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CEO Masterclass 2025: Transformation of Mindset and Attitude Essential for Sabahans to scale beyond limits
CEO Masterclass 2025: Transformation of Mindset and Attitude Essential for Sabahans to scale beyond limits

Daily Express

time14-07-2025

  • Business
  • Daily Express

CEO Masterclass 2025: Transformation of Mindset and Attitude Essential for Sabahans to scale beyond limits

Published on: Monday, July 14, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 14, 2025 By: Azwin Zawawi Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: The much-anticipated CEO Masterclass 2025 marked its successful return with the participation of nearly 400 industry leaders and professionals at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Thursday. The event, co-organized by the Sabah Young Business and Industry Leaders (SYBIL) and the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah, reaffirmed the strength of their collaboration in delivering one of the state's most esteemed platforms for leadership and networking. In his welcoming speech, SYBIL Founding President and Group General Manager of SEDCO, Datuk Ar. James Wong Kein Peng mentioned, 'In Sabah, it is not that we entrepreneurs are any less capable than our international counterparts - but it is due to a lack of exposure. Our industry friends from Singapore and KL scaling 30 outlets per year, have unlocked their imagination of what is possible - and we need to bring that confidence to scale up and think big to Sabah.' The greatest impact to Sabah's economy happens when local businesses learn to unlock their potential, scale up their organizations and manage to attract and retain the best local talent to work in Sabah. James accentuated that SYBIL is dedicated to continue organizing events that bring value to the Sabah Business Community. 'With CEO Masterclass, we are creating a powerful network to enable A-list business players to share their experience and enable direct dialogue and learning with our local entrepreneurs.' Engaging panel discussions were the crowd pleasers of the event. The first session 'Overcoming the Business Death Valley' moderated by Ray Chou brought together three distinguished panellists, Kenji Yeo CEO of Amazing Borneo Tours; Geraldyn Low co-founder of Ventamin and Asgari Stephens Director of Intelligent Capital, to discuss the challenges and lessons learnt from their personal entrepreneurship journeys. Datuk Ar. James moderated an esteemed panel of speakers that took participants on a journey to learning from the titans of Sabahan listed companies from their experience of 'Scaling Beyond Sabah' on how they succeeded in listing their companies on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Datuk Dr. Gordon Loke, Group Managing Director of KTI Landmark Berhad; Liaw Hen Kong Managing Director of Life Water Berhad and Kang Ket Hung Managing Director of Colform Berhad shared their inspiring stories on growing their respective businesses from small towns in Sabah to becoming public listed companies and stand proudly amongst global giants. Guest of Honour YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Manjun emphasized that true progress begins with a shift in mindset. He urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to adopt a business-driven approach and collaborate with the private sector to leverage their expertise and efficiency. 'The government's role is not to compete with businesses but to facilitate their growth,' he noted, adding that public-private partnerships can lead to greater profitability, job creation, and tax revenue. Masidi encouraged GLCs to offer equity to private players and co-manage ventures to achieve shared success. Highlighting the importance of adaptability and cooperation in today's economy, he praised CEO Masterclass as a vital platform to foster these partnerships, reminding all that when Sabahans unite, challenges can be overcome together. A key highlight of the event was the keynote by Professor Inderjit Singh Dhaliwal, a distinguished business entrepreneur from Singapore, in a session moderated by John Cham, Managing Director of Blue Swan Home Care. In his talk, 'Scaling Beyond Limits,' Professor Inderjit shared hard-earned strategies from building multiple successful companies. He emphasized that 'Sabah businesses must be bold to step out of your comfort zones, embrace a strategic mindset, and leverage your unique identity to drive growth.' Collaboration between the public and private sectors is vital, along with a clear long-term vision. He also urged, 'It is crucial for Sabah to tap into its global diaspora talent and bring them back to contribute, to support and truly unlock the state's full potential.' Datuk Lee Swi Heng, Vice President of MICCI Malaysia and Organizing Committee of CEO Masterclass 2025 wrapped-up the event with a heartfelt thanks to all the respected guests, sponsors and attendees. 'We sincerely hope that the CEO Masterclass 2025 has not only offered valuable perspectives but has also ignited within each of you the courage to dream bigger, act bolder, and confidently tackle the exciting challenges of scaling your businesses' he said in his closing speech. * 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

Penang stays resilient, innovative amid world trade tensions
Penang stays resilient, innovative amid world trade tensions

The Sun

time03-06-2025

  • Business
  • The Sun

Penang stays resilient, innovative amid world trade tensions

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has reaffirmed its commitment to resilience, innovation, and maintaining global competitiveness amid world's trading environment which remains tense, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said during the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Northern Annual Luncheon Dialogue 2025 here today that Penang remains open for business, innovation and collaboration because the state has always been about resilience. 'From our trading port roots to our rise as a global electronics and innovation hub, we have learned to pivot when the world shifts and this moment is no different. Our economy is tightly integrated into global supply chains whether it's semiconductors, electronics, precision tools or medical devices. 'So when shocks happen, they are felt in Bayan Lepas and Batu Kawan just as much as in Shanghai (China) or San Jose (California). But I always say, we must look for silver linings, not all is doom and gloom,' he said. Chow pointed out that multinational firms reassess their regional footprints and many are looking to move into more politically stable, efficient and transparent ecosystems. Thus, Penang with robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment is a natural choice, he said. He also praised Malaysia's proactive diplomatic efforts due to indications that tariffs on Malaysian goods may be capped at 10 per cent as opposed to the feared 24 per cent or more by US President Donald Trump. 'As our Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz rightly pointed out, this is a favourable shift and one that reflects, in part, Malaysia's proactive diplomatic efforts. 'I applaud the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for taking a direct and decisive approach, including writing personally to Trump to propose a US-ASEAN Special Summit. This shows that Malaysia is not just reacting but taking leadership in shaping trade outcomes for the region,' he added. The luncheon were also attended by MICCI Northern Branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi together with 200 attendees from various industries and related sectors.

MICCI backs Miti as issuer of certs for US exports
MICCI backs Miti as issuer of certs for US exports

The Star

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

MICCI backs Miti as issuer of certs for US exports

MICCI president Christina Tee. KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) supports the government's decision to appoint the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) as the sole issuer of non-preferential certificates of origin (NPCO) for exports to the United States. Previously, business councils, chambers, or associations appointed by Miti were responsible for issuing NPCOs to the US market. MICCI president Christina Tee said the chamber is prepared to forgo some of its revenue from the issuance of the certificates in the interest of national economic priorities. 'As MICCI, we are willing to let go of that revenue and support Miti in issuing the NPCOs so that the nation can come out strong during this time,' she said during a media luncheon to celebrate the chamber's 188-year legacy in championing the business community and supporting Malaysia's economic growth. While NPCOs represented a source of income for the chamber, US-bound exports accounted for about 15% of its certifications. 'We cannot have it both ways. If we want the nation to succeed, we must make sacrifices,' she said. Tee also highlighted MICCI's stringent NPCO issuance policy, saying the chamber only issues them to members subject to annual reviews. 'If the members are not genuinely manufacturing here, we will not issue the certificate. MICCI has always maintained transparency and strict adherence to guidelines,' she said. Tee expressed confidence in Miti's experience, pointing to the certificates for countries such as India and Turkiye, which had import tax constraints. 'The concern now is whether the system can handle the significantly high workload,' she said. Previously, certificates to Turkiye or India could be processed within two weeks. With the United States now in the picture, the workload has grown, but Tee noted that Miti's team is hardworking and dedicated. 'For sea shipments, there is usually a two-week window between loading and arrival, which gives sufficient time for the certificate of origin to be processed and sent. 'The certificate can be emailed later, allowing the process to run parallel with shipment preparations. This can help avoid delays,' she added. — Bernama

MICCI backs Miti's appointment as sole issuer of NPCO for US-bound exports
MICCI backs Miti's appointment as sole issuer of NPCO for US-bound exports

The Star

time06-05-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

MICCI backs Miti's appointment as sole issuer of NPCO for US-bound exports

MICCI president Christina Tee KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) fully supports the government's decision to appoint the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as the sole issuer of non-preferential certificates of origin (NPCO) for exports to the United States, effective today. Previously, business councils, chambers, or associations appointed by MITI were responsible for issuing NPCOs to the US market. MICCI president Christina Tee said the chamber is prepared to forgo some of its revenue from the issuance of these certificates in the interest of national economic priorities. "As MICCI, we are willing to let go of that revenue and support MITI in issuing the NPCOs so that the nation can come out strong during this time,' she said during a media luncheon held to celebrate the chamber's 188-year legacy in championing the business community and supporting Malaysia's economic growth. Also present at the luncheon were MICCI vice-president Renuka Indrarajah, Southern Region chairman Lee Ting Kiat, and Northern branch chairman Datuk Brian Tan. Tee went on to state that while NPCOs represent a source of income for the chamber, US-bound exports account for about 15 per cent of its certifications. "We cannot have it both ways. If we want the nation to succeed, we must make sacrifices,' she said. Tee also highlighted MICCI's stringent NPCO issuance policy, saying the chamber only issues them to members subject to annual reviews. "If the members are not genuinely manufacturing here, we will not issue the certificate. MICCI has always maintained transparency and strict adherence to guidelines,' she said. Tee expressed confidence in MITI's experience, pointing to the ministry's experience issuing certificates for countries such as India and Turkiye, which had import tax constraints. "Now, with the US imposing import taxes, MITI has once again been called to the task. The concern now is whether the system can handle the significantly high workload,' she said. Previously, certificates to Turkiye or India could be processed within two weeks. With the US now in the picture, the workload has grown, but Tee noted that MITI's team is hardworking and dedicated. "For sea shipments, there is usually a two-week window between loading and arrival, which gives sufficient time for the certificate of origin to be processed and sent. "The certificate can even be emailed later, allowing the process to run parallel with shipment preparations. This can help avoid delays. I believe MITI deserves our full support and the necessary time to manage this transition,' she emphasised. On May 5, MITI issued a statement announcing that it will be the sole issuer of NPCOs for exports to the US starting May 6, 2025. The ministry also emphasised that any attempt to circumvent tariffs, including making false or misleading declarations of value or origin, will be treated as a serious offence. MICCI traces its roots back to 1837 with the formation of the Penang Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture. It evolved through amalgamation with other chambers like the Perak Chamber of Commerce and the Selangor Chamber of Commerce in the early 20th century, ultimately restructuring and renaming itself as MICCI in 1974. - Bernama

Malaysia to favour diplomacy over retaliation on US tariffs
Malaysia to favour diplomacy over retaliation on US tariffs

New Straits Times

time21-04-2025

  • Business
  • New Straits Times

Malaysia to favour diplomacy over retaliation on US tariffs

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia will pursue a policy of engagement and diplomacy to safeguard its economic interests following the United States' recent retaliatory tariffs, a senior minister said today (April 21), adding that the country will not resort to countermeasures. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the Southeast Asian country aims to strengthen its trade ties with the US, a key trading partner, through cooperation. "We want to engage first. We want to understand the areas of cooperation, the areas of concern and above all, stress the importance of the Malaysia-US trade relationship." "Our companies have contributed significantly to the US economy," he said, adding that discussions would continue beyond a single round of talks. Zafrul is set to meet United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and other relevant officials in Washington on April 24, to discuss the reciprocal duties imposed on Malaysia. Bilateral trade between Malaysia and the US reached RM324.9 billion in 2024, with the US being Malaysia's third-largest trading partner, accounting for 11.3 per cent of the country's total trade. Asean's Indochina member states were the hardest hit by the tariffs, with Cambodia facing combined baseline and retaliatory duties totalling 49 per cent, followed by Laos (48 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent), and Myanmar (44 per cent). Thailand was subjected to tariffs of 36 per cent, Indonesia 32 per cent, Brunei and Malaysia both 24 per cent, the Philippines 17 per cent, while Singapore faced a baseline tariff of 10 per cent. The tariffs have drawn concern over their potential to disrupt global supply chains and hurt export-reliant economies like Malaysia. Asked about the potential economic impact should the US proceed with the high tariffs, Zafrul said it was too early for precise projections. "Of course, tariffs will have a negative impact," he said. The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) has warned of potential job losses, highlighting concerns over economic challenges that could impact businesses and employment stability.

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