The U.S.–Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) marks a new chapter in bilateral collaboration — lowering barriers to trade, supporting local industries and jobs, promoting regulatory harmonization, and expanding access to social and cultural exchange, all while safeguarding Malaysia’s national interests.
On 6 November 2025, Dato’ Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM Malaysia, was featured on RTM1’s Biz ASEAN to discuss the significance of this landmark agreement in an episode titled “ART Malaysia–US: Boosting Trade, Technology & Trust.”
During the interview, Dato’ Siobhan shared her insights on what the ART means for American multinationals, Malaysian SMEs, and the broader trade ecosystem, as well as how businesses can prepare for the opportunities ahead prior to the agreement entering into force 60 days after both sides confirm readiness to implement.
Thank you to RTM1 for the opportunity to share AMCHAM’s perspective on this landmark development.
Catch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/@bizmalaysia/streams
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, November 3, 2025 – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, today announced a new nonstop cargo flight service between Guangzhou (CAN) and Penang (PEN), aimed at boosting trade and enhanced supply chain efficiency in the region.
Operating five times a week, Monday to Friday, the service utilizes Boeing B767 freighters and offers dedicated inbound capacity from FedEx Asia Pacific Hub to Penang. This enables importers in the state to receive shipments approximately one hour earlier, significantly enhancing delivery timelines and operational efficiency.
This is part of strategic network enhancements that include the following:
- Nonstop Kuala Lumpur (KUL)-Guangzhou (CAN) flight, offering a 2.5 hour later departure. Customers benefit from extended pick-up cut-off times by an hour for Asia-bound shipments departing Kuala Lumpur. This enables greater flexibility for customers and dedicated capacity for shipments into and out of KUL.
- Adjusted Guangzhou–Bangkok (CAN–BKK) flights which increases dedicated inbound capacity into Bangkok to accelerate growth and strengthen trade flows in Southeast Asia.
“Malaysia’s emergence as a key trade hub in Southeast Asia presents tremendous opportunities for businesses. At FedEx, we see ourselves not just as a logistics provider, but as a strategic partner,” said Woon Tien Long, managing director, FedEx Malaysia. “Our strategic investments in Malaysia are designed to support businesses — helping them respond to market demands, drive innovation, and grow in an increasingly competitive global economy.”
Malaysia’s strategic location and robust infrastructure make it a prime hub for supply chain diversification, as evident from the RM190.3 billion in approved investments in H1 2025, with over half coming from foreign investors, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). This environment creates new opportunities for manufacturers and SMEs to strengthen their operations – benefitting from faster inbound deliveries to Penang and extended pickup options in Klang Valley that enhance their resilience and competitiveness.
Reinforcing its commitment to the country’s growth, FedEx has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to develop a 100,000-square-foot logistics facility, investing approximately RM46 million. Strategically located within the upcoming Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA), this modern facility will enhance Malaysia’s logistics infrastructure and drive regional trade growth upon its completion in 2028.
To support the region’s pivotal role as a growth engine for global trade, FedEx also recently announced two new flight routes connecting South Korea with Vietnam and Taiwan.
AMCHAM’s Member Feature Series spotlights the various member companies of the Chamber and offers a platform for leaders to share their perspectives on being part of AMCHAM’s leadership network.
In this edition, we’re proud to feature a Bronze Tiered Member, Rangam Bir, CEO at AmMetLife Insurance Malaysia. See his responses below.
1. What motivated AmMetLife to join AMCHAM as a Tiered Corporate Member?
Our decision to become a Bronze-tier member of AMCHAM was driven by our desire to strengthen our engagement with the business community and contribute more meaningfully to shared goals.
2. In your experience, how has being a Tiered Member added value compared to regular membership?
Tiered membership offers a deeper level of involvement and visibility, which aligns with our commitment to being an active corporate citizen.
3. Would you recommend Tiered Corporate Membership to other companies? If so, why?
Since upgrading, we have experienced greater access to strategic conversations and opportunities to connect with key stakeholders. I would definitely recommend tiered membership to other companies looking to enhance their presence and influence within the U.S.–Malaysia business ecosystem.
Skrine has released 2 articles on 17 October, 2025. Click on the links below to read the article(s).
- Tax Measures under the 2026 Malaysian Budget
- Raising the Stamp Duty Exemption Threshold for Employment Contracts
On 26 October 2025, AMCHAM Malaysia, together with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), proudly hosted a Welcome Reception for the U.S. Presidential Delegation, bringing together business leaders and policymakers for an evening that underscored the strength and depth of the Malaysia–U.S. partnership.
More than a reception, the evening was a celebration of friendship, economic collaboration, and shared commitment to growth and prosperity between Malaysia and the United States.
The event brought together over 170 guests including members of the U.S. Presidential Delegation, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, AMCHAM and USABC members, and prominent leaders from both the business and government sectors.
The Honorable Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, H.E Michael DeSombre, Assistant Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs and H.E. Edgard D. Kagan, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, conveyed their appreciation to the Malaysian government, the U.S. business community and their Malaysian counterparts for their support and highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the U.S. and Malaysia.
Guests had the opportunity to engage directly with U.S. government representatives and strengthen cross-sector connections.
Thank you to the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) for partnering with us on this memorable evening, one that underscored the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation between Malaysia and the United States.
The new reciprocal trade agreement signed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump today offers Malaysia better access to the US market without altering any previous commitments between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said some 1,711 tariff lines — comprising key export commodities such as palm oil, rubber, cocoa, aircraft parts and pharmaceuticals — have been exempted from the 19 per cent tariff.
The exempted items, he said, are worth US$5.2 billion and account for 12 per cent of the country’s total exports.
Zafrul said the Trump administration has also agreed to give due consideration to semiconductor exports from Malaysia under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act.
