Dear Subscriber, Issue #188 - 17 Feb 2020 UK sees Malaysia as possible gateway to Asia-Pacific trade By - February 12, 2020 @ 10:27am KUALA LUMPUR: Britain, promoting itself as a willing trade partner for the Asia-Pacific region, is seeking close alignment with Malaysia as its former colony considers ratifying an 11-member Pacific trade pact, the UK’s top diplomat said on Tuesday. Pushing the tagline “Global Britain is open for business“, the UK has launched an aggressive campaign to set up new trade partnerships after it formally quit the European Union at the end of January. Malaysia was the final stop in a four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who described the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), representing more than 13 per cent of global gross domestic product, as a “priority” for Britain. EU Exit: Transition to Clarity (Tomorrow, 18 Feb) Our highly anticipated breakfast dialogue with H.E. Charles Hay MVO, British High Commissioner to Malaysia is happening tomorrow. It isn't too late to RSVP for this special session, supported by the UK's Department for International Trade, to hear and discuss the latest policy updates from the British government, and how companies are responding both to the challenges and many new opportunities EU-Exit offers. UK consults on new Global Tariff Policy GOV.UK Now that UK has left the EU, the government is free to make its mark as a champion of free trade, safeguard against the forces of protectionism on the rise across the world, and crucially ensure that our tariff strategy is best for businesses and consumers across the UK. As part of our new approach, the government is developing a new UK Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff schedule which will enter into force on 1st January 2021. To inform the development of this bespoke tariff regime, the government has launched a on the UK Global Tariff policy, beginning on 6 February 2020 and closing on 5 March 2020 at 23:59 GMT. The government encourages everyone with an interest to take part and provide their views. As part of the consultation, the government is seeking views on: - simplifying and tailoring the tariff to suit UK businesses and households, such as removing tariffs of less than 2.5% and rounding tariffs down to the nearest 2.5%, 5% or 10% band; - removing tariffs on key inputs to production which could reduce costs for UK manufacturers; and - removing tariffs where the UK has zero or limited domestic production which could help to lower prices for consumers | BSI Malaysia Grand Opening Ceremony On Feb 13, the BMCC was delighted to be invited to the Grand Opening Ceremony of BSI Malaysia's newly relocated office in Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was officiated by Deputy British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. David Thomas and BSI Group Chief Executive Mr. Howard Kerr, with clients and partners across the region attending this joyous occasion. With this relocation, the BMCC is happy to hear that BSI has decided to use Malaysia as their ASEAN regional hub, with a focus strengthening their offerings related to UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Infrastructure sector and Organisational Resilience. We are pleased to note too that BSI are also expanding their shared services function to Kuala Lumpur. BSI is the UK's national standards body, representing the UK's economic and social interests across all European and international standards organisations and in the development of business information solutions for British organisations of all sizes and sectors. As a certification body in Malaysia, BSI Group Malaysia offers a variety of services including certification, training, CE marking and Kitemark to help organisations work better. Returning for a third consecutive year, the BMCC's Annual Business Excellence Awards 2020 is Open for Nominations! Please adhere to the submission guidelines as stipulated in each corresponding nomination pages below. Deadline for all submissions is 30 April 2020. Winners will be announced at the penultimate Awards Gala Night on 18th June 2020 at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. for more info or contact rohazwan@bmcc.org.my Quarterly International Trade Outlook Q4 2019 by British Chambers of Commerce in Partnership with DHL The Quarterly International Trade Outlook is the UK’s largest independent survey of exporters, based on more than 3,300 responses from firms across the UK. - The balance of manufacturing exporters investing in plant and machinery dropped five points in Q4 to +8, continuing a downward trend in the proportion of firms looking to invest. - Exchange rates remains the top concern of 64% manufacturing exporters surveyed, reflecting uncertainty regarding future trading arrangements. - For exporting service sector firms, the balance of domestic and export orders in the sector remained flat, at +8 and 0 respectively. Both indicators fell sharply within the year and remain historically weak. The BMCC is looking for UK companies to showcase the best of British produce and products at the 21st Malaysian International Food & amp; Beverage Trade Fair (MIFB) 2020. MIFB is the perfect avenue to build business connections to facilitate exhibitors and buyers to source and identify potential business partners to expand their market globally. for more info or contact samantha@bmcc.org.my , a Large corporate member. visited the BMCC last week. Principal, Mr Stefan Sanders who has been pivotal in expanding Arup in Malaysia will be relocating to Australia. The BMCC conveys our sincerest thanks for his support and wishes Stefan all the best in a new chapter! Assuming the role of Principal will be Mr. Mohamad Khedzair Hj. Osman, whom we look forward to establishing a closer working relationship with in the coming years. Kaplan Forum: Are We Doing Enough to Develop Talents Effectively? (27 Feb) To kick start 2020, Kaplan together with BMCC conducted a survey with a focus on utilising Professional Education to Develop Talent and Drive Business Growth. This survey has been created to understand trends in professional education from the employer's perspective and to explore if employers today are training their staff effectively and efficiently. This is a complimentary event open to HR, L & amp;D, Finance leaders, or anyone responsible for championing Talent & amp; Professional Development. *Seats are limited and your registration will be subject to approval. Energy Outlook 2020 (4 Mar) In entering this new decade, how far has the ASEAN region and Malaysia in particular, positioned itself in this diverse and crucial sector? What are the upcoming prospects and foreseeable trends in this energy space that we can benefit from? This forum by the BMCC Energy Committee will explore these opportunities as well as the challenges and uncertainties within the energy spectrum, regionally and within Malaysia, with experts from the public and private sectors. Penang: Preferred Investment Location in Malaysia (24 Mar) Penang has long been one of the preferred states in Malaysia for investment in manufacturing, services, tourism and property. In recognising the huge potential of business development in the Pearl of the Orient, the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), is organising an exclusive sharing session for BMCC members in the manufacturing, services, and infrastructure sectors to discover how businesses can leverage on potential opportunities in Penang and be part of its economic prosperity. AGOS 2020 Finance Summit (17 - 18 Mar) BMCC Partnered Event Find out what are the leading trends and what is new in the Shared Services scene. Demystify data science and practical application for Finance Shared Service processes, emerging trends in digital tools and technology, including industry specific best practices on processes and technologies. BMCC Members are entitled to 15% discount! Email to comms@bmcc.org.my for your promo code Visit to get your tickets! International SOS: Novel Coronavirus, What You Need To Know View this helpful infographic by International SOS pointing out the symptoms, prevention methods and ways the novel coronavirus is transmitted. This is a rapidly evolving situation. International SOS is monitoring closely and updating our as more information becomes available. FAQs, travel restriction, flight operations and screening information are also available on this website. featuring Dr Mark Parrish and James Wood, Head of Security Solutions, International SOS. Is your contract affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak? Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in January 2020, a series of precautions have been implemented in many countries to combat the spread of the virus, including, amongst others, travel bans imposed by several countries, lockdown of various major cities in China, and expropriation of anti-epidemic products by the Chinese Government. As a result, disruptions to the global supply chain and its economic effects in China and beyond are being felt, though are yet to be accurately quantified. BC honours Malaysian-UK alumni The British Council has recognised high achieving Malaysian-UK alumni for their professional contributions and outstanding achievements as business leaders, entrepreneurs and community leaders at its annual Study UK Alumni Awards 2020. Cycle & amp; Carriage: Amazing Deals! Drive home a Mercedes-Benz Certified pre-owned car at an unbeatable price! Get your hands on the car you want this February as we reveal 5 units of Mercedes-Benz Certified pre-owned cars every week at a price never before seen. Alice Smith School: Help them dream big! Special packages for students in Years 9, 10 and 12. Take advantage of this opportunity to join the Alice Smith School. Register below before Friday, 28th February. The school will also be hosting Open Mornings on Tuesday, 25th February (Secondary Campus) and Wednesday, 26th February (Primary Campus). | | Sri KDU International School Info Day (18 Feb) Don’t miss the Sri KDU International School Info Day happening tomorrow, 18th February 2020 from 9 am to 12 noon! Catch our headteachers during their Preview Time to know more about the school. To RSVP and enjoy 50% off the Application Fee, contact us at 03-6145388 or . RSM Malaysia: Digital Service Tax Half Day Workshop (20 Feb) In order to provide a fair and equal treatment for local and foreign digital service providers, Malaysia has introduced the Digital Service Tax (DST) at the rate of 6% effective 1 January 2020. DST shall be charged and levied on any digital services provided by a foreign registered person to any consumer in Malaysia. Find out how DST effects your business, and what you will have to do at this Half Day Workshop by RSM Malaysia. HRDF Claimable. The International School @ ParkCity Open Day (22 Feb) We invite you to join our ISP Early Years Centre Open Day on 22nd February 2020 which starts at 9.30 am. Our specialist and highly qualified teachers provide a nurturing environment in which the students happily learn, play and grow. You will have the opportunity to meet the wonderful Early Years team. We welcome children to come along, tour our fantastic facilities and to stay and play! Click or here. St. John's International School Open Day (22 Feb) Discover how your GREAT journey can begin at St. John’s International School, so mark your calendars! All parents and students are welcome to attend St. John's International School's Open Day on 22nd February 2020 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. While adhering to La Salle values, SJIS stays committed to providing holistic and quality education for all. Come and explore all that St. John’s International School has to offer! RM1,000 rebate will be given upon enrolment at the Open Day. Call us at 03-2022 4883 (Secondary & amp; A-Level) / 03-2034 1288 (Preschool & amp; Primary) for more info Tenby Schools Rainforest Fest (7 Mar) Being one of the Green Flag Schools in Malaysia, our organising Student Leadership Team want to highlight the importance of the rainforests and their ecosystems to our community. Join us in this global movement to raise awareness and encourage action to save one of the earth’s most precious resources, our rainforests. This family-friendly community festival will showcase the talent, diversity and strength of the Tenby Community. There will be performances, food stalls, market stalls, pop-ups, activities and more. 3pm - 7pm @ Tenby Schools Setia Eco Park, Shah Alam Entrance Fee: RM10.00 (Walk-in) For inquiries, email: trobinson@tenby.edu.my University of Southampton Malaysia: Global Leadership Conference 2020 (22-23 Apr) Recognising the challenges leaders face in a constantly changing environment and drawing on experiences from international business and higher education providers, the University of Southampton Malaysia brings you this 2-day programme covering a variety of contemporary issues in global leadership, featuring expert speakers from a range of countries, sectors and perspectives. 10% off for BMCC members! | The Ruma: February Flash Sale The perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and luxuriate in a hotel that exudes the soothing qualities of a true urban resort. Enjoy room rates starting from MYR428+ inclusive of MYR88 nett dining and MYR100 nett spa credits as well as Hostmanship benefits including 24-hour flexible check-in and check-out*, breakfast for 2 persons and complimentary minibar. Book dates: February 10 - 29, 2020 For stays until March 31, 2020 Holborn Assets: Got no time to invest? We do! Invest from as little as $200 USD per month with guaranteed returns and capital protection! Find out how today. Contact: Jon-Pierre Narbey - Associate, Holborn (Labuan) Ltd +6011 3969 9702 | jp.narbey@holbornassets.com Avis: Exclusive Offers From Our Partner KOMUGI Present Avis Malaysia Touch Touch 'n Go card or voucher and enjoy 10% off total bill with minimum sped of RM30. Exclusively for employees of DRB-HICOM Group of Companies and Avis Malaysia customers only. Contact Avis for further enquiries: +603 7803 7555 / sales@avis.com.my Advertise with us! Email to for advertising opportunities 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 T: +603 2163 1784 / 1786 | E: | W: Copyright © BMCC 2020