AMWAY Malaysia is committed to further strengthening its efforts to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including a key focus on weight management by launching the “Gut Reset-Weight Management” educational and awareness campaign nationwide. This is in line with AMWAY Malaysia’s efforts to support Malaysia’s focus towards preventive healthcare as the growing prevalence of NCDs is placing an increased strain on the country’s health system, with an annual healthcare cost exceeding RM9.65 billion.
On 9 March 2023, AMCHAM held a Budget Briefing session to discuss how the revised Budget 2023 would impact the businesses of our members. This event was a collaboration with the Malaysian-Dutch Business Council (MDBC) and Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) and featured speakers from Deloitte.
Speakers from Deloitte Tax Service Sdn. Bhd. included Julian Ong Gim Lim, Indirect Tax Supervisor; Kok Jiunn Lee, Indirect Tax Associate Director; Au Yeong Pui Nee, Global Employer Services Director; and Wei Chuan Tan, Transfer Pricing Executive Director.
Members were briefed on key areas that will have an effect on their businesses such as income tax, corporate and other taxes, and more. Members were also able to raise questions on areas of concern to the speakers.
Thank you to Deloitte for conducting the session. For those who did not catch this session, there will be two more Budget Briefings – one in KL and one in Johor. The session in KL will be held on the 23rd of March and Johor is scheduled to take place on March 21st.
Kuala Lumpur, 2 March 2023 – Malaysia’s premier purpose-built venue, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre), is delighted to announce a series of promotions and new appointments in its leadership team. John Burke takes over the helm at the world-class venue as General Manager, succeeding Alan Pryor who retires after 40 years in the business events industry.
Having joined the Centre in 2017 as Deputy General Manager, John has been integral in pushing the venue’s digital transformation forward and oversaw the upgrade of the venue’s security infrastructure. He also managed the successful development of hybrid and virtual event spaces and platforms, as well as paved the way for new revenue streams for the venue during COVID-19. In addition, since joining John has driven multiple sustainability projects, initiatives and investments to enhance the Centre as a sustainable venue.
The Centre also welcomes Robert Hatton-Jones, an experienced hospitality and events professional, to the award-winning team and venue as Deputy General Manager. Robert brings with him nearly two decades of experience in food and beverage (F&B) operations, business development, venue and asset management, event planning and marketing.
Prior to joining the Centre, Robert was the General Manager of Commercial & Business Development at Cape Town International Convention Centre since 2017, where he also oversaw F&B and operations for a year, before that.
Robert has a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the International Hotel School and has completed a range of professional certifications including MBA Essentials from the University of Stellenbosch Business School.
The Centre also recently promoted Layzree bin Bongsu to the Director of Finance and Administration. A chartered accountant with 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Layzree will oversee the day-to-day finance and procurement, as well as information technology operations at the Centre.
Prior to joining the Centre as Finance Manager in 2021, Layzree was part of two pre-opening teams as Director of Finance for the Hard-Rock Hotel, Desaru in 2018 and the Hyatt Regency, Kota Kinabalu in 2015. Layzree holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting with Honours from the Universiti Utara Malaysia and is a certified CPA Associate Member.
Alan spent the last decade of his career advancing Malaysia’s business events industry. He worked very closely with the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) in developing Malaysia as a preferred business events destination in the region and catering to the professional development of Malaysian event professionals. He was also key in forming the Business Events Council Malaysia, a united voice representing the industry supply chain in the advocacy of value and impact of business events to the country.
In his time at the Centre, Alan also played a key role in the creation of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Business Events Alliance (KLCCBEA), a destination collective offering a single-point-of-contact for international meetings and events planners and organisers. His most recent undertaking is the development of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) Precinct (where the venue is located) as a sustainable meetings destination, bringing together key stakeholders to collaborate on this initiative.
On March 1st, AMCHAM’s CEO, Siobhan Das participated as a panelist at the MIDF Automation & Digital Forum 2023, a forum that brought together various stakeholders to discuss how the Malaysian manufacturing and services sectors can grow their business with digitalization and automation.
As part of the topic “Global Market Pressure which Malaysia can’t afford to ignore”, she spoke about the ongoing effects of globalization and its new challenges for Malaysia. Key challenges raised included competition, an uncertain and changing global economy, today’s consumer market, talent and the role of ESG going forward.
KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian students were awarded four-year scholarships to study at The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) at a special award ceremony held on February 20, 2023
The recipients of the innovative ISKL Pathways Scholarship were Dharnita Chandrasekaran and Braydon Wong. Currently students at SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, WP KL, and SMK Bukit Jalil, WP KL respectively, the two scholarship recipients will join ISKL’s student body of over 1,600 students representing more than 70 nationalities for the start of the academic year in August 2023. This is the second year ISKL has offered the merit and needs-based ISKL Pathways Scholarship which provides two Malaysian students who have completed Form 3 with a four-year period of study from Grade 9 to Grade 12.
The ceremony was attended by Puan Norliah binti Abdul Aziz, Deputy Director and Puan Majeedah, Senior Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Unit, both from the Private Education Department, Ministry of Education Malaysia. Puan Norliah, who presented the recipients with their certificates commented, “I am so impressed with the high standard the students have demonstrated and congratulate them on the hard work that has resulted in them receiving this Scholarship.”
Mr. Rami Madani, ISKL’s Head of School thanked the Ministry of Education for its ongoing support and highlighted that the scholarship program is an integral component of ISKL’s community partnership. He then congratulated the recipients saying, “Dharnita and Braydon, beyond your academic achievements what really stood out to our scholarship interview panel, were the high expectations that you have for yourself and your desire to contribute to your community and create a better world. The diversity of your interests and passions, and your commitment to service and helping others are truly inspirational and embody ISKL’s Vision, Mission, and Values. We look forward to welcoming you and your families to our school and know that you will both contribute to enriching our community.”
Recipients of the Pathways Scholarship benefit from the flexibility of ISKL’s innovative High School study options that include the option to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Grade 11 and 12.
In addition to an appropriate scholastic level, students were required to demonstrate their alignment with ISKL’s Vision and Mission at a panel interview by showcasing their passion for creating a positive impact on local communities, understanding of global issues, and proven experience with a cause they believe is fundamental to societal progress.
