Malaysian products gain exposure at Asean Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian exhibitors at the Asean Summit have the opportunity to expand into new markets, particularly within the region and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
For the first time, GCC member countries namely Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain have been invited to participate in the 46th Asean Summit.
Asean Summit Subcommittee on Logistics, Media, and Publicity chairman Zamshari Shaharan said the presence of international delegates not only positions Malaysia as a viable investment hub but also provides a platform for local companies to showcase their innovations and explore cross-border opportunities.
"With the presence of foreign delegations and the information they can gather here, it is an opportunity for companies to expand into new markets, especially in the Asean region.
"This is a real chance, and I mentioned to them just now that we will try to bring a delegation consisting of senior officials to ministers to see the offerings for themselves. Perhaps they will bring back proposals to introduce these products in their own countries.
"What is especially exciting this time is the participation of the GCC countries. That could be a new and promising market for our exhibitors," he said when met on the sidelines of the exhibition yesterday ahead of the Asean Summit.
A total of 25 exhibitors are participating alongside the summit, comprising corporate companies, government agencies, and ministries, in line with the theme of inclusivity and sustainability.
Featured products include local handicrafts, homegrown food and beverages, services offered by the Malaysian government, and goods and services provided by local companies.
The exhibition is open to the public from yesterday (May 23) until Sunday. Visitors can access the venue via the KLCC entrance through the Travers Hotel.
Zamshari said Malaysia's agriculture and wellness sectors are among those ready to tap into international markets, with tropical fruits and health-related innovations already gaining attention abroad.
"There is a booth by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). Our tropical fruits are already well-known internationally. When we talk about the GCC, that represents a new market opportunity. I know for a fact that fruits like pineapples and papayas are already being exported.
"Other products, such as the 'Rest and Go' massage chairs available at airports, are health and wellness related innovations that have the potential to go global.
"We also have products like MySTI, which were previously confined to labs for research purposes. Now, they are being commercialised, and that holds immense potential," he said.
The MySTI programme is one of the government's initiatives to boost the commercialisation and marketing of local technology and innovation.
Products and services developed through local R&D activities are identified by the MySTI logo.
Items and services that carry the MySTI certification will also be given priority in government procurement.
Zamshari added that the exhibitors reflect the summit's theme of inclusivity and sustainability, with participation from the Department of Orang Asli Development, the Prisons Department, Telekom Malaysia, private companies, and F&B businesses.
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