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Issue #252 - 17 May 2021
Dear Subscriber,
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Malaysia, Southeast Asia's Tech Rising Star, Offers Exciting Business Opportunities to UK Tech Companies
 
Malaysia, ASEAN gateway and the UK's second largest trading partner, is also the region's tech rising star. On 11 May 2021, the BMCC and the Department for International Trade (DIT) UK presented a webinar to showcase Malaysia's strong standing in the region's tech sector and provide more information on the related market opportunities. The webinar is an introductory precursor to the virtual trade mission to Malaysia for Northern Powerhouse companies happening on 5-19 July 2021.

Having successfully organised various trade missions to ASEAN in the past couple of years, Philomena Chen, Head of Asia Pacific/Smart Cities Lead, DIT Northwest, said in her welcome remarks that DIT Northwest is excited to present the upcoming virtual tech trade mission and to invite innovative, experienced exporters of tech and associated services located in the UK Northern Region to register their participation interest.

According to Calvin Woo, Senior Trade Manager for Technology, DIT Malaysia, Malaysia is identified by the UK as one of the primary markets for the tech sector due to its business-friendly environment, conducive environment for tech companies to thrive in and strong government commitment in investing in the innovation landscape ─ factors which underscore the ample opportunities for both local and overseas tech players. He also spoke about the tech partnership between UK and Malaysia, and DIT Malaysia's role at the forefront of this exciting tech journey. Through DIT Malaysia's partnership with the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), many opportunities have been forged for UK tech companies to form partnerships with Malaysian tech companies. In addition, DIT Malaysia has also implemented various initiatives to facilitate and support UK companies' access to the Malaysian market, including in-country networking opportunities and trade missions such as the aforementioned event.

Thank you to the following speakers who shared useful insights on Malaysia, UK-Malaysia tech partnerships, tech focus sectors and opportunities, protecting your intellectual property and setting up in Malaysia along with tax information:
  • Philomena Chen, DIT Northwest
  • Phoebe Nonis, BMCC
  • Calvin Woo, DIT Malaysia
  • Ryan Chan, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
  • Dr Chris Hemingway, Marks & Clerk
  • Kwang Gek Sim, Deloitte Tax Services Sdn Bhd
  • Eugene Chow, Deloitte Malaysia

For those who missed the webinar, watch the replay here to access more information on the market and the tech opportunities available in Malaysia. 

Please note this virtual trade mission is only for companies from the Northern Powerhouse region – North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber. Interested companies can download the flyer, find out more about the trade mission and register your interest here, or enquire with Irina at events@tradenw.org.
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Queen's Speech ─ May 2021

The Queen’s Speech, which took place on 11 May 2021, is the formal occasion when the UK government announces its legislative priorities for the coming Parliamentary year, but does not provide much detail.
 
Following the speech, the British Chambers of Commerce policy team has prepared a grid available here which provides an overview of the key Bills announced. The UK government’s briefing note is available here and further details will come into the public domain over time.
 
BCC Survey Finds Four in Five Firms Have No Plans for Vaccine Certification

A survey of more than 1,000 UK businesses carried out by the BCC shows that only 5% of firms have already implemented their own requirements for proof of vaccination.

In addition, firms with more than 50 staff were more likely than smaller firms to either have implemented or be considering introducing requirements for proof of vaccination, but nearly 7 in 10 (69%) still have no plans to do so.

More than 3 in 4 companies (76%) also expect to keep social distancing in place over the next year; 54% said the same of face coverings.

More details in BCC's media release here.
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COVID-19 Vaccination – A Timely Talk to Address Your Concerns and Expectations
  
As Malaysia experiences a worrying upsurge in COVID-19 cases, vaccine hesitancy within the population remains high. Many are still divided on what the bigger risk is – the virus, or the vaccines?
 
Join Dr Nur Elayni Borhan of the Sunway Medical Centre in this timely webinar where she will provide answers to the questions on vaccination that are on many of our minds, so that we are better prepared to make an informed decision for our health safety and wellbeing.
 
Date: Friday, 28 May 2021
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am (MYT)

Flyer here.

Register here.
 
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Key Milestones to UK’s Accession to the CPTPP Trading Partnership and the Value for UK Business

Join us as we explore and provide a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities offered through the UK's proposed accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

We will be joined by Graham Zebedee, Chief Negotiator at the Department for International Trade and Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation and Chamber Customs at the British Chambers of Commerce.

Date: Thursday, 20 May 2021
Time: 4.00pm - 5.00pm (UKT) / 11.00pm - 12.00am (MYT)

Register here.
 
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UK Government Webinar |
ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Virtual Dialogues

2021 is a decisive year for climate action. The ASEAN-UK Race to Zero Dialogues will bring together UK and ASEAN businesses in advance of COP26 to discuss the need for private sector climate action – and the business case for net zero emissions by 2050. 

The opening session on “The Pivotal Role of Businesses in a Net-Zero Future” is relevant to the interests of all businesses. Focused sessions should be of particular interest to businesses operating in the energy and power, finance, transport, agriculture and garments sectors.  

Join us to learn how your company can contribute to combatting climate change by joining the Race to Zero.  

Date: Monday, 24 May & Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Register here.
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First Quarter 2021 GDP Performance: Malaysia's Economic Growth Continues to Recover

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) have announced that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate for the first quarter of 2021 (1Q 2021) is -0.5% year-on-year, a much smaller contraction compared to -3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2020 (4Q 2020). This rate reflects the encouraging economic performance and indicates that the country continues to move on its recovery path, despite the Movement Control Order 2.0 (PKP 2.0) being implemented throughout the period.

This Q1 2021 growth was driven by growth in the manufacturing sector at 6.6% (4Q 2020: 3.0%) and the agriculture sector by 0.4% (4Q 2020: -1.0%) year-on-year. Overall, all sectors of the country's economy showed signs of recovery through a smaller annual contraction compared to the previous quarter.

Ministry of Finance media release (English translation) here.

Bank Negara media release here.

Related news article here.
 
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Recruitment for KL_COP 26 Climate Change Diplomacy Advisor

Increasing climate ambition towards achieving the commitment in the Paris Agreement is a key priority of the British Government. To contribute to achieving this end, the job holder, with oversight from the Political Counsellor External, will coordinate British High Commission Kuala Lumpur’s engagement on COP26 climate diplomacy work, including promoting and supporting the delivery of the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change which will be hosted in the UK in November 2021.

The job holder will also provide policy and programme oversight on our work related to COP26 related outputs and broader environment work related to COP deliverables, e.g. nature and biodiversity.

Application deadline: Thursday, 20 May 2021.

Vacancy details and job application here
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Marlborough College Malaysia  Online Admissions Open 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.
 
'Asia's only authentic British Boarding School' ─ Singapore Tatler
 
The Master invites you to our forthcoming event to understand 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, 22 May 2021
Time: 9.00am (MYT)

More information here.
 
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St. John’s International Primary & Secondary School: Open Week (17- 29 May 2021)

Every student at St. John’s International Primary and Secondary School enjoys an outstanding education coupled with an atmosphere full of fun and passion, where they are supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

With our Open Week, it is your chance to get a feel of our school and chat with our team. Join us and be a part of the Open Week from 17 May 2021 till 29 May 2021.

Make an appointment and register with us to enjoy exclusive rebates. Admissions are open for 2021/2022 intake!

For more information, please give us a call at +603 2022 4881 or reach us via email at openday@sjis.edu.my.

Flyer here.
 
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Knight Frank Malaysia |
Official Launching of Pembroke House at The Plaza Collection, London NW7

A safe and secure environment, surrounded by the wide-open acres of North London’s Green Belt. The Plaza Collection has the premier location within Millbrook Park neighbourhood, being adjacent to the vibrant Millbrook Plaza and just a 1-minute walk to Mill Hill East Underground Station (providing direct access to central London in 17 minutes). 

Prices from £495,000
Easy finance: 70% Loans
Pay just 10% upon signing contract.
Completion: April 2022

Find out more from dominic.hw@my.knightfrank.com, Head of International Residential, Knight Frank Malaysia at +6010-4389169.

More details:
 
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Milestone Healthcare |
COVID-19 Test Mobile Clinic

Looking to do Covid-19 testing for your event and company staff?

Now you can, with our Mobile Clinic set up at your venue!

It is cost effective, reliable and results are out in 15 minutes! Contact us to learn more!

Contact cynthia@milestone-production.com at +6012-5153755.

Flyer here.
 
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The Smart Route to Two Prestigious Sunway University Lancaster University Degrees
 
Two degrees for the price of one with certain Lancaster programmes and the unique opportunity to experience the best the world has to offer.

More information here.
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Marlborough College Malaysia wins BSA's The Boarding Innovation Award 2021

Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has won The Boarding Innovation Award 2021. The Boarding School Association (BSA) Award celebrates outstanding examples of innovation to deliver better boarding in schools internationally. 
 
MCM’s organic and sustainable Barton Farm was the focus of this award. College pupils experience growing produce from seed to harvest, then enjoy the fruits of their labour in the meals created by the fantastic catering department using produce directly from the farm. 
 
MCM also received Highly Commended for both The Wellbeing & Mental Health Initiative Award and The Boarding Research Award.
 
Media release here.
 
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Knight Frank Malaysia |
The London Residential Review Q2 2021

Knight Frank has launched the second quarter of The London Residential Review, a publication with analysis of the prime central London residential markets and a round-up of key market data.

Some key insights on the current London residential markets:
  • March proved to be a record-breaker in the capital’s sales market for over 10 years;
  • Rental declines bottom out as demand grows faster than supply;
  • Latest five-year forecast – Prime Central London to see 25% cumulative growth.

Media release here.
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Advertise with us! Email to comms@bmcc.org.my for advertising opportunities


British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Berhad
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T: +603 2163 1784 / 1786 |  E: info@bmcc.org.my  |  W: www.bmcc.org.my
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