Latest news with #Malaysia-ChinaFriendshipAssociationSabah
Borneo Post
6 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah opens new office, ushering in new era of regional cooperation
Tun Musa and Chan browsing through a photo exhibition at the venue, accompanied by Dr Oh. KOTA KINABALU (June 16): The Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah celebrated a major milestone with the official opening of its new office, marking a fresh chapter in fostering stronger Malaysia-China relations. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, and attended by distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin. In his keynote address, the association's president, Dr Oh Ei Sun, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment since its establishment in 2012 to deepening cultural, economic, and educational exchanges between the two nations. 'Since our founding, we have remained committed to promoting Malaysia-China friendship and deepening people-to-people exchanges. We have served as a bridge in diverse areas such as the economy, education and culture,' said Dr Oh. He noted that the opening of the new premises represents more than a mere relocation — it is a strategic leap in the association's ability to operate at higher standards and expand its reach across Sabah and the broader Borneo region. 'This symbolizes a new beginning for our organizational development, service capabilities and international outreach,' he said. 'We are now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia-China cooperation.' Looking ahead, Dr Oh outlined the association's three strategic priorities: 1. Strengthening collaboration with local governments and Chinese institutions to drive trade and investment, 2. Expanding cultural, educational and tourism exchange platforms, and 3. Activating the new office as a multifunctional hub for dialogue, innovation and partnership. 'We envision this space as a vibrant hub where members, community stakeholders and business partners can collaborate and grow together,' he added.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah strengthens ties with China for sustainable growth
KOTA KINABALU: Closer collaboration between Sabah and China in agriculture, tourism, and technology could transform the state into a leading model of sustainable growth and cross-border cooperation. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted the state's strategic potential to benefit from China's economic rise, especially through green partnerships. "Sabah's abundant natural resources complement China's strengths in technological innovation, market scale, and investment capability," he said at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah's 13th-anniversary luncheon and new office opening on Monday (June 16). Chan, who is also the Kota Kinabalu MP, encouraged the association to continue building bridges under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in eco-tourism, investment, and high-tech agriculture. "I see tremendous potential for deepening cooperation with China in agricultural technology transfer, sustainable cultivation practices, and value-added processing industries," he said. Chan added that Malaysia's commodity exports to China topped RM20bil last year, with palm oil accounting for more than half of that value. "Palm oil remains a critical pillar of our national economy, not just in terms of export value but also in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change," he said. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to ensuring a reliable commodity supply, particularly to key partners like China, despite increasing global uncertainties. Apart from commodities, people-to-people connectivity continues to strengthen, Chan said, noting the expected 3.8mil Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024, more than double the previous year's figure. "These rising numbers show the growing depth of our ties, not just government-to-government or business-to-business, but people-to-people," he said. He praised the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah for consistently facilitating cultural, educational, and business exchanges that have boosted mutual understanding since its founding in 2012. "The association has helped local enterprises tap into the vast Chinese market and opened doors for countless educational collaborations," he added. Chan also linked Sabah's future growth to Malaysia's upcoming role as Asean Chair in 2025, noting the country's aim to drive regional economic integration and transition to a green, sustainable economy. "Sabah must position itself at the forefront of this shift. Our state can be a testing ground for sustainable practices and innovation in partnership with global players," he said. He expressed confidence that the association's new premises would act as a vibrant hub for further deepening Malaysia-China ties, especially in East Malaysia. "With the esteemed guidance of Tuan Yang DiPertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Musa Aman and strong leadership from the association's council, I believe Malaysia-China relations, particularly in Sabah, will continue to flourish and reach new heights," he said. Also present was Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah president Dr Oh Ei Sun.
Daily Express
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah eyes stronger agri-tech ties with China
Published on: Monday, June 16, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 16, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Musa receives a memento at the event. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah offers strong potential for deeper cooperation with China in agri-tech, sustainable farming, and value-added industries, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. He noted that Sabah's natural resources complement China's technological and investment strengths. Advertisement 'With Malaysia chairing Asean in 2025, we are focused on green, sustainable regional growth,' he said. Chan made the remarks during the 13th anniversary celebration and new office launch of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah (MCFAS) on Monday. Head of State Tan Sri Musa Aman officiated the event. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
