Issue #259 - 5 July 2021 Dear Subscriber, |
|
UK and CPTPP Nations Launch Formal Negotiations
The UK is formally launching accession negotiations with CPTPP nations, pivoting Britain towards some of the world’s biggest economies of the present and future.
Britain's accession would further strengthen CPTPP as a global free trading area. Accession strengthens Britain’s relationship with these dynamic economies, as the world economy increasingly centres on the Pacific region. UK membership sends a powerful signal about the importance placed on free trade by this dynamic group of countries at this critical time in our history and helps to reinforce the rules-based international system.
Joining CPTPP will boost UK trade with Malaysia and help to increase opportunities for businesses. UK accession would remove tariffs on goods from both countries, supporting jobs and helping our economies recover from Covid-19.
CPTPP is one of the largest free trade areas in the world, accounting for 13% of global GDP in 2019. This would rise to 16% with the UK’s accession, adding substantial value to this huge free trade area.
Combined GDP amongst CPTPP members would also increase GDP from almost £9 trillion to £11 trillion with the UK’s accession and would send a powerful signal about the importance of free and fair trade helping to reinforce the rules-based international system at a critical time in our history.
UK membership would demonstrate that CPTPP is an expanding partnership, which is open to growing and strengthening with economies that support the ambitions of the high-standard agreement.
The UK looks forward to working with Japan, as chair of CPTPP, when formal talks begin shortly, alongside the wider membership who have all welcomed the UK’s application and supported the UK’s accession ambitions.
Sam Myers, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific, said, “Joining CPTPP will unlock new benefits for British businesses in Asia Pacific across many sectors including digital trade, financial services and investment and enable us to champion sustainability within this dynamic £9 trillion free trade area. “Our tilt to the Indo Pacific is deepening crucial partnerships with this thriving region and will ensure mutual prosperity as we Build Back Better”.
With the alliance of the CPTPP countries agreeing on Thursday 3 June 2021 to start negotiations with the UK to join the trade treaty, the British Chambers of Commerce across the 11 existing CPTPP member countries are working closer together to support the UK’s strengthening of trade and business ties with the UK. As key connectors to regional business eco-systems, the Chambers provide a platform to amplify activity, and support UK companies by connecting them to the CPTPP member country local markets. Collectively, we welcome the decision by CPTPP member countries to begin the accession process for the UK, and seek to further strengthen collaboration and provide opportunities for UK businesses to create meaningful partnerships between UK businesses across the trade treaty area.
Download the policy paper for UK's strategic approach to join the CPTPP here. |
|
BritCham Singapore Webinar | Green Bonds, Carbon Offsetting & the Challenges with Data & Transparency
BritCham Singapore's Financial & Fintech and Sustainability Committees welcome you to a discussion on sustainable finance, green bonds, ESG Data, carbon offsetting and more as we lead up to COP26.
Date: Tuesday, 13 July 2021 Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm (SGT/MYT) / 9.00am - 10.30am (UKT)
Check out Britcham Singapore's Sustainability Report here. |
|
|
British Chambers of Commerce Webinar | Crossing Continents – Moving Goods under Transit
The volume of goods being exported from the UK under the Common Transit Convention has increased significantly since Brexit. - Why is this method of import and export becoming more popular and how does a trader access the service?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages to using Transit?
- What is the role of a consignee and a consignor?
- What does it cost to move goods in this way?
Join us to find out answers to these questions and hear from Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation at the British Chambers of Commerce and Director at Chamber Customs and also experts from HM Revenue & Customs.
Date: Thursday, 22 July 2021 Time: 2.00pm - 3.00pm (UKT) / 9.00am - 10.00am (MYT)
Open to all. Register here. |
|
|
AMCHAM Sustainability Week (5-8 July 2021)
AMCHAM is organising a week-long Sustainability Programme from 5-8 July 2021 that explores the various ways companies are moving into a more sustainable way of operating to not only improve productivity and drive innovation but to also be answerable to the survivability of the planet and its inhabitants. BMCC members are invited to attend this week-long programme. To get complimentary access to each event, apply the discount code "AMCHAMFRIENDS2021" upon signing up under a “Non Member” ticket. More information is available in the links below:
|
|
|
Enhancement of the Renewal Process for Employment Pass (EP)
On 25 June 2021, the Immigration Department of Malaysia announced an update to the renewal process for the Employment Pass (EP) effective from 1 July 2021 onwards. This is applicable to expatriates who will remain in Malaysia and wish to proceed with the EP renewal for the same position in the same company.
For this renewal scenario, the following three documents are no longer required to be uploaded during the EP renewal application: - Education Certificate
- Resume
- Job Description
For further assistance with Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass, and related passes, email helpdesk@myxpats.com.my. |
|
EMCO Imposed in Klang Valley from 3 July 2021
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a statement on 1 July 2021 that the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) will be imposed in 34 mukims in Selangor and 14 localities in Kuala Lumpur for 14 days, from 3 July to 16 July 2021.
All residents in the EMCO areas are not allowed to leave their homes except for one person from each home who will be allowed to buy basic necessities within 10km of their homes. No movement outside of homes is allowed beyond 8pm, unless for emergencies or with prior approval from the police.
In addition, those not in the approved list of services are prohibited from working onsite. Employers must comply by providing leave or enforcing work from home orders.
Media statement (BM version) here.
Media statement (English version*) here.
EMCO SOP (BM version**) here.
Related news article here.
*Unofficial English translation by EuroCham Malaysia republished with permission by the BMCC, an associate member of EuroCham Malaysia.
**Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) Circular republished with permission by the BMCC, an Association member of the MEF. |
|
Malaysia Launches National 4IR Policy
The government launched the national policy on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (National 4IR Policy) on 1 July 2021, aimed at increasing the country's readiness in harnessing the potential of 4IR. The policy is set to transform Malaysia into a high-income nation driven by technology and digitalisation.
Comprising four core thrusts, i.e. preparing the people with knowledge and skillsets related to 4IR; shaping the country with connectivity through digital infrastructure development; providing appropriate and flexible rules in line with technology change; and expediting innovation and adaptation of 4IR technology, the policy will target three main groups, namely people, businesses and government.
Download the National 4IR Policy (BM version) here.
Related news article here. |
|
The BMCC welcomes our latest member company, AP Digital Media Sdn. Bhd., to our growing affiliation of more than 200 leading businesses in Malaysia from all industrial spectrums. |
|
A brief history about us ─ AP Digital Media Sdn. Bhd. was established in 2003 as a Digital Media & Events company. AP Digital Media Sdn. Bhd.'s main clients include Malakoff Berhad, Taylormade Adidas, PETRONAS, Cobra Puma Golf, PrivAsia Berhad, edotco and many others.
For PETRONAS, we were managing their product launches / roadshows and also retail show requirements. We have been their vendor for the last 9 years.
After COVID-19 took its toll on the Events Industry in 2020, the company went into a different venture. We are registered, affiliated and have been vetted by the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Rubber Board (under the Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities) and the Malaysian Rubber Council as an exporter of Gloves and PPE items.
Our current catalogue is comprised mainly of Gloves (Nitrile and Latex) and other types of PPE (Disposable Gowns / Coveralls / Face Shields / Hand Sanitisers / Face Masks, etc.). To date, we have shipped 20 containers of gloves abroad, mainly to the US and the United Kingdom.
Principal Representative: Sean Pereira (Director Of Finance And Administration) |
|
EY Webinar | Data Privacy Regulations in APAC – Impact, Trends and What Lies Ahead
Organisations have primarily treated data privacy and protection as regulation-driven compliance requirements and not as a strategic priority – but with the accelerated digital transformation in today's post-pandemic world, data privacy is becoming key consideration for many organisations.
EY subject matter experts will share insights on data privacy-related trends in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific, impacts to organisations operating in Malaysia and the region as well as how organisations are responding to these threats and trends.
Date: Thursday, 8 July 2021 Time: 10.00am - 11.30am (MYT)
1. Name 2. Designation 3. Company name 4. Email address
Participants may also send in questions in advance. |
|
|
Virtual LHAG Corporate Counsel Conference | Legal Currents: Tech in 2021, 15-16 July 2021 Every year, with the exception of 2020, Lee Hishammuddin Allen & Gledhill organises the Corporate Counsel Day exclusively for the corporate counsel community. The informative seminar discusses a wide range of legal issues of pertinence in Malaysia. This year’s event, themed “Legal Currents: Tech in 2021”, is the first to be held virtually. Jaco Benadie and Ng Jern-Fei QC will grace the occasion as guest speakers. Do sign up and hear from these LHAG lawyers in their respective sessions:
· Dato’ Nitin Nadkarni · Andrew Chiew Ean Vooi · G Vijay Kumar · Steven SY Tee · Teo Wai Sum · Eunice Chan Wei Lynn · Crystal Wong Wai Chin · Jason Tan Jia Xin · Chng Keng Lung · Eleena Abd Wahab
|
|
|
Malaysia Airlines | Enjoy Exclusive Perks and Bigger Savings on Your Company's Expenditure
MHbiz Travel aims to optimise your business travels by providing you with corporate discounts, special services and higher flexibility. Depending on your travel volume, choose between MHbiz Plus or MHbiz Pro and enjoy exclusive perks and bigger savings on your company’s expenditure.
Set your appointment today with our Corporate Relationship Manager via MHbiz PRO Hospitality Desk for a complimentary Live Demo for MHbiz PRO product.
|
|
|
The British Council | Study UK and Alumni UK Updates
Check out the upcoming British Council activities below! Of particular interest is the Alumni UK platform – we urge all UK alumni and interested employers to be involved in this exciting initiative.
6 July 2021 | 4.00pm - 5.00pm Get the latest updates on the UK's current Higher Education landscape and how it will look beyond 2021 as the UK universities are gradually returning to normal (face-to-face teaching). Register here.
17 July and 11 August 2021 | 4.00pm - 5.30pm Prospective students, students who have received an offer from UK institutions, parents and guardians, register now for an early pass to secure your slot in the Study UK pre-departure briefing that will provide you with pre-travel advice. Alumni UK is the British Council's new platform that enables Malaysian UK alumni to come together in one place to join groups with their alma mater, message fellow alumni, view job vacancies from employers, receive employability and career tips, discover British Council events, find out about cultural events relating to the UK and more. Register here. |
|
|
St. John’s International Secondary School | Open Month (1 July - 31 July 2021)
At St. John’s International Secondary School, students' enthusiasm in learning and developing themselves through our programme is fundamental to our continued success.
Join us for our Open Month and get a thorough glance at our school. Register with us to enjoy exclusive rebates and book an appointment with us. Admissions open for 2021/2022 intake!
Date: 1 July - 31 July 2021 Time: 9.00am - 5.30pm (Weekdays) / 9.00am - 1.00pm (Saturdays)
For more information, please give us a call at +603 2022 4881, or reach us via email at openday@sjis.edu.my
|
|
|
Garth Coates Solicitors | Representative of an Overseas Business (Sole Representative)
Is your business looking to set up a branch or subsidiary in the UK? The Representative of an Overseas Business Visa (aka Sole Representative) is the perfect route for Malaysian companies and organisations seeking to establish or expand their business in the UK.
Find out more about how Garth Coates Solicitors can assist your application for a Representative of an Overseas Business here. |
|
|
AstraZeneca Continues to Drive Healthcare Innovation with AI X-Ray for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
In conjunction with World No Tobacco Day observed on 31 May 2021, science-driven biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has entered into a new partnership with the Lung Cancer Network Malaysia (LCNM) and Qure.ai to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) X-ray solutions at primary care clinics across Malaysia for the early detection of lung cancer.
To establish a seamless patient pathway for early detection and referral of lung cancer patients, AstraZeneca will be working closely with LCNM and Qure.ai for the provision and incorporation of AI diagnostics software in partner Qualitas Medical Group's 10 selected primary-care clinics across Malaysia.
|
|
|
University Malaya| UM, Coventry University Sign MOU for Academic-Industrial Collaboration
Universiti Malaya has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Coventry University in a virtual signing ceremony on 9 June 2021 to collaborate in a number of key areas.
The two universities will explore the potential for technology commercialisation, joint collaboration in various knowledge exchange activities, student and staff exchanges, joint study programmes and joint research activities.
The MOU was signed by Professor Dato’ Ir. Dr. Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya and Professor John Latham CBE, the Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University.
|
|
|
Tay & Partners | Digital Transition – Is Malaysia Ready for It?
Tiktok, Dogecoin, Zoom, OneDrive and Taobao, what do they all have in common? They are among the hottest things in the world right now. And they are all on the internet.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the embrace of technology and internet at an unprecedented pace. TikTok, the new social media giant in town, surpassed 2 billion downloads in May 2020 after just a few years of existence. Dogecoin, a digital currency created in 2013 as a parody of Bitcoin, had a market capitalization of over USD92 billion on 7 May 2021, in no small part thanks to the Musk Effect. Zoom, One Drive and Taobao all recorded staggering sales and profits in 2020 while closer to home, the cloud computing market in Malaysia is expected to be worth US$3.7bil in 2024, growing at a compounded annual rate of 13% from 2020. The question is, thus, are the major laws in Malaysia prepared to transition the country seamlessly into this new, increasingly connected and technology-oriented world?
Read the full article here. |
|
|
Northern Powerhouse Virtual Trade Mission to Malaysia
The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) is delighted to partner with the UK Department for International Trade (DIT), to organise a Virtual Trade Mission to Malaysia from 7 September to 30 September 2021 focusing on the technology sector. There are 15 UK companies from the Northern Powerhouse region offering expertise, innovative solutions and digital transformation in smart cities, education, manufacturing and warehouse management systems. A Pre-Mission Briefing was held for the delegates today, 5 July 2021. Companies or individuals that are keen to learn more about the products and services offered by the UK delegates are welcome to register for a virtual 1-1 Business Meeting with the UK delegates. Please contact phoebe@bmcc.org.my for more information. |
|
|
British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Berhad 201801018075 (1280091-P) E04C0, 4th Floor East Block, Wisma Golden Eagle Realty, 142-B Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Copyright © BMCC 2021 |
|
|
