CKGSB and UTAR host ASEAN New Economy Leadership Programme for China business leaders

The Institute of Management and Leadership Development (IMLD) at UTAR once again collaborated with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) to organise the “ASEAN New Economy Leadership Programme – Malaysia Module” from 12 to 14 November 2024. The programme, held at the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, brought together business leaders and experts to share their insights and explore business opportunities in the Malaysian markets.

Prof Dr Yan Aimin, Professor of Management and Senior Associate Dean of CKGSB, and Prof Dr Cheng Ming Yu, Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Director of IMLD, and Chairperson of the Belt and Road Strategic Research Centre at UTAR, extended a warm welcome to the participants. Prof Cheng introduced the programme, which was designed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding Malaysia’s attractiveness as a destination for overseas expansion and investment. With a distinguished lineup of speakers and interactive sessions, the programme offered participants valuable insights while fostering opportunities for meaningful exchanges and collaborations.

Prof Yan (left) and Prof Cheng welcoming the CKGSB participants

The first session was delivered by Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong, former Minister of Transport Malaysia. He delivered a comprehensive overview of Malaysia’s national profile, highlighted the strategic advantages and future development prospects, as well as Malaysia’s pivotal role within the ASEAN-RCEP framework, positioning Malaysia as a key player in regional economic integration.

Dr Chia Song Kun, Executive Chairman of QL Resources Berhad, shared invaluable insights on building a successful business from humble beginnings. He highlighted key aspects of business management, the entrepreneurial mindset, the QL spirit, and principles for achieving steady growth. Dr Chia also explored current business opportunities in Malaysia, offered recommendations for investing in the country, and discussed governance and succession planning in family businesses.

The third speaker, Datuk Koong Lin Loong, Managing Partner of Reanda LLKG International, offered an in-depth analysis of Malaysia’s policies and investment guidelines. He highlighted tax regulations and incentive schemes with practical case studies, providing crucial insights for foreign investors.

Clockwise, from top left: Datuk Seri Wee, Dr Chia and Datuk Koong

One of the key highlights of the CKGSB ASEAN New Economy Leadership Programme was the Business Leaders Roundtable Dialogue.  The session, supported by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) brought together prominent Malaysian business leaders and CKGSB participants. Organised into groups based on their areas of expertise, the Roundtable Dialogue facilitated meaningful discussions and collaborations. The dialogue focused on exploring potential investments and partnerships while strengthening mutual understanding between Malaysian and Chinese business leaders.

One of the Roundtable discussion groups

Another highlight was the graduation ceremony and dinner, featuring speeches by Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, former Prime Minister of Malaysia; Senator Tan Sri Dato Low Kian Chuan, ACCCIM Life Honorable President; UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat; Prof Dr Yan Aimin and CKGSB ASEAN New Leadership Programme former project manager Ms Xu Yaogong. Distinguished guests included Datuk Seri Wee, and Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.

Clockwise, from top left: Dato Sri Ismail Sabri, Senator Tan Sri Low, Prof Yan, Ms Xu and Prof Dato’ Ewe

A key moment during the dinner was the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between TH Talent Harbour Fund (THF) and UTAR. The signatories were UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat and THF Chairman Mr Huang Zhengcong, witnessed by Prof Cheng and Prof Yan. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in youth development.

During the dinner, CKGSB presented a Tree of Friendship to Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri, symbolising the enduring partnership between Malaysia and China. The tree will be planted at UTAR Campus, representing a shared commitment to growth and collaboration.

Front row, from left: Mr Huang, Prof Yan, Prof Dato’ Ewe and Prof Cheng displaying the signed MoU

A group photo taken during the presentation of the Tree of Friendship

A group photo featuring the distinguished guests and participants

On 13 November 2024, participants had the privilege of engaging in a comprehensive discussion with the Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abdul Wahid Omar. Tan Sri Wahid elaborated on Malaysia’s conducive investment climate, emphasising the appeal for both Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and Portfolio Investments. Besides, Tan Sri Wahid provided an insightful update on Malaysia’s capital markets.

In a subsequent session, participants explored the Halal industry with Mr Hairol Ariffein Sahari, CEO of Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), who explained Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem, identifying gaps and opportunities in the global Halal economy.

Tan Sri Wahid (left) and Mr Hairol

On the afternoon of 13 November 2024, participants visited Proton’s Centre of Excellence at Shah Alam. The visit provided insights into Proton’s involvement in the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV). Participants explored Proton’s electric vehicles and their innovation in sustainable automotive technology. Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, delivered an insightful session highlighting the company’s business development journey, operational challenges, and strategies for risk management. The visit underscored Proton’s role in driving Malaysia’s automotive growth and global competitiveness.

A group photo after the sharing session by Dr Li (front row, sixth from left)

On the final day, 14 November 2024, the focus was on deepening knowledge of local industry and experience sharing by industry leaders in Malaysia. Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, Chairman of the Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), provided a comprehensive overview of the global and Malaysian semiconductor sectors. He discussed Malaysia’s critical role in the global supply chain, the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), and the impact of geopolitical dynamics on the industry, offering actionable insights into the sector’s future direction.

Mr Michael Zhang Xiangyang, Managing Director of SITC Container Lines Malaysia, shared his experiences in establishing and managing operations in Malaysia. His presentation focused on identifying business opportunities, navigating local operational challenges, and employing effective talent management strategies. These practical insights provided valuable guidance for companies aiming to establish a presence in Malaysia.

Dato’ Seri Wong (left) and Mr Michael Zhang (right)

Mr Kong Qi, Managing Director of China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd, shared an insightful overview of the CCC-ECRL construction plan and its development prospects. He highlighted the progress of Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, emphasising four key objectives: delivering a high-quality project, establishing a robust management system, cultivating a skilled talent pool, and exploring innovative development models. He also discussed the major challenges faced by the project and emphasised the importance of shaping a distinctive project culture to achieve sustainable and impactful results.

Lastly, Mr James Koh, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Genting Malaysia, provided insights into the Group’s development journey, highlighting its growth and transformation into a global conglomerate.

Mr Kong (left) and Mr James Koh (right)

The ASEAN New Economy Leadership Programme – Malaysia Module represented a significant platform for China and Malaysian business leaders to connect, learn and collaborate. The programme effectively unlocked new investment opportunities and strengthened economic ties within the ASEAN framework.

About CKGSB

Founded in 2002, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) is China’s first and leading privately-funded, research-driven business school. CKGSB boasts a network of over 20,000 alumni, more than half of whom hold Chairman and CEO-level positions. Notable alumni include Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba), Colin Zheng Huang (founder of Pinduoduo), Will Wei Cheng (founder of Didi), and Kelly Nan Zhang (CEO of Bytedance China). The faculty comprises world-renowned professors, many of whom hold tenured positions at the world’s top business schools.

For more information about CKGSB, visit its official website.