BMCC celebrates its 60th anniversary, which served as a testament to its spirit and essence, encapsulating the outstanding accomplishments and invaluable contributions of the businesses in its network. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
CONSTANT communication and close cooperation creates lasting peace and are key to fostering good bilateral relations and strengthening the business landscape between nations.
Acknowledging this, the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Bhd (BMCC) has pledged its unwavering commitment to enhancing the great bond between the United Kingdom and Malaysia for an even more vibrant and prosperous future.
BMCC chairman Mark Arthun says the chamber has embarked on a dynamic journey this year, focusing on enhancing its committees and introducing networks as part of commemoration efforts for the chamber’s 60th anniversary this year.
“The chamber recognises the importance of serving its members and has revitalised existing committees while establishing new ones, such as the healthcare and the built environment committee, to cater to the specific industries represented by esteemed members.
Liew speaking at the BMCC 60th anniversary Gala and 4th annual Business excellence awards dinner.
“These committees foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities within their respective sectors,” he says.
Arthun attributed the chamber’s successful transformation into a prolific international entity to the dedication and collaborative efforts demonstrated by members of the chamber, who played an instrumental role in shaping the chamber and the UK-Malaysia business landscape.
“We acknowledge and appreciate your commitment, expertise, and innovation that have propelled the chamber forward,” he said at BMCC’s 60th Anniversary Gala and 4th Annual Business Excellence Awards Dinner held at the St Regis Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
He adds that BMCC’s 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner served as a testament to its spirit and essence, encapsulating the outstanding accomplishments and invaluable contributions of the businesses in its network.
“The event provided an opportunity to reflect on BMCC’s journey, highlighting the remarkable progress made in advancing ‘UK-Malaysia Business Excellence’.
“It also acknowledges the exceptional accomplishments of both nations’ business communities through the 4th Business Excellence Awards,” says Arthun.
Arthun says the gala provided an opportunity to reflect on the chamber’s journey, highlighting the remarkable progress made in advancing ‘UK-Malaysia Business excellence’. — Muhamad Shahril Rosli/The Star
Over 600 distinguished attendees including C-suite executives, professionals and government officials gathered at the gala dinner.
Established in 2018, the BMCC Business Excellence Awards celebrates UK and Malaysia’s long-standing business relations by recognising and honouring the best of the nations’ companies as well as accomplishments achieved.
Noting that the awards this year witnessed an overwhelming number of strong nominations across various categories, Arthun lauded all winners and participants for showcasing their excellence in innovation, business achievement and resilience.
The grand ceremony was also graced by Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong as well as UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Malaysia Richard Graham and the British High Commissioner to Malaysia Charles Hay.
Hay, chair of the award series’ judging panel, says each award nominees have, in one way or another, contributed to the ever-growing UK-Malaysia trade relationship.
“Bilateral trade increased 8.9% and reached £5.6bil (RM33.3bil) in 2022. With the UK having concluded negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), British and Malaysian businesses will soon be able to take full advantage of the new opportunities ahead,” he says.
BMCC awarded YTL Corporation Berhad the UK-Malaysia Business of the Year Award for the company’s stellar track record of investment in the UK over the last two to five years by building on its successful local business – bringing mutual economic benefit to both countries.
Hay, chair of the award series’ judging panel, says each award nominees have, in one way or another, contributed to the ever-growing UK-Malaysia trade relationship. — Muhamad Shahril Rosli/The Star
YTL managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping was also awarded the UK-Malaysia Business Personality of the Year Award for his exceptional role in investment developments in Wessex and Bristol, UK.
Developers EcoWorld International Bhd and Ballymore bagged the UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year Award for their joint venture development collaboration across London, including London City Island.
The University of Reading and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s collaboration was named UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year for their synergy creation driving exceptional results and significant value-creation in Malaysia and the UK’s education sectors.
Meanwhile, medical technology company Smith & Nephew Operations Malaysia clinched the Outstanding ESG (environmental, social and governance) Award for showcasing outstanding achievements in adopting ESG practices and in turn contributing towards the environment and communities, as well as advocating these initiatives within its industry, supply chain and clients.
Engineering, management and development consultant Mott MacDonald Malaysia snapped up the Technology and Innovation Award for successfully pursuing new solutions through the application of digital, innovative and disruptive technologies to operate with greater efficiency and ultimately contributing to Malaysia’s productivity enhancement, paving the way towards technological enhancement.
Owen Mumford Sdn Bhd, which was named the UK-Malaysia Business of the Year title last year, won the Diversity & Inclusion Award.
The award recognises and celebrates the medical device maker’s outstanding commitment to fostering the spirit of diversity and inclusion within the workplace through effective strategies and initiatives.
