Issue #241 - 1 Mar 2021 Dear Subscriber, |
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Webinar Flashback: Doing Business in ASEAN, Focus on Malaysia
On 25 February 2021, the BMCC hosted the “Doing Business in ASEAN, Focus on Malaysia” webinar in collaboration with InvestKL, an investment promotion agency under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) focused on attracting multinationals, unicorns and fast-growing companies to establish their regional hubs in Greater Kuala Lumpur. The British Chamber of Commerce Singapore was the supporting organisation for the webinar. Jennifer Lopez, BMCC Chief Executive Officer, emphasised Malaysia’s position as a preferred investment destination for British exporters and investors in her introductory remarks, where the robust bilateral relations between the two countries continue to create opportunities in areas such as digital transformation and e-commerce, education, green technology and healthcare. She said the Chamber is committed to continuing to promote Malaysia and ASEAN as the preferred destination for trade and investment, especially for UK businesses, and to support them in their business expansion in the region.
David Kelly, the Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore and Co-Chair of the Britain in South East Asia (BiSEA) network said this webinar was the perfect example of a collaboration between the two chambers in the BiSEA network to support key themes such as trade for the benefit of their members who share similar sector interests. The BiSEA network also reflects the support of the broader ecosystems for businesses and growth across ASEAN.
Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, Chief Executive Officer of InvestKL, who has successfully led teams to bring in 103 MNCs to set up regional hubs, said the main activities that landed in Greater Kuala Lumpur from a regional perspective are in the high-value, high-tech and high-impact services sector. Of the 103 MNCs, 45 percent are from Europe and 10 companies are from the UK, representing diverse industries such as oil and gas, financial sector, pharmaceutical sector, education and more. Focusing on the ease of doing business, InvestKL facilitates companies with the right processes and guidance both during the pre-and post-investment stages. George Thomson, Deputy Trade Commissioner for South East Asia, Department of International Trade (DIT) said the UK is making a decisive tilt towards Asia-Pacific, and at the heart of this tilt is the promotion of free trade and partnership on global issues such as climate change. The UK has concluded 63 trade agreements since leaving the EU, covering nearly GBP1 trillion via bilateral trade, including deals with Singapore and Vietnam, a historical new free trade agreement with Japan and ongoing negotiations with Australia and New Zealand for new free trade agreements. At the ASEAN level, in 2021 the UK is trying to secure partner status with the bloc. UK-ASEAN trade is approximately GBP40 billion per year and has been resilient during the pandemic, a testament to its strong relations with the region. With regard to the Asia-Pacific, the UK is seeking to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will cover nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP if the UK is included. The CPTPP is seen as a high-standard and highly beneficial deal for countries where the UK has no existing trade agreement with, such as Malaysia. He notes, however, that Malaysia, is yet to be a ratified member of the deal. For now, the DIT has established a joint committee with MITI which provides a framework for the Malaysian and UK government to work together at the government level and to create the right conditions for market access with each other. In 2021, working groups are expected to be created in focus areas for trade growth such as education, legal services and the food and drinks sector, as well as for greater cooperation and conformity at the SME level. As in the region, UK-Malaysia trade is holding up quite well, with GBP4.7 billion of trade in goods and services in 2020. George also talked about the extensive UK investment footprint in Malaysia in financial services, big pharma and big energy companies which are particularly focused on energy transition and low carbon; there is also an emerging trend of smaller UK tech companies moving to Malaysia. Significant investments include Smith+Nephew’s medical device manufacturing plant in Penang, five UK university campuses and countless other partnerships in secondary and tertiary education. He also mentioned that according to MDEC, the UK now has close to 100 companies in the Multimedia Super Corridor.
A stable political and regulatory environment is required attract and maintain the high-tech, high skills, high value-added investments that Malaysia is targeting, and George hopes the 12th Malaysia Plan will provide the signals about the medium- and long-term investment environment in Malaysia. Reflecting that the education sector was not seen as an essential sector during the MCO restrictions, George also stressed that any de-prioritisation of the sector would be worrying to the UK government as they would like to see UK children back in school as a matter of priority. With the vaccination programme kicking in and the Malaysian economy forecast to grow at 5 per cent this year, Malaysia's long-term economic growth path is seen to be highly positive, and DIT and the Chambers network will continue to provide support to UK companies intending to invest in Malaysia and ASEAN. Andrew Diamond, founder of AssetData.io and Deputy Chairman of the BMCC moderated the panel session, where he led panellists Natasha Pheiffer, Managing Director Asia, BAE Systems and Paul Gibbons, Managing Director, Sports Direct Malaysia, to share their experience of investing and operating in Malaysia and offer advice to potential investors. Watch the webinar recording here.
The BMCC thanks InvestKL and BritCham Singapore for this collaboration. |
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Tell Us What BMCC Events You Want More Of
With the arrival of vaccination programmes around the world, a robust post-pandemic recovery is everyone's hope as we buckle down to face the new business landscape.
At the BMCC, we want to continue supporting our member companies by delivering premium quality events that provide the best professional networking opportunities and business insights.
Let Karen Dass, our Senior Manager, Events know what type of events, topics/themes and information you would value as you take your business forward in the post-pandemic era. We look forward to your feedback to help us serve you better. |
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The BMCC Higher Education Committee Convenes for First Meeting of 2021
The BMCC Higher Education (HE) Committee held their first meeting for 2021 virtually on 3 February 2021, chaired by Acting Chair, Prof. Mushtak Al-Atabi from Heriot-Watt University and attended by 19 members. Among the upcoming events by the HE Committee is a webinar on improving employability skills in the finance and accounting sector to be held on Wednesday, 7 April 2021. The webinar will feature speakers from BP, TalentCorp, Kaplan Financial Services, University of Reading, International University of Malaya-Wales and Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). In addition, there will be a webinar to launch the HE Committee publication on student voice in the first quarter of 2021. Please feel free to contact Phoebe Nonis for more information. |
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MEF: Employers Urged to Brief and Encourage Workers to Take Covid-19 Inoculation
MEF President Dato’ Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. said employers have an important role to assist the government to ensure the success of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme so as to boost up confidence towards speedy economic recovery.
Other than the MySejahtera app, registration for Covid-19 vaccination could be done via the soon to be established Covid-19 JKJAV website, or the Hotline phone number that the government will soon announce.
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BMCC Webinar | Energy Outlook 2021
Led by the BMCC Energy Committee, this forum brings together key players and policymakers to share and discuss their net-zero ambitions and developments, as well as the drivers and challenges in guiding the national policy-making on deployment of clean energy transition in the diverse and crucial energy sector.
Date: Wednesday, 10 March 2021 Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm (MYT)
Distinguished speakers: - YB Datuk Ali Biju, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Malaysia
- Ken O’Flaherty, COP26 UK Regional Ambassador to Asia Pacific and South Asia
- Dr Jay Mariyappan, Head of New Energy, PETRONAS
- Azman Nasir, Regional Director (Asia Pacific), Energy Industries Council
- Dr Leon Rosario (Q&A Session Moderator), ASEAN Technical and Marketing Director, Ricardo Asia (Ltd) UK
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BMCC Webinar | Why Hire During the Pandemic Crisis: Look for the Silver Lining
Even during the pandemic, there are various opportunities to grow and upskill new talent. What is the right choice for your organisation?
Find out more about the wage subsidies and hiring incentives under Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 from Perkeso and how to upskill your new talent with fully subsidised Business English and soft skills training. This programme under My EMPRO (Malaysia Employability Programme) is from Direct English, UK with Linguaskill, the globally recognised English Proficiency Certification Test by Cambridge Assessment English.
Date: Monday, 15 March 2021 Time: 2.30pm - 3.40pm (MYT)
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FMM-BMCC Webinar | EU-EXIT: Trade & Investment Opportunities for Malaysian Companies and Conversion from Conformitè Europëenne (CE) Mark to United Kingdom Conformity Assessed (UKCA)
In this webinar co-hosted by the BMCC and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), we will be discussing the current trade relationship and opportunities between Malaysia and the UK, and the importance of converting product certification from CE Mark to UKCA. Date: Tuesday, 16 March 2021 Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm (MYT) |
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British High Commission-BMCC Webinar | The Time is Now: Race to Zero
This webinar is the first in the series of several engagement initiatives by the BMCC presented in collaboration with the British High Commission to support the R2Z in the run-up to CoP26. Join prominent business leaders and experts in a discussion that none of us can afford to be left out of ─ the race against time to safeguard our planet through a zero-carbon future where sustainable growth and the wellbeing of all species are a reality.
Date: Thursday, 25 March 2021 Time: 4.00pm - 5.45pm (MYT)
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BMCC Webinar | Improving Employability Skills in the Finance & Accounting Sector
Our esteemed panellists will discuss how enhanced collaboration between the government, professional bodies and the higher education institutions can improve employability skills within the finance and accounting sector.
Key topics for discussion: - Current collaborative efforts that have worked successfully
- Further initiatives that could be undertaken to promote and improve collaboration
- Challenges to overcome
Date: Wednesday, 7 April 2021 Time: 4.00pm - 5.30pm (MYT) / 9.00am - 10.30 am (GMT)
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BritCham Webinars | The Future of UK-EU Trade Relations Webinar Series
Save the dates for our upcoming webinars which will explore the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Businesses trading internationally need support during this time of change. These interactive hour-long events will provide guidance for businesses in the short term and over the coming months.
- The Future of the UK/EU Trade Relations: Services and Data, Tuesday, 2 March 2021, 9.30pm (MYT) / 1.30pm (GMT)
- Global Britain – The Future of UK-China Trade Relations, Thursday, 4 March 2021, 5.00pm (MYT) / 9.00am (GMT)
- The Future of the UK/EU Trade Relations: Looking at VAT Implications, Tuesday, 9 March 2021, 10.30pm (MYT) / 2.30pm (GMT)
- The Future of the UK/EU Trade Relations: Building on the Deal, Tuesday, 16 March 2021, 10.30pm (MYT) / 2.30pm (GMT)
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BritCham Singapore Event | International Women's Day 2021: The Virtual Conference
For the second consecutive year, join us with four activities across seven days and multiple time zones, each addressing gender equality.
Dates : Thursday, 4 March - Thursday, 11 March 2021
- Women in Leadership/STEM, Thursday, 4 March 2021, 5.00pm (MYT) / 9.00am (GMT)
- #ChoosetoChallenge, Monday, 8 March 2021, 5.00pm (MYT) / 9.00am (GMT)
- The BritCham Singapore Podcast Special Episode - Women in Startups, Wednesday, 10 March 2021 (On-demand)
- In Conversation with Jenny Campbell, Founder of YourCash and former panellist on "Dragon's Den", Thursday, 11 March 2021, 5.00pm (MYT) / 9.00am (GMT)
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BritCham Indonesia Webinar | BritCham Professional Women’s Group: Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year, the Britcham Professional Women Group's theme for International Women's Day 2021 is "Challenge - Community - Connection - Collaboration - Change". Together, let's make 2021 the year we are called to make a meaningful difference through our work, community, and the world. This ability to think BIG is what makes women's communities so powerful. In order to inspire others and make this world a better reflection of our visions and values, we first need to be inspired.
Date: Monday, 8 March 2021 Time: 5.00pm (MYT) / 4.00pm (JKT Time) / 9.00am (GMT)
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ASEAN IP Business Sentiment Survey 2021
This survey is being carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore across ASEAN on behalf of the International Policy Directorate at the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The IPO supports British Intellectual Property (IP) rich businesses trade in the international market. One of the priority regions is South East Asia, reflecting the UK government’s interest in increasing trade access to this high growth region and continue to open markets. The completion of this survey will enable the IPO to gain a better understanding of what part IP plays in a business’s export and growth experience and will ensure they can target engagements to continue to lower the impact of IP as a market access barrier. Please direct your in-house counsel, legal team or employee responsible for IP in the organisation to complete this survey on your company's behalf, providing a response across the region either with one submission or per-country. Thank you for your time; the survey should take 5-10mins to complete and contact details are optional. Please do indicate the country in which your company is based at a minimum, if you wish to remain anonymous. The survey will close for responses at 6pm MYT on Friday, 26 March 2021. |
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Launch of COVID-19 Immunisation Handbook
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launched the official website and handbook for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme on 16 February 2021. The handbook contains details on the types of Covid-19 vaccines which will be used by the government, the facilities provided to store the vaccines, religious views on the vaccination, immunisation guidelines and more. Download handbook in English here.
Download handbook in BM here. |
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Launch of MyDigital, Malaysia's Digital Economy Blueprint
On 19 February 2021, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launched MyDigital — the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint that will chart the growth trajectory of the country's digital economy development.
The blueprint comprises action plans which adopted a whole-of-nation approach to complement the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
Through this plan, by 2025, the digital economy is expected to contribute 22.6% to the country's GDP. At the same time, the plan also aims to open 500,000 job opportunities in the digital economy.
PM's speech text (ENG) here.
Digital Economy Blueprint (ENG) here.
Related news article here. |
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COVID-19 Employee Accommodation Initiative
The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) has taken several measures in relation to compliance with employee accommodation throughout the country to control the transmission of the COVlD-19 epidemic. The first initiative is the drafting of the Emergency Ordinance (Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Employee Amenities) (Amendment) 2021 gazetted on 17 February 2021.
Media statement (ENG) here.
Media statement (BM) here. |
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The BMCC welcomes our latest member company, Sunway Group, to our growing affiliation of more than 200 leading businesses in Malaysia from all industrial spectrums. |
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Established in 1974, Sunway Group is one of Malaysia's largest conglomerates with core interests in real estate, construction, education and healthcare, with a unique build-own-operate business model. Our 16,000-strong team across 50 locations worldwide is committed to transformative growth and sustainable progress through our 13 business divisions including real estate, construction, retail, hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education, trading, and manufacturing, building materials and Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Principal Representative: Nik Tasha Nik Kamaruddin (Senior General Manager, Group Brand Marketing & Communications) |
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EY | UK Budget Webcast 2021: What You Need to Know
Join our webcast for the analysis of the UK’s Budget. Our tax specialists and EY ITEM Club will discuss the economic impact of the Chancellor’s announcements and assess the key tax implications for individuals, employers and businesses.
Date: Thursday, 4 March 2021 Time: 11.00pm-12.00am (MYT) / 3.00pm-4.00pm (GMT)
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Marlborough College Malaysia Online Admissions Morning Outstanding academic results, top 2% of schools globally who offer IB, international award-winning pastoral care set within a 90-acre purpose-built site. The opportunities for your child to flourish both in the classroom and beyond abound. The Master invites you to enjoy live presentations and discussions of how a Marlborough College Malaysia education would bring out the best in your child.
- UK National Curriculum, IGCSE & IB Diploma
- Co-Education ages 3-18 years
- Boarding and day school
- Full co-curricular programme within the school day
- Lifelong membership of the Old Marlburian worldwide network.
Date: Saturday, 20 March 2021 Time: 9.00 am (MYT) |
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The International School @ ParkCity Kuala Lumpur | EYC Online Open Day
We invite you to join our EYC Online Open Day on Saturday, 6 March 2021 via video conference. The Online Open Day will start at 11.00 am and will be led by Miss Tracy Lewis, Head of the Early Years Centre. She also will be joined by the Head of Primary School, Miss Rebecca Findlay. |
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Nexus International School | Fee Waiver 2021
Nexus International School's biggest deal ever! Apply now and SAVE up to 75% off Application & Registration Fees.
Enjoy flexible payment of deposit over three terms too! Enquire now - offer valid for a limited time only.
Consult Nexus Academic & Admissions team online to learn more about their curriculum for Pre-school, Primary (IPC), Secondary (IGCSE) and Pre-university (IBDP).
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University of Reading | A Prestigious UK Degree is Now More Accessible, Affordable and Flexible Than Ever Before!
Apply now for our APRIL or JULY 2021 intake - and receive the 5% SUPER EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!
Contact us for a VIRTUAL 1-to-1 CONSULTATION session via WhatsApp, Phone or Email.
For more information, kindly contact us at: Call +607 2686 205 Whatsapp +6016 7725 400 |
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Deloitte | Tax Espresso – Special Alert: Malaysia Deposits Ratification Instrument for MLI
Malaysia deposited its instrument of ratification for the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (“MLI”) on 18 February 2021. The number of countries that have deposited their ratification instruments for the MLI is 63.
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GEMS International School | The Gold Standard – the A Level: the British Post-16 Qualification
The unsurpassed quality of the A Level has led it to weathering nearly 70 years of service. As one of the oldest qualifications in the world and with over a million people sitting its examinations each year, the popularity of the A Level cannot be questioned. A widely accepted currency, the A Level has now become the Gold Standard of qualifications demonstrating that a student is ready to enter an Anglo-sphere, high-quality and global higher-education college.
Read this article by Anthony Partington, Principal of GEMS International School Tropicana Metropark, Subang Jaya here. |
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IPSOS | Shifting Consumption in South East Asia
This thought piece by the Ipsos Malaysia Strategy3 team focuses on Southeast Asian consumers, in which the findings from the survey and the domestic consumer environment indicate that the effect of changing consumption is likely to be more pronounced in Southeast Asia than the European experience.
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The following British exporters are seeking partners and distributors in Malaysia: |
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Fresh Live Lobsters and Crabs
A global supplier of top-quality live and sustainably sourced shellfish, which has been operating for over 70 years, is looking to work with potential seafood distributors here in Malaysia.
The company’s innovative factory ensures their ability to hold shellfish in optimum conditions, and their modernised holding tanks and packing area are equipped with new technology to meet ever-increasing traceability and food safety standards. Their stocks are also regularly monitored and controlled, guaranteeing freshness, quality, and regularity.
Keen to explore/meet with the UK company? Email samantha@bmcc.org.my and we will reach out to you shortly.* |
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Fresh British Salmon
A food and drinks supplier of premium British food products is looking to work with potential distributors in Malaysia. They are a supplier of high-end unique gourmet snacks, innovative drinks, and fresh seafood, including the finest fresh British whole salmon. With reliable distribution and supply partners, the company exports their products to Asia including remote regions, such as the Maldives and surrounding regions.
Keen to explore/meet with the UK company? Email samantha@bmcc.org.my and we will reach out to you shortly.* |
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Halal Baby Food
This UK manufacturer creates healthy baby food loved by parents and over five million tiny tummies. Full of exciting flavours using 100% natural ingredients, all the meals are dairy-free, gluten-free and halal, with absolutely no additives or preservatives! The company carefully blends vegetables, fruits and high-quality meat with gentle spices, to create nutritious dishes filled with tasty goodness for your aspiring little foodie.
Keen to explore/meet with the UK company? Email samantha@bmcc.org.my and we will reach out to you shortly.* |
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Watches and Watch Straps
Founded in 1939, this UK Company is a manufacturer of watch and watch straps, and is looking to distribute their products here in Malaysia. They have a sales team which covers the UK and Ireland, and have over 2,500 independent retailers and multiples stocking their products. With a worldwide distribution network covering 40 countries as well as partner offices in France and Germany, their brand is particularly well represented in Europe.
Keen to explore/meet with the UK company? Email samantha@bmcc.org.my and we will reach out to you shortly.* |
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*Upon reviewing your provided company profile, and subject to being successfully shortlisted by the UK company, we will facilitate the B2B meeting (virtual for now) with our UK client at no cost. |
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Trade and Investments Factsheet: Malaysia
This factsheet released on 12 February 2021 provides the latest statistics on trade and investment between the UK and Malaysia.
Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Malaysia was £4.7 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2020, a decrease of 5.2% or £253 million from the four quarters to the end of Q3 2019.
Malaysia was the UK’s 42nd largest trading partner in the four quarters to the end of Q3 2020 accounting for 0.4% of total UK trade.
Download the factsheet here. |
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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 |
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