Standard Chartered Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien.
POSITIONING Malaysia as a regional export hub stands to attract international companies, encourage foreign investment, and boost local businesses’ competitiveness on the global stage.
This is especially important as Malaysia plays a pivotal role in the Singapore-Johor-Riau (Sijori) initiative, a tri-economic zone that is aimed at creating a more integrated and competitive economic region in South-East Asia.
Leveraging Malaysia’s strategic location, infrastructure and trade agreements is essential to enhancing the country’s role in global commerce.
However, these opportunities come with challenges that, if addressed through strategic measures, can lead to even greater success and long-term results.
Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han
This Oct 21, join Standard Chartered Malaysia chief executive officer Mak Joon Nien at St Giles Southkey, Johor Baru in a fireside chat as he deep dives into the challenges, policies and initiatives in positioning Malaysia as a regional export hub.
Moderating the session, Mak will be speaking to the Indonesian consul-general in Johor Baru Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto and Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han on the growing role of Malaysia and Asean in global trade.
The discussion will explore strengthening bilateral trade ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, along with Indonesia’s evolving role in regional supply chains as it advances its industrial sectors to boost regional trade.
Mak, Sigit and Lee will also discuss the potential benefits and challenges of a single border clearance system between Johor, Singapore, and Riau Islands, leveraging Johor’s strategic role as a key trade gateway, and initiatives to strengthen cross-border economic cooperation, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
KJH Wood Industrial executive director Joanne Tay
The dialogue will conclude with strategies for overcoming regulatory and logistical barriers to streamline cross-border trade and bolster Malaysia’s position as an export hub in the region.
The fireside chat is part of the Global Navigator Series (GNS) Johor edition, an initiative of the Export Excellence Awards (EEA) 2024.
A sharing session will also be held at the event by KJH Wood Industrial executive director Joanne Tay, who will share her experiences and lessons entering new markets, overcoming obstacles and implementing strategies that led to the company’s success in global exports.
Tay not only launched an automated pallet assembly line to improve production efficiency and quality, but also spearheaded the company’s expansion across Europe, the US, New Zealand, South America and Asia.
Indonesian Consul-General in Johor Baru Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto.
Pallet manufacturer and supplier KJH Wood Industrial is a past winner of the EEA.
Join the Global Navigator Series
The GNS will be held at St Giles Southkey, Johor Baru on Oct 21, 2024 at 9:30am.
In addition to the fireside chat and sharing session, there will be a panel discussion to explore expert strategies for established exporters aiming to thrive in the dynamic Asean hub.
The EEA 2024 is organised by Star Media Group in partnership with Standard Chartered Malaysia, and PKT Logistics Group as a co-sponsor, and Matrade as patron. It is audited by BDO.
Submissions for the Awards programme are also open from now until Jan 17, 2025.
For more information on EEA 2024, go to exportawards.com.my or email eea@thestar.com.my
To register for this event visit bit.ly/gnsjohor20
