KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, December 21, 2022 – FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is ready to support Malaysian businesses in tapping potential growth opportunities from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP is the world’s largest free trade agreement covering 15 countries. Malaysia became the 12^th signatory country in March 2022 to implement the RCEP Agreement.

FedEx presented at the RCEP conference, which was held on December 15, 2022. It highlighted the key opportunities, offered by this trade agreement, that local economies and businesses can tap. FedEx plays a critical role in expanding trade, helping businesses build nimble supply chains and delivering local products and services to global customers around the world. FedEx shared how the company can support local companies globalize their business by taking advantage of this economic agreement.

“FedEx has been a long-time advocate for free global trade. We are delighted to see Malaysia become a member state of the RCEP,” said SC Chong, managing director, FedEx Express Malaysia. “For local businesses looking to leverage RCEP to fuel their future growth, it is vital to find a reliable logistics partner who can provide the right solutions to meet the diverse needs for themselves and their customers. Since Asia Pacific has a 30% share of the global air cargo market[1], FedEx will continue to monitor demand in the region including Malaysia, optimize our global network, and provide the right solutions to help SMEs tap new markets and benefit from greater import and export opportunities.”

FedEx supports businesses including SMEs through our portfolio of solutions.  For example, customers enjoy smooth customs clearance process through the use of online automation tools to ensure their shipments are delivered on time. FedEx Global Trade Manager (GTM) provides our customers a one-stop resource for international shipping information that helps companies enter new markets. FedEx Electronic Trade Documents (ETD) helps companies automate and streamline their customs clearance processes.

The conference was organized by FedEx in collaboration with think tank Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). Other industry leaders invited as keynote speakers included representatives from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, IDEAS, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) Yusof Ishak Institute and Deloitte’s Global Trade Advisory, Climate Change and Sustainability.

RCEP is the world’s largest free trade agreement, covering nearly one-third of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and close to one-third of the world’s population. RCEP endeavours to create opportunities for trade and investment by strengthening economic linkages.

[1] IATA News release November 7, 2022

Azmi & Associates has recently released a number of articles across the last few months. Click on the links below to read the article.

1. The Analysis of Offering of Stapled Instruments on Malaysian Stock Market
2. How to Claim & Trade Carbon Credit?
3. The Equator Principles
4. The Use of Hydrogen in the Energy System in Malaysia and the Relevant Laws and Regulations
5. World Trade Organisation (WTO) Remedies in Malaysia
6. Nature and Trends of In-Bound Investment in Penang
7. Legal Framework for Investment in Sabah

Dear fellow AMCHAM Members,

Welcome to 2023! We hope  you are recharged and ready for another exciting year ahead.

AMCHAM expects a busy and exciting calendar of events and meetings this year, including  increasing our activities in Penang and Johor. In January, we’ll kick off with a welcome-back networking cocktail session at Blue Tee Sports Bar, MST Golf Arena at The Gardens Mall, KL. 

We have a surprise lined up: members are invited to submit one cocktail and/or one mocktail recipe of their own unique creation to compete in a taste test. There are three prizes awaiting the lucky creators and winners’ recipes will be featured during the event. So get creative and submit your mystery drink as quickly as possible! 

AMCHAM is jointly hosting a  meeting  with the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) in Penang to discuss new  developments affecting the semiconductor industry. 

With  a new government in Putrajaya AMCHAM will meet with our new ministers, to engage them on key policy and strategy  areas.

2023 is also the year the U.S. hosts APEC with the theme “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”. We are looking forward to seeing what they have planned and how resilience and sustainability could  be achieved by all of us, for a healthier, stronger and more vibrant global business environment.

In the meantime, on behalf of AMCHAM Malaysia Board of Governors, Management and staff, we wish  you all a happy and prosperous 2023!

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, January 4, 2023 – FedEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, appointed Tien-Long Woon as the new Managing Director of FedEx Express Malaysia. He succeeds Siang-Chung Chong, who retired from FedEx after 19 years of distinguished service.

Tien-Long joined FedEx Express Malaysia in 2010 as Senior Engineer for Planning and Engineering. He was promoted to Senior Manager of Operations in 2015 and was responsible for business development in the Northern and Eastern regions of the country. In 2019, he was appointed Managing Director of FedEx Express Thailand, where he led key service enhancements. This includes introducing the first electric delivery vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions and a sustainability initiative to recycle courier uniforms. He was instrumental in strengthening the team’s culture, which has helped the company earn the title of “Best Companies to Work for in Asia” in 2021 and 2022.

In his new role, Tien-Long will lead a team of nearly 900 team members in Malaysia. He will continue to oversee FedEx operations in Thailand until his successor is announced.

FedEx is committed to supporting Malaysian businesses, including small and medium enterprises, and facilitating cross-border e-commerce opportunities to help businesses expand their global footprint.

Azmi & Associates released an article looking into the various aspects involved in registering a trademark in Malaysia along with the factors to consider beforehand.

Read More

15 December 2022, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In conjunction with the monsoon season, which is expected to cause recurring periods of heavy rain until March next year[1], International SOS, the world’s leading security and health services company, has put together some advice and key steps Malaysians can consider to help prepare for and minimise the impact if floods do occur. The advice is based on International SOS’ extensive experience in dealing with natural disasters, including floods, both internationally and in Malaysia.

Dr Chan Yanjun, Medical Director, Singapore & Malaysia, International SOS, shared, “With forecasts indicating that our rainy season is far from over, Malaysians need to be prepared in case of floods. We have a strong track record and experience dealing with natural disasters in Malaysia and around the world. While there are many different actions people should undertake in a flood situation, the most important rule is do not try to walk, swim or drive through flood water. Cars and people can be swept away, so always remember safety first and to stay alert so you don’t get hurt.”

She continued, “By producing this content, first and foremost, we hope Malaysians will find it helpful and useful if they ever find themselves in this situation. We also want to raise awareness on the importance of being prepared, remaining calm in the midst of the situation and keeping up-to-date with information and forecasts by authorities, so we can all keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Based on their experience dealing with natural disasters, such as floods, International SOS’ key advice for what Malaysians should do prior to and during a flood include:

• Recognise Risks – Identify flood or landslide-prone areas near you. Watch weather alerts and warnings.
• Stock Up – Store a three-day supply of water (ration one gallon or roughly 4 litres per person per day) and dry food.
• Be Prepared – Know your community’s evacuation routes and emergency shelter locations.
• Get Help – If you are stranded, injured or ill, contact your local emergency services department and wait for help.

If you are stuck in a house/building:

• Keep up-to-date with any information, advice and weather forecasts.
• Check the drainage system behind or outside your house to see the water levels. The higher the water level climbs, the more likely you will have to evacuate.
• Turn off gas, power and water when power is down, water has entered your home or before you evacuate. Make sure to unplug appliances to avoid electrical shock when power returns.
• Move to higher ground. Only move to the roof if necessary.
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately (lock gates and doors before leaving if possible).

If you are stuck in a car:

• Stay off bridges as they can be washed away in severe floods.
• Stay inside your car if you are trapped by rapidly moving water.
• Move to the roof of your car if water starts to fill your car.

Dr Chan added, “After a natural disaster, such as floods, the risk of getting an infectious disease is greater. Malaysians need to be aware of the other potential sources of infection from floods. Flood water, which may contain sewage and be contaminated with chemicals and other pollutants, should be avoided wherever possible and should not be used to clean, bathe, play, drink, or cook with. Children must not play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected either. Malaysians also need to be aware of snakes that may be swimming in the water to get to higher ground and those that may be hiding under debris or other objects. Rain and flooding may lead to an increase in numbers of mosquitoes, which can carry diseases.”

“In times of flooding, practicing basic hygiene is very important. Wash your hands before preparing food or eating, after toilet use, after participating in clean-up activities, and after handling articles contaminated with floodwater or sewage. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if you have a limited supply of clean water. Floods, particularly flash floods, in Malaysia are almost inevitable and can strike anywhere and at any time, especially during the monsoon season. Therefore, it is important for Malaysians to know what they should do and where to seek help if a natural disaster occurs,” she concluded.

International SOS also provided some tips to help Malaysians when returning to and cleaning up their homes after a flood to help protect themselves and their families:

• Do not return home unless advised to do so. Wait for a signal by authorities or emergency services on the status of your housing area.
• Look out for animals that may be inside your house. This includes snakes, lizards and even crocodiles.
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until clean-up has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during clean-up of affected area.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, moulding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
• After completing the clean-up, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
• Wash all clothes worn during the clean-up in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

[1] Source – The Star: Prepare for floods: MetMalaysia issues early monsoon warning