Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) at the Royale Chulan, Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2019.  YB Ong Kian Ming, Deputy MITI Minister officiated the event.  MASSA EXCO members, led by President Tan Sri Azman Hashim were in attendance.

MASSA was invited by MITI to attend meetings in MITI to meet high level delegates from Argentina and Madagascar.  Please read about these MASSA activities in our newsletter.

MASSA clocked in another year and held its 28th Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2019.  The AGM proceedings went smoothly with the re-election of office bearers and committee members.  The line-up of the new committee for 2019-2021 with Tan Sri Azman Hashim as the President is in MASSA’s website.  We are grateful for Tan Sri Azman Hashim’s support and commitment to helm the Association since its inception 28 years ago.

We encourage members to look out for our weekly circulars and keep abreast of events taking place that can enable members to network and keep abreast of developments and business opportunities.

We thank all our contributors and partners for all the information sharing and for facilitating our MASSA Secretariat in delivering information and activities to its members.

Thank you.

Ng Su Fun
Editorial Committee   
MASSA 

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President MASSA

Bank Negara Malaysia released its report on the 2Q19  indicating that Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.9% in the second quarter of 2019 (1Q2019:4.5%) primarily driven by domestic consumption and private investments.  Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to slowdown but will remain healthy at 4.5% for 2019.

The on-going trade wars are disrupting global value chains and creating much volatility in the stock markets and financial markets.  Market movements are reacting much faster, with shorter periods and higher swings.  This is the new norm going forward.

MASSA held its 28th Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2019.  The Executive Committee remained largely intact, except for Ms Norzilah Mohammed, who completed her tenure with EXIM Bank Berhad.  YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir joined the Executive  Committee for this new term 2019-2021.  On behalf of the EXCO, I want to thank the EXCO members who have consented to serve again for a new term, a welcome to Datuk Merlyn Kasimir and grateful thanks to Ms Norzilah Mohammed for her time with MASSA.

MASSA facilitated a dialogue with YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with the African Diplomatic Corps at Putrajaya on 11 June 2019.   18 Ambassadors and High Commissioners including 3 Charge d’Affaires  representing 21 African nations attended the dialogue with our Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several Government officials from MIDA, MATRADE and MASSA Committee Members were also in attendance.  The Prime Minister touched on the finer points of governance and the challenges of running a Government a second time around.  His advice on working on mutually beneficial partnership within a South-South context continue to resonate with the nations of Africa.

In this light, I encourage MASSA members to continue to look for opportunities in this burgeoning continent of 55 nations, most of which have peace and stability and are enjoying good GDP growth.
                                                                                     
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President

(1) “4th Showcase Bangladesh – Go Global” on

      11 July 2019 at The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur

We are pleased to inform that the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) will be organizing the “4th Showcase Bangladesh – Go Global”, in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, MASSA and MATRADE. 

The Showcase has been changed to a new date and will be held as follows:

Date:                11 July 2019 

Time:                9:00am- 5:00pm

Venue:             The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur

Programme:     9:00am-10:00am     –   Registration & Networking
                         10:00am-11:00am     –   Opening Ceremony
                         11:00am-12:30pm     –   Plenary Session
                         12:30pm-2:00pm    –   Networking Lunch
                         2:00pm-3:00pm       –   Seminar
                         3:00pm-5:00pm       –   Business Meetings, B2B
                         7:30pm-9:00pm       –   Gala Dinner

This Showcase aims to promote Bangladeshi products and services for export and create awareness of Bangladeshi brands.  Bangladeshi products and services include Readymade Woven & Knit Garments, Frozen fish, Leather goods, Jute and Jute products, Tea, Pharmaceutical products, Ceramic tableware, Halal products, Leather products, ICT.  Showcase Bangladesh – Go Global aims to promote bilateral trade and commerce between Bangladesh and Malaysia by facilitating business-to-business interactions among business people from both countries.

A B2B session will also be held at the Showcase for Malaysian businessman to meet with the Bangladesh business groups on the following sectors:- 

Bangladesh also offers compelling propositions for Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest via locating their manufacturing facilities in their Free Trade Zones and Industrial Parks.

You are cordially invited to visit the 4th Showcase Bangladesh to meet your business and trade partners as well as find out about business opportunities in Bangladesh.  Participation is free of charge. However, prior registration is required.

There will also be booth space available for rental to interested companies to display their products at the Showcase.   

For further details to the above, kindly contact BMCCI or MASSA Secretariat at:-

Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI)  
Cell:  +88 01819 412 110
Tel:   +88 02 9852519-20
E-mail:  secretary@bmcci.org.bd
               info@bmcci.org.bd
Webpage: www.bmcci.org.bd

Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA)
17th Floor, Bangunan AmBank Group
Letter Box No.17A, Jalan Raja Chulan
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603-2078 3788 / Fax: +603-2072 8411 / +603-2031 0208
Email: mail@massa.net.my
Website: www.massa.net.my

(1) 18 January 2019 – Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA meeting H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz, Malaysia Ambassador to Morocco

Courtesy call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA by H.E. Astanah Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco at his office.

(left to right) H.E. Astanah Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Malaysia to Morocco, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President MASSA and Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MASSA

(2) 24th January 2019 – Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) Seminar

The Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) organised a seminar on “Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)” and 21st Century of Diplomacy: An Introduction and Networking Event for Asia’s Diplomatic Corps” at AIAC, Kuala Lumpur.

Mr Vinayak Pradhan, Director of AIAC welcomed and introduced the Roles & Objectives of AIAC.

Mr Vinayak Pradhan, Director of AIAC  welcoming participants to the AIAC Seminar and sharing about its role as an arbitral institution

Tan Sri Dato’ Cecil Abraham speaking on Investment Treaty Disputes

The Seminar was aimed at informing Malaysia’s international commercial community about AIAC’s services in the areas of international arbitration.  International Arbitration has become a preferred means for resolution of cross border disputes between private commercial parties.  It offers a quick, cost-effective and equitable resolution of commercial disputes between international parties.

Headquartered in Malaysia, the AIAC is able to assist in commercial disputes in a range of areas that include:-

– Investment Treaty Disputes
– Maritime Disputes
– Oil & Gas Disputes
– IP & Domain Name disputes

Contact Details:-

Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
Bangunan Sulaiman
Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2271 1000
Fax: +603-2271 1010
Email: enquiry@aiac.world
Website: www.aiac.world

(3) 25 January 2019 – Courtesy Call on President of MASSA by High Commissioner of Ghana to Malaysia

H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, High Commissioner of Ghana to Malaysia made a courtesy call on MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim at his office. Her Excellency was accompanied by Ms Neematu Ziblim Adam, Minister-Counsellor of the Ghana High Commission at the meeting. Ms Ng Su Fun, MASSA Executive Secretary also attended the meeting.

(left to right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora and Ms Neematu Ziblim Adam

(4) 6 March 2019 – Ghana High Commissioner hosted Dinner for MASSA President & MASSA Members

MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim and MASSA Vice President, YABhg Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum together with some of the members of MASSA was invited to H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana’s residence for a sumptuous dinner to celebrate the occasion of the Republic of Ghana’s 62nd Independence Day.

The Ambassador of Senegal in Malaysia, H.E. Fatou Danielle Diagne and the High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to Malaysia and ASEAN countries, H.E. Madame Ramzia Diab Ghanim was also at this dinner.  MASSA looks forward to strengthening the renewed ties with Ghana, Senegal and the Republic of The Gambia.

(left to right) H.E. Fatou Danielle Diagne, Ambassador of Senegal in Malaysia, H.E. Madame Ramzia Diab Ghanim, High Commissioner of The Republic of The Gambia to Malaysia and ASEAN Countries, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA and H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to Malaysia

(left to right) H.E. Madame Ramzia Diab Ghanim, High Commissioner of The Republic of The Gambia to Malaysia and ASEAN Countries, H.E. Fatou Danielle Diagne, Ambassador of Senegal in Malaysia, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA, H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to Malaysia and Tun Michael Chen Wing Sun, Vice President MASSA

(5) 12 March 2019 – EXIM Bank “Cross Border Financing and Trade Credit Takaful Seminar” for MASSA Members

EXIM Bank organised a “Cross Border Financing and Trade Credit Takaful Seminar” for MASSA members at EXIM Bank’s Head Office. 

EXIM Bank has been a steadfast and valuable partner for Malaysian businesses venturing abroad be it for trade/or investments. They have a constant eye on global economic outlook and risk scenario and have assisted their clients to tailor their financial products and services to help bridge the last mile for their clients to successfully undertake their cross-border businesses.

EXIM Bank put together a series of informative presentations that included:

–   EXIM Bank: Your Global Trade Partner
–   Trade Credit Takaful And Political Risk Insurance:
     Trade with Absolute Confidence.
–   Global Outlook & Risk in Emerging Economies
–   Prokhas Sdn Bhd: Working Capital Guarantee Scheme

EXIM Bank’s Products

Encik Wazir Bahatin, Head of SME & Commercial Banking Dept of EXIM Bank presented the first session on “EXIM Bank: Your Global Trade Partner“ to participants at the seminar

The second session was presented by Head of Credit Insurance Department, Mr. Khoo Kah Jin on “Trade Credit Takaful And Political Risk Insurance: Trade with Absolute Confidence”

Ms Mazliza Zainal Abidin, Market Collaboration & SME Support, Guarantee Schemes Management of Prokhas Sdn Bhd presented the third session on “Working Capital Guarantee Schemes for SMEs and Corporate Sectors” – For more details, please log on to: www.sjpp.com.my

Puan Zabedah Giw, Head of Global Advisory & Research Department presented the final session on “Global Outlook & Risk in Emerging Economies” at the Seminar

The event was well attended by senior representatives from a number of the African countries.

Group photo taken at EXIM Bank Head Office – (left to right): Mr Khoo Kah Jin, Head of Credit Insurance Department, EXIM Bank, Mr Ernest Chirwa, First Secretary Trade, Zambia High Commission, H.E. Walubita Imakando, High Commissioner Zambia, Mr Azhar Awang Kechil, Acting President/CEO & Deputy President Business of EXIM Bank, Madam Neematu Ziblim Adam, Minister Counsellor, Ghana High Commission, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MASSA, Mr Denzel G Koopman, First Secretary, Namibia High Commission, Mr Schoeman du Plessis, Deputy Head of Mission, South Africa High Commission and Mr Simon Ankonga, Second Secretary, Namibia High Commission

(left) Mr Schoeman du Plessis Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission of South Africa High Commission (right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary of MASSA

Delegates listening to the presentations

MASSA thanks EXIM Bank for facilitating the session and hosting a sumptuous luncheon wherein participants were able to network.

(left to right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary MASSA, Ms Florence Khoo, Asst. Executive Secretary MASSA and Encik Azhar Awang Kechil, Acting President/CEO & Deputy President Business, EXIM Bank

Contact Details:

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank)
Head Office
Level 1, EXIM Bank
Jalan Sultan Ismail
50250 Kuala Lumpur
Tel +603-2601 2000
Fax: +603-2601 2100
Email: communications@exim.com.my
Website: www.exim.com.my

(6) 22 March 2019 – MASSA Meeting with H.E. Ambassador Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman at Wisma Putra, Putrajaya 

Dato’ J. Jegathesan, Executive Committee MASSA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA and Ms Florence Khoo visited Ambassador Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman, current MASSA Ex-Officio representing Wisma Putra at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Putrajaya.

Ambassador Dato’ Bala is the UnderSecretary, International Cooperation and Development Divison of the Multilateral Affairs Dept. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His Excellency was briefed on the objectives and mission of MASSA. 

(left to right) Ms Florence Khoo, Ambassador Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman, Ms Ng Su Fun and Dato’ J. Jegathesan

(6)  11 April 2019 – MASSA visit to SIRIM Facilities 

MASSA in collaboration with MAJECA jointly organised a visit to SIRIM for a briefing of their facilities.

Encik Zulkifli Abdullah, Senior General Manager, Group Strategic Planning of SIRIM Berhad welcomed all participants and introduced the role, objectives and vision of SIRIM to them.

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia; SIRIM is a wholly owned company of the Malaysian Government under Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into expertise and knowledge base, SIRIM focuses on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. SIRIM nurtures Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

As the national champion of quality, SIRIM through its subsidiary company SIRIM QAS International, is Malaysia’s leading testing, inspection and certification services provider, accredited under numerous bodies including the National Accreditation Body, the Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) among others. SIRIM plays an active role in local industry standards development and supports national growth in human capital of local industries through technology and certification training programmes. SIRIM also assist organisations towards implementing excellent business culture by associating quality, technology and best practices.

SIRIM is a member of the Global Research Alliance (GRA), a cooperation of leading knowledge-intensive technology organisations from nine countries in four continents. The alliance has a combined strength of more than 50000 scientists and technologists committed to developing global knowledge networks for industry and industrial sectors to enhance their competitiveness. SIRIM is also a member of World Association of Industrial and Technological Organisations (WAITRO), an independent association of industrial research organisations founded under the auspices of the United Nations. It currently has 160 members in 80 countries.

Encik Zulkifli Abdullah welcomed MASSA participants to SIRIM and presented the strategic plans, goals and vision of SIRIM in Malaysia’s development of industrial research and innovation

Presentation by Ir. Rohaizat Omar, Senior Enginering of the Machine Design Section and Machinery Technology Centre on the roles and objectives of the National Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Smart Manufacturing to participants

SIRIM showcased its stingless bee (Kelulut) IoT Honey Farm Project using Kelulut Integrated Information System (KIIS), a type of digital sensory device to measure temperature and humidity of Kelulut (stingless bee) hives in real time.

KIIS uses IoT-based (Internet of Things) device engaging digital sensors to measure temperature and humidity of nests automatically, periodically and in real time. The device transmits this data wirelessly to a data collection unit (Unit MK) via Wi-Fi Technology and subsequently to a cloud server via the GSM / GPRS module. The data then can be accessed through a web-based system on the computer and on Android based smartphone.

This device continuously and consistently monitors the hives to ensure that the colony stays productive, which will result in an increase of honey productivity and the beekeeper income as well. In other words, beekeepers no longer have to manually monitor their colony productivity status with the assistance of Kelulut Integrated Information System.

SIRIM Kelulut Integrated Information System video: http://sirimsense.com/KIIS/i_video.php

Group photo taken at SIRIM

MASSA members found the visit most useful and informative.

(7) 23 April 2019 – Visit of H.E. Mr Md Shahriar Alam, M.P., Honourable State Minister of Foreign Affairs Bangladesh and delegation to MASSA

H.E. Mr. Md Shahriar Alam, M.P., Honourable State Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Bangladesh led a delegation comprising senior officials from MOFA and accompanied by H.E. Mr. Md Shahidul Islam, High Commissioner, Bangladesh High Commission to Malaysia visited MASSA.

Members of the Bangladesh delegation included:

-H.E. Mr. Md. Shahidul Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia

-Mr. A.F.M. Gousal Azam Sarker, Director General, MOFA, Bangladesh

-Mr. Md. Reyad Hossain, Director (SMO), MOFA Bangladesh

-Mr. Salahuddin Kasem Khan, SEACO

-Mr. Md. Rajibul Ahsan, First Secretary (Commercial), Bangladesh High Commission.

The delegation was received by MASSA EXCO member, Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong who is also the Honorary Advisor of Expertise Resource Association (ERA).

 The delegation had a fruitful meeting with members of MASSA and ERA.

(3rd from left) H.E. Mr. Md Shahriar Alam, M.P., Honourable State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh meeting with (2nd from left) Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, MASSA EXCO member

(Front row, left to right) Ms Ng Su Fun, H.E. Mr Md Shahriar Alam, M.P., Honourable State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, Tan Sri Dato’ Soong Siew Hoong, H.E. Mr Md. Shahidul Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, Mr A.F.M. Gousal Azam Sarker, Director General, MOFA, Bangladesh and Mr Salahuddin Kasem Khan, SEACO

Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC)

Intro:

With shorter, more volatile economic and market cycles, the ability of any company to achieve and maintain market leadership is increasingly challenging. In the race to stay ahead, a key strategy often overlooked is talent and workforce development. It is always important to maintain a good team of agile, productive and effective employees equipped with the right attitudes, skills and knowledge.

Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) offers a range of signature programs to nurture various essentials skills for the workforce, ranging from executives to corporate leaders.

The Change Essentials Programme

The expectation for leaders at all levels to deliver results under conditions of increasing change and uncertainty is ever present in various organisations. However, many of these leaders are unprepared and are ill-equipped to lead change.

In SHRDC’s Change Essentials Programme, participants will first learn the components of Dr John Kotter’s 8 Steps for Successful Change and Four Critical Leadership Principles that must be in place to ensure successful change. John Kotter is Professor of Leadership, Emeritus, at Harvard Business School.

Participants will then explore and practise how to get and keep people on board and support change by learning about the definition of true urgency and how to build and maintain it in their own context.

The session includes practices, interactive exercises and tools in the following core areas:

–  How to Build a Foundation for Successful Change

–  How to Ignite Urgency for Change

Applying the principles for building urgency, you will work with different types to establish momentum for an idea or a current change initiative. Focus areas include how to gather support, how to identify who must be urgent, and how to develop messages that both appeal to all styles and rise above the din of competing messages.

This is two-day, classroom-based, highly interactive programme for up to 25 participants. There is approximately an hour of pre-work that can be completed either online or through handout materials. The structure includes a mix of individual, small group and large group work. This session is most appropriate for mid-level leaders and high potentials; facilitators can also tailor the delivery so that the programme is relevant for senior leaders or front-line managers.

Kotter leadership round table in New Delhi with 10 companies earlier this year      

Leading Positive Performance Workshop

 A positive, engaged brain is the greatest competitive advantage in the modern economy and is essential in rapidly-changing environments. As such, the Leading Positive Performance workshop provides a blueprint for increasing employee engagement and tapping into people’s intrinsic motivations.

The workshop teaches the seven core principles of the science of happiness from The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor. These principles – the Happiness Advantage; the Zorro Circle; the 20-second Rule; the Social Investment Solution; Mindset Matters; the Tetris Effect; and Falling Up – provide a springboard for people at the individual, team and organisational levels, thus showing people how to infuse positive practices in their personal habits, teamwork routines and the organisation’s culture.

The Workshop

Using The Orange Frog – a story written specifically to support this workshop – as a backdrop, participants explore their own workplace and identify similar pressures, characters and threats as Spark, the main character in the story.

They are then challenged to develop habits and strategies to resolve these pressures, thus allowing them to follow Spark’s journey and develop strategies to ripple positive results throughout their own teams and departments.

Primary Workshop Objectives

–   Increased Individual Positivity (Self Leadership)

–   Sustained Team Happiness and Adaptability (Team Leadership)

–   Increased Happiness and Engagement across the Organisation

     (Culture Shaping)

Recent Leading Positive Performance Workshop conducted for a Malaysian retail organization  

The Edward De Bono Series

Six Thinking Hats®

The de Bono Thinking Systems® are in the business of changing the way businesses think. This programme will teach its participants how to make the best decision in an effective manner, with immediate take-home value for achieving quality in both corporate an individual decision making and constructive opportunity thinking.

Learn to:

–  Lead more focused and productive meetings
–  Reduce adversarial interactions and judgmental thinking
–  Explore all aspects of each situation
–  Create a dynamic, positive environment for total team participation

Think On Your Feet!®

Think on Your Feet program has achieved worldwide recognition as one of the most original and useful communication workshop taught today. It has been conducted throughout the US, Europe, Middle East, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

The highly interactive workshop teaches the art and science of conveying convincing, confident and memorable ideas. Every session considers your real work challenges and training goals to help you communicate effectively therefore saving your company time, costly errors and build stronger dynamics.

De Bono Lateral Thinking®

This programme is the culmination of Dr de Bono’s life work, bringing together his experience and key concepts in a program proven successful around the world. Strongly recommended as a follow-up after the Six Thinking Hats® program.

Learn to:
–   Develop your creativity and find alternative solutions
–   Bring your creative thinking and the thinking of others into sharp focus
–   Create new and practical ideas by deliberately using provocative statements
–   Dramatically increase the number of ideas harvested through thorough checklists
–   Spark creative thinking by using random words and objects
–   Constructively challenge your organisation’s current thinking
–   Find and build on the concept behind one idea to create even more ideas
–   Turn ideas into practical forms

Six Thinking Hats® workshop in action

For more information on these programmes: http://www.shrdc.org.my/signature-program/Or contact SHRDC at tel: 03 5513 3560 or email: info@shrdc.org.my

Contact Details:-

Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC)
No. 1, Ground Floor, Block 2
Pusat Perniagaan Worldwide
Jalan Tinju 13/50, Sect 13
40100 Shah Alam
Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: +603-5513 3560
Fax: +603-5513 3490

Email: info@shrdc.org.my
Website: www.shrdc.org.my

Greetings from the MASSA Secretariat!

We have just passed 1Q2019 and are pleased to report on a number of events and initiatives by MASSA.

The Malaysian Ambassador to Morocco, H.E. Dato’ Astanah Abdul Aziz and the High Commissioner of Ghana to Malaysia,  H.E. Akua Sekyiwa Ahenkora, made a courtesy call on MASSA President, Tan Sri Azman Hashim at his office.  These diplomats have strongly encouraged MASSA and its members to take a closer look, if not once again, at the emerging opportunities in their respective countries.  Much have changed and a lot of progress have taken place.  MASSA would be pleased to organise a business mission, if members come forth with interest.  

EXIM Bank organised a Cross Border Financing and Trade Credit Takaful Seminar for MASSA members on 12 March 2019.  It was well attended by MASSA members.  We give you a report in this edition of the newsletter.

On 11 April 2019, MASSA visited SIRIM Berhad (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM).  SIRIM is Malaysia’s premier industrial research and technology organisation.  Being a wholly owned company under the auspices of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), it is mandated to lead the way for research and technology development and be a champion of quality.  MASSA members were also taken on a tour of its gallery showcasing many milestone achievements todate.

We are also pleased to present members with a number of star programmes conducted by the Selangor Human Resource Development Centre (SHRDC) to assist companies in their endeavour to nurture essential skills to meet the rapidly changing environment.  SHRDC has a wide range of good programmes catering to every developmental  stage of companies which are growing, transitioning, transforming or adapting to the new modern economy of today.

Going forward, our associate, Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) will be holding its 4th edition of “Showcase Bangladesh – Go Global” in Kuala Lumpur on 11 July 2019.  Members are encouraged to come join this event, network and meet potential business partners in this South Asian country with 170 million population.

MASSA’s planned business mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG) together with Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) did not materialise due to insufficient participation. 

Nevertheless, we encourage members to look out for our weekly circulars to keep abreast of events taking place that would enable you to expand your business horizons and network. 

We thank all our contributors and partners for sharing their information and insights for this edition of newsletter.

Editorial Committee

MASSA Secretariat 
 

Bank Negara Annual Report 2018 highlighted that the global economy started the year 2018 on a positive note riding on synchronised growth.  This growth soon dissipated when global trade tensions and financial market volatility heightened.  Global growth moderated to 3.6% in 2018.

The Malaysian economy in 2018 expanded moderately at 4.7% (2017: 5.9%).  Despite its positive start to 2018, the economy was also impacted by the global challenges in addition to unexpected supply disruptions in the agriculture sector and commodity exports and slowdown in manufacturing activities.  Malaysia’s economic growth for 2019 may moderate further to 4.4%, relying on domestic demand to steer growth.

Going forward, the global scenario will present challenging economic headwinds and new areas of uncertainties as global growth moderates.  This is not a new phenomena and we can count on past experiences to help us ride through the turbulence.  I encourage members to keep the pioneering spirit and to build upon our business experience and connections and arm ourselves with new knowledge, transform and take risks to apply new and innovative technology, not only to increase output and productivity but to also create new products and services, new methods and processes that are more efficient and productive that can yield better profits.

YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched Ind4WRD in October 2018.  This is Malaysia’ response to Ind4.0 and it calls for transformation of the manufacturing sector and its related services to be smarter and stronger, driven by people, process and technology.  The manufacturing sector remains the backbone of Malaysia’s economy.  At  MASSA’s 27th Anniversary Dinner, our Guest-of-Honour, YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad encouraged and gave his continuing support for MASSA and its members to seek business opportunities in the developing countries of the South.
  
MASSA has embarked on a series of outreach events to familiarise members with the efforts of the Government to develop the digital economy eco-system so that our businesses can embrace the technological change and accelerate our respective adoption of Industry 4.0. MASSA’s visit to MDEC, MIMOS & SIRIM was useful and informative.  The Fourth Industrial Revolution calls for a new level of thinking and also novel approaches to business.  It is my hope that members can then take these ideas on to your South-South connections and partners in the developing countries.

I appreciate the continuing support and cooperation of all our Executive Committee and members and your participation in MASSA’s activities.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President