
M'sia-China event presents potential business linkups
(From left) Low, Li, Teo, Zheng and Abdul Majid launching CSITE 2025. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia (PUCM) continues to foster strong Malaysia-China relations by promoting economic growth and cross-cultural exchange between the nations.
PUCM president Datuk Keith Li said one of the association's achievements was the China Smart Industry Trade Exhibition (CSITE) promoting business links between Malaysia and China.
'Established in 2015, PUCM was started with just seven founding members and has grown into a dynamic association representing nearly 200 member companies.
'These range from those in artificial intelligence (AI) and telecommunications to construction and energy sectors.
'One of our achievements is CSITE which spotlights breakthroughs in AI, drone technology and smart city solutions.
'This links Chinese innovation with Malaysian opportunities,' Li said in his opening speech during the association's 10th anniversary celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
The event also saw the launch of CSITE 2025, which featured 105 booths mainly showcasing AI, digital technology and education.
Chinese Embassy minister Zheng Xuefang described Malaysia as an emerging player in AI, with a focus on leveraging technology for economic growth and regional competitiveness.
'As China is a global AI powerhouse, our two countries can benefit from collaboration in this area.
'CSITE is a great platform for Chinese and Malaysian companies to exchange views and share insights on the latest developments,' he said.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said China remained Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching RM16.1bil as of March this year.
'In addition to growing trade and investment links, Malaysian citizens can now enjoy visa-free entry to China for a cumulative stay of up to 90 days over a period of six months.
'With 2026 being billed as Visit Malaysia Year, we look forward to welcoming even more tourists from China and around the world.
'In 2024, tourist arrivals from China to Malaysia rose to 3.7 million, marking an impressive increase of 130.9% year-on-year,' she added.
Present during the event were Malaysia-China Business Council chairman Senator Tan Sri Low Kian Chuan, Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Khan, China Silk Road Group chairman Dr Yan Lijin and Federation of Malaysia Chinese Commerce Association president Datuk Lum Kim Soong.
Abdul Majid, Yan and Lum are also PUCM honorary advisors.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Let laundromats use subsidised gas tanks too, group urges govt
Using commercial LPG cylinders will add to the financial pressure faced by laundromats, said the Malay Unified Laundry Association. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : A group representing laundromat operators has urged the government to allow them to use subsidised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, in addition to micro- and small-sized food and beverage traders. The Malay Unified Laundry Association (Mula) said it was disappointed that the domestic trade and cost of living ministry's review of 2021 regulations pertaining to LPG cylinders was only focused on these F&B traders. It said the laundromat subsector mostly comprised small- and medium-sized enterprises that depend on the subsidised gas tanks for their dryers. This applied to both on-premise or coin-operated laundromats. 'Using commercial LPG cylinders will add to the financial pressure faced by laundromat operators who generally only serve domestic users. 'Also, most of them are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and face other increases in operational costs,' it said in a statement. The association suggested that the ministry engage industry players to get a clear picture of their situation, saying an inclusive policy regarding LPG cylinders would benefit everyone. Currently, any business using over 42kg of LPG at any one time must apply for a scheduled controlled goods permit. Yesterday, domestic trade and cost of living minister Armizan Mohd Ali said the Control of Supplies Regulations (Amendment) 2021 will be reviewed with a focus on the needs of micro- and small-sized F&B businesses, and to ensure clarity regarding the regulation. Until the review is finalised, no legal action will be taken against micro- and small-sized businesses in the F&B sector regarding the use of subsidised cooking gas tanks. However, the ministry will continue to combat the illegal use of subsidised LPG cylinders by non-eligible industries and the decanting of gas from subsidised cylinders to non-subsidised ones before being sold at a profit. Commercial LPG cylinders cost nearly RM70 each – almost three times the rate of subsidised gas tanks.


Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Set up foundation to honour Double Six crash victims, says Upko No 2
On June 6, 1976, a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens and several state leaders crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, killing all on board. (Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives pic) PETALING JAYA : The families of the victims of the 1976 Double Six tragedy are urging the federal government to establish a foundation as a meaningful recognition of the incident, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens. Donald Peter Mojuntin, whose father Peter Mojuntin died in the crash, said taking the matter to court would be excessive and that the families were not making any unreasonable demands, Harian Metro reported. 'We just want proper recognition,' he was quoted as saying during the 49th anniversary memorial of the tragedy at the Double Six Monument in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu. Donald Peter Mojuntin. Donald, who was also representing the families of the other victims, said the proposed foundation could serve to honour the victims and support their descendants, particularly in education and other areas of need. 'This would be a step forward,' the Upko deputy president said. He noted that the federal government has yet to take substantive action beyond offering letters of condolence. 'The state government has done its part from the beginning and looked after the families' welfare. We hope the federal government will do the same,' he said. Donald also called for the tragedy to be acknowledged as part of national history, not just Sabah's. 'Although it was a dark chapter, it deserves a place in our national history books, just like other major events in Malaysia,' he said. Sabah youth and sports minister Ellron Alfred Angin, who represented chief minister Hajiji Noor at the memorial, said this year's commemoration featured a poetry recital competition with 132 participants. He said there are plans to involve more young people, including students, in future events commemorating the incident. 'We also propose inviting a representative from the federal government to next year's 50th anniversary ceremony so they can better understand and appreciate the historical significance of this tragedy,' he said. On June 6, 1976, a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying Fuad and several state leaders crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, killing all on board. The victims included state ministers Salleh Sulong, Chong Thien Vun and Peter. Investigations were conducted by Malaysian authorities, the aircraft's manufacturer GAF, and the Australian department of transport. However, their findings were not made public until April 2023. The Malaysian report found no evidence of sabotage, fire or explosion. The Australian report concluded that Sabah Air, the operator of the flight, was functioning illegally at the time, with its operations manual unapproved by the then federal civil aviation department.


Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 800 foreign nationals approved under Sarawak MM2H since last year
Sarawak's tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the education sector attracts foreigners to join the SMM2H programme, as their children can study at several international schools in the state. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Sarawak government has approved over 800 applications for the Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (SMM2H) programme over the past 17 months. Sarawak's tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed this in the state legislative assembly recently. He said 560 applications were approved last year and another 265 as of mid-May this year, Bernama reported. According to Karim, the economic benefit from these applicants saw funds amounting to RM176.9 million entering the state, in terms of fixed deposits. After having captured the interest of Chinese nationals and Europeans over the period, Karim said the state is now keen on targeting applicants from Japan. He said this was because there has been an increase in the number of tourists coming to Sarawak from Japan. 'It's up to them (the Japanese) to see what Sarawak has to offer, but from what I can observe, especially from applicants from Europe or China, they see Sarawak as a safe place with good medical facilities,' he was quoted as saying at an event in Kuching today. He also cited the education sector as a factor that attracts foreigners to join the SMM2H programme, as their children can study at several international schools in Sarawak.