President’s Opening Remarks on 77th AGM

8-7-2023

1. On behalf of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of you attending the 77^th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Our special thanks to Sarawak Premier, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari for gracing and officiating our AGM.
2. This marks the second time we have chosen Kuching, Sarawak (Bumi Kenyalang) to convene our AGM since 10 years ago in 2013. It carries a special meaning to Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which celebrates her 133^th Taniah dan Syabas to ACCCIS for your outstanding contributions to the state, business and local community.

 Ladies and Gentlemen

3. The ACCCIM is one of the oldest chambers in Malaysia, having more than 100 years old of history, has at least a strong 110,000 forces of members in 17 constituents throughout the Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
4. The Chamber is the ‘voice of business’ in Malaysia, championing important issues for business community in general, and the Chinese community in particular. I am proud to say that ACCCIM has achieved impeccable performance in  contributing to national economic and business as well as community development. We have actively voiced out the chamber’s concerns and viewpoints on business issues through participation in various platforms  of key Ministries and agencies at the Federal and states’ level.
5. We are grateful that the Government has appointed ACCCIM as a member in PEMUDAH, a national special task force to facilitate business. With an entrusted mandate, the chamber is committed to deliver its best in enhancing better investment climate and ease of doing business with the constructive feedback from our members.
6. An acknowledgement of the ACCCIM’s capability as a well-regarded business organisation was appointing the chamber as a strategic partner with Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to coordinate and network with China’s counterparts during Prime Minister’s recent trip to China, including  successfully organised Malaysia-China Business Summit, attended by about 300 business leaders from Malaysia and 700 China’s large corporate and institutional leaders.
7. In addition, my senatorship also enables me to raise pertinent business issues with the relevant Ministers in Parliament. We believe that ACCCIM will continue to work with other business bodies and industry associations to help rebuild a competitive Malaysia for sustainable development; continue to champion the interest of business community; and serve the community.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. Malaysia is now at a crossroads. The journey ahead towards achieving a high-income nation by 2030 will not be an easy one given the complexities of economic and business landscape. We have to make a crucial choice as to which path we should take. When the going gets tough, the tough get going – a new Malaysia Boleh spirit will prevail.
9. The business community wants political stability, which is a precondition for driving economic growth and investment. Equally important is the maintaining of unity in ensuring all Malaysians of different races and culture live in harmony with mutual respect and trust. Togetherness, we can build a PROGRESSIVE and BETTER MALAYSIA for ALL. As a model of religious and ethnic tolerance, Sarawak should definitely be seen as a role model of unity by other states in West Malaysia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. Both the Government and private sector, in particular the chambers must get their act together to make Malaysia a destination choice for investment and doing business — keeping and growing existing businesses, starting new businesses, and attracting quality investment.
11. Good investment climate should remain top policy priority to propel the Malaysian economy. ACCCIM has consistently called for enhancing between Federal, State and Local authorities and Business relations; and maintaining a responsive and pragmatic investment policies. Review and remove unnecessary barriers to entry as well as cumbersome regulations and compliance costs. Excessive regulation typically results in corruption.
12. Regular engagement with the industry stakeholders would ensure a smooth implementation of policies to minimize unintended disruptions on businesses.
13. Effective business facilitation, and good execution of government’s policies and regulations are deemed crucial to realise the planned investment and generate positive impact on the economy.

 Ladies and Gentlemen,

14. Malaysia offers diverse investment opportunities in 13 states with their relative competitive strengths and resources. Sarawak Bumi Kenyalang, being the largest state in Malaysia, has abundant business and investment opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors.
15. Yang Amat Berhormat Premier, allows me to share ACCCIM’s and ACCCIS’s perspectives in strengthening our collaboration with Sarawak state government in several areas as outlined in the state government’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
16. We believe that the chamber can explore business ventures and partnerships with the state-owned enterprises and local business community. Besides that, leveraging on ACCCIM’s extensive business network with our foreign counterparts in China and ASEAN to support these initiatives.

Modernizing the Agriculture Sector

17. Food security is very important now given the intense impact of climate change. Sarawak’s massive land area and abundant resources offers immense potential for developing a commercially-viable agriculture industry and addressing food prices affordability. State government can entice the younger generations to venture into smart farming, and the adoption of modern farming techniques can bolster the growth of a value-added downstream food processing sector.
18. Last year, ACCCIM has arranged a study trip to Sarawak aimed at exploring opportunities in the technologically advanced and sustainable agricultural sector as outlined in the state’s Food Industry and Agro-Commodity Strategy Map.
19. ACCCIM has offered perspectives on the introduction of the Sarawak Integrated Agro Precision Farming (SIAPF) model as an integrated sustainable and modern farming system that will produce both crops and livestock. Through an efficient recycling of farm waste and an optimal use of organic resources, it will boost the yields of both crops and livestock. Besides that, the SIAPF can be promoted as an ecotourism destination to boost tourism related services growth. Towards this end, we can explore a joint investment partnership involving state agencies, and the chamber members for SIAPF.

Digital and ESG Initiatives

20. We see The Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and The Sustainable Sarawak Blueprint  a visionary and strategic move. Sarawak Pay has become a popular e-wallet app among Sarawakians in a cashless and digital society.  Blessed with abundant renewable hydropower, solar energy and hydrogen, Sarawak is at the forefront of efforts in the climate-sustainability arena. Sarawak is well positioned to become a significant hydrogen player in the global hydrogen value chain.
21. The sustainable development of palm oil industry and other commodities remains national’s sustainability agenda. The growing challenges and accusations related to the ESG sustainability issues, if left unchecked, can threaten the palm products market. ACCCIM has been working closely with government agencies to create awareness among our members and get buy-in on the ESG practices. There are prospects for collaboration in the waste management of the palm oil industry, and harness it as renewable bioenergy as well as can potentially convert into animal feeds with the application of an advanced technology.

Tapping Opportunities in Nusantara

22. With the Indonesian government welcoming Malaysian companies’ participation in Nusantara, especially in areas such as construction, properties, electronics and renewable energy, this will benefit Sarawak and Sabah. There are enormous spinoff effects on business and economic activities such as tourism, retail and trading, accommodation, food and beverages, as well as transportation and banking.
23. Businesses from the Peninsula Malaysia and local business in Sarawak could form partnerships to tap the investment opportunities given our members’ experience and resources in diverse sectors.

Forging Strong Economic-links with China

24. Sarawak occupies a special status in Malaysia and plays an important role in China-Malaysia relations. With the attention and support of Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari, relations between China and Sarawak are soundly developed with mutual trust.
25. Given ACCCIM’s well established connections with China’s business community and commerce organisations as well as China Embassy in Malaysia, we can play the role to bridge the link between Sarawak state government and China investors and entrepreneurs interested to participate in the state’s economic development.
26. China’s fast leading edge in advanced transport and telecommunication infrastructure technology, digital economy, robotics, green energy, modern farming, environment conversation, electric vehicles, high speed rail, biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be tapped into for helping the state development.
27. We certainly welcome the state government to request for the re-introduction of the Kuching-Shenzhen-Kuching flight service as well as to explore potential new direct flights between Sarawak and China. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

28. We believe that Sarawak has a bright future under the leadership of Yang Amat Berhormat Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari, with the right focus on developing smart technologies and renewable energy, extensive infrastructure developments, including the Pan Borneo highway and Autonomous Rail Transit (ART). YAB Premier has earned high praises for his capability to increase Sarawak’s revenue to a record-high of RM11.9 billion in 2022.
29. At the end of March last year, I, as the President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) had led a delegation of constituent chamber members to visit Sarawak, and signed a MoU with Sarawak Business Federation. The MoU is aimed to foster closer collaboration with Sarawak business community.
30. Now, on behalf of the ACCCIM, I sincerely hope that the spirit of alliance between Sarawak business community and that of Peninsular Malaysia would continue to flourish and deepen going forward.
31. In this regard, we look forward to the State government to facilitate the participation of businesses from the Peninsular Malaysia in Sarawak. The Sarawak government could consider to extend the duration of stay for the Peninsular Malaysian businessmen and family beyond the current three months period, possibly to allow west Malaysians to apply for Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home. This will certainly enhance more business explorations and social visits to boost domestic tourism.
32. Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Both ACCCIM and ACCCIS are committed to working closely with the state government to enhance Sarawak as a conducive business environment for investment. I believe with ACCCIS’s strong relationship with the state government, it opens up areas of opportunities and further collaboration with Sarawakians for businesses and investors from the Peninsula Malaysia.
33. With this, I wish everyone the Best of Health and Every Success in the years ahead.

Selamat Malaysia Madani !