The Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia (MBCC) is hosting the ASEAN-Malaysian Business Chambers Summit 2024 in Phnom Penh today. This landmark event, brings together Malaysian business leaders, government representatives, and dignitaries from across ASEAN, and marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Malaysian business communities across the region.
This year’s Summit is particularly momentous as it is the first held under the new alliance’s name, Malaysian Business Chambers in ASEAN (MBCs ASEAN). This name change reflects the growing strength and unity of the collaboration among Malaysian Business Chambers in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Together, these chambers represent one of the most active and influential business networks in ASEAN, with Malaysian businesses having a presence in all ten ASEAN nations.
“A Platform for Progress and Collaboration”
Speaking about the upcoming Summit, the President of MBCC, Oknha Tan Khee Meng remarked:
“This year, we celebrate the transformation of our platform into MBCs ASEAN—a unified, dynamic network representing not just the interests of Malaysian businesses in ASEAN but also the collective legacy we are building for Malaysia in the region. Through cross-border trade, investment, and collaboration, we are creating bridges of opportunity, fostering innovation, and strengthening the ties between Malaysia and our ASEAN neighbors.”
The journey of this remarkable collaboration began over a decade ago with the formation of the Indo-China Malaysian Business Chambers Summit, an initiative that brought together chambers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Over the years, the platform has grown stronger, welcoming the Malaysian Business Chamber in the Philippines in 2023 and, most recently, the Malaysian Business Chamber in Indonesia. The unanimous decision by all seven chambers to adopt the new identity of MBCs ASEAN underscores their shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous future for Malaysian businesses in the region.
“Flying the Malaysian Flag High Across ASEAN”
Through the MBCs ASEAN platform, Malaysian businesses are poised to:
Promote cross-country trade and investment: Strengthening economic ties and unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation.
Foster talent and expertise exchange: Sharing knowledge and skills across borders to create a vibrant, interconnected business ecosystem.
Contribute to regional economic growth: Driving job creation, innovation, and development in every ASEAN country where Malaysian businesses operate.
Strengthen cultural exchange and integration: Celebrating the diversity of ASEAN while fostering a shared identity and deepening people-to-people connections.
“As Malaysians residing in different parts of ASEAN, we carry the shared responsibility of not only growing our businesses but also representing Malaysia with pride. Together, we are elevating the image of our nation, strengthening regional ties, and flying the Malaysian flag high across ASEAN,” said Oknha Tan.
Building Momentum for the Future
The ASEAN-Malaysian Business Chambers Summit 2024 will serve as a platform for key discussions on trade policies, sustainable growth, and regional cooperation, while also providing networking opportunities for businesses to collaborate on new ventures. Government representatives, ambassadors, and business leaders from across ASEAN will be in attendance, signifying the importance of the event for regional economic integration and growth.
The President of MBCC extended his gratitude to Council for Development of Cambodia (CDC), Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia, ambassadors, and embassy representatives of Asean countries in Cambodia for their support, as well as to all delegates who will travel to Phnom Penh for this milestone event.
“This Summit is not just a gathering; it is a launchpad for action. It is a testament to our shared vision for prosperity, unity, and progress. Together, we will continue to strengthen partnerships, deepen collaborations, and create a brighter future for Malaysian businesses in ASEAN,” he added.
The ASEAN-Malaysian Business Chambers Summit 2024 is a historic event that highlights the growing influence and contributions of Malaysian businesses in ASEAN. It is a celebration of unity, collaboration, and patriotism—a moment to reaffirm our commitment to building a better, brighter, and more prosperous ASEAN.