The advent of Covid-19 saw many restrictions imposed on public and private activities resulting in untold impacts on enterprises, organisations and even private lives.
Movements were curtailed, cinemas closed, and in-person meetings could not be held, just to name a few of the regulations.
The Malaysia Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), however, stayed dynamic despite the tight constraints and managed to continue promoting the interests of the local business community by providing access to resources and networking opportunities.
Business was not just the order of the day, goodwill figured as well.
During the MBCC’s 2022 annual general meeting on Friday evening at Naga Hotel, the organisation’s first since 2019, MBCC president Tan Khee Meng said: “Remarkably, MBCC attained many great achievements in the past year alone”.
The most significant achievement was membership growth by 30% with new members consisting of corporate, individual and corporate associate members, as well as entities such as Malaysia Airlines who have come on board MBCC.
The AGM was presided over by Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, the Ambassador of Malaysia to Cambodia, and attended by guest of honour Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) who presented a heart-wrenching speech and slide presentation about the scourge of land mines, of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW).
Ambassador Eldeen expressed happiness over MBCC’s achievements.
“I appreciate MBCC’s hard work and I am proud of the great achievements that members have achieved and hope all businesses will grow continuously and contribute to the betterment of Cambodia’s society,” he said.
Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim (L) and MBCC president Tan Khee Meng. KT/Chor Sokunthea
Tan said in July 2021, MBCC members who contributed medical supplies to the Ministry of Health in the fight against Covid-19 were honoured with appreciation certificates.
“We have been enhancing business networking and opportunities in the Indo-China region which is a great opportunity that allows MBCC members to enhance their business not only in Cambodia but also in Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines through MBCC’s alliance with Malaysian Business Chambers of the above-mentioned countries.
“In 2021, we also contributed medical supplies and food to the Ministry of Environment for park rangers who live in the forest, as we want to pay our tribute and support the Ministry’s rangers who are protecting the environment as a whole.”
“In October 2021, we held a webinar with the Department of Taxation which was presided over by its director-general Kong Vibol who explained the benefits of the Double Taxation Agreement to Malaysian Business communities,” he said.
Tan added that In December 2021, MBCC members, supported by the Malaysian Embassy and the Ambassador, exhibited the united spirit of ‘Keluarga Malaysia’ by organising a bicycle ride.
“In April 2022, MBCC, the SME Corporation Malaysia, The Federation of Associations for Small and Medium Enterprises of Cambodia, Young Entrepreneur of Cambodia Association and other parties had organised a highly successful business matching and forum which was presided over by the vice-chairman of the Supreme National Economic Council Sok Chenda Sophea to leverage on regional comprehensive economic partnership and create business opportunity between Malaysia and Cambodia,” he said.
A section of Malaysia Business Chamber of Cambodia members at the AGM. KT/Chor Sokunthea
“Last month, MBCC had coorganised the Chamber & Friends golf tournament to build relationships and create networking opportunities with other business chambers which were joined by business chambers of America, Indonesian, Japan, and South Korea,” he added.
Tan thanked all members for their support in making last year’s activities successful.
He also outlined the chamber’s plan for Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives and transformation strategies of which part of the initiatives encompasses the launching of a new website and social media platforms next month.
During the dinner which followed the AGM, Thuch presented CMAA’s mission to free Cambodia of UXO and ERW.
“I am inviting you to join us in our sacred mission, put your hands in our hands and let us work together to eliminate this danger, to save the lives of our people,” he said.
“To meet our obligations to our people, we need to clear approximately 736 square kilometres of known mine contaminated land by 2025,” he added.
“The 2025 deadline, although ambitious, is an attainable target if the government, international donor communities, development partners, and the private sector work together and accelerate their support to mine action.”
“Your donation will leave a massive impact towards making Cambodia free from mines and other ERW.”
Members of the Malaysia Business Chamber of Cambodia having a good cheer during the AGM dinner. KT/Chor Sokunthea
“However, we are not only asking for your generous donation, we also want your help to raise funds and work with us on a new way to raise funds inside the country to cover all the expenses in order to clear every ERW in Cambodia,” he said.
During the meeting, Tan said that MBCC will be hosting a charity gala dinner to raise funds for CMAA.
“Our member Khmer Times has led the way by sponsoring one village in Kampong Speu province. We intend to raise funds at the forthcoming gala dinner and hope it will trigger the private sector to take up the cause as well and join forces to contribute to fundraising efforts, to work towards a mine-free status for Cambodia,” he said.