AMCHAM Leadership: Fabian Er, Director, Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd, Chair of AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN)

AMCHAM Leadership: Fabian Er, Director, Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd, Chair of AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN)

AMCHAM’s Leadership Series spotlights the various members of the Chamber taking on a leadership role either within a committee or on the board. This series serves as a platform for leaders to share their perspectives on being part of AMCHAM’s leadership.

We are proud to feature Fabian Er, Director, Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd, and the Chair of AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN). In this interview, Fabian introduces what is the AJN,  the role it plays for our members in Johor.

Introducing the AMCHAM Johor Network (AJN) Committee

The AMCHAM Johor Network (AJN), established in 2020, is a committee comprising member companies based in Johor. It serves as a collaborative forum where members meet regularly to discuss and advocate for key business issues, particularly those affecting operations in Johor and Malaysia more broadly. In addition to its advocacy role, AJN acts as a vital platform for AMCHAM to engage with and strengthen relationships among local companies and government agencies operating in the region.

Chair:  Fabian Er, Director, Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd

Overview of the AJN

  1. Advocate for Business Interests: Serve as a unified voice for Johor-based members on key business and regulatory issues affecting operations in the region.
  2. Strengthen Local Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with local government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the broader Johor business community.
  3. Facilitate Information Exchange: Provide a platform for members to share insights, best practices, and updates on regional developments impacting their businesses.
  1. Can you share about your professional background and your role as Chair of the AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN)?

I joined Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd as the HR Manager in 2014 and am now the Regional HR Director for Samtec Inc in Asia Pacific Region.

I am also the local Company Director for Samtec Asia Pacific (M) Sdn Bhd and Samtec Plating Malaysia Sdn Bhd. A Malaysian by nationality, I received my tertiary education in Australia from Monash University.

Prior to joining Samtec, I was based out of Singapore, India and Cambodia for listed companies in the region. I also spent my formative years with Sime Darby in Kuala Lumpur.

In my current portfolio, i oversee the HR, Trade Compliance and Government Relations functions for Samtec in APAC.

As the Chair for AJN, my role revolves on maintaining and growing the network of American companies based in Johor. The committee’s main objective remains to be providing an avenue for all members to connect and find synergies when there are issues and the chair provides avenues together with the AMCHAM team.

  1. What does the AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN) focus on, and why is it important to AMCHAM and its members?

AJN focuses on maintaining a network for American companies operating in Johor to share and to communicate. When there are matters where it involves a group of companies, AJN can be galvanized to meet with the relevant local authorities and get an amicable solution.

  1. Tell us more about the upcoming AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN) and what members can expect from it.

With the development of the SEZ and the soon to be completed RTS to Singapore, Johor is going to be a focal state for growth, and it is expected that there will be further opportunities and challenges for member companies. It is imperative that the member companies continue to communicate and maintain a network so that there is strength in numbers when addressing key issues. AMCHAM will be reconnecting with JCORP in the coming weeks to strengthen collaboration on talent development in the Johor region, with discussions focused on enhancing skills and workforce capabilities to support Johor’s growth as a hub for competitive and future-ready talent.

  1. Why should members attend this event, and how can they benefit from joining the discussion?

Ongoing discussions with Johor Corporation (JCORP) – Members can benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of the current talent pipeline in Johor and exploring how we can better align industry needs with the region’s talent supply, ensuring a more sustainable and competitive workforce for the future.

  1. What would you say to AMCHAM members considering joining the AMCHAM’s Johor Network (AJN)?

The COVID years taught us a valuable lesson that there is strength in numbers. Join us to know what is going on and to learn from others in the network on how to navigate the unique Johor environment.

  1. What is your Quote for the AMCHAM AJN?

Together we are stronger