On 30 September, AMCHAM hosted a Spotlight Session with TERA on the “New Electricity Tariff Structure: Reducing Energy Cost & Carbon Footprint Among Malaysian Industries.” The session offered an in-depth look at the recent changes in Malaysia’s energy landscape, highlighting their impact on industrial and commercial costs. Attendees gained insights into how businesses can align operations with Malaysia’s Net Zero 2050 goals through technology-driven solutions and practical case studies on cost savings.
JP Leong, Senior Business Development Manager at TERA, shared an in-depth overview of the new tariff structure, explaining its design, practical energy solutions for adoption, pathways to decarbonization, and future industry trends.
Muhammad Rizal Azmi, Assistant Vice President of Marketing Operations at Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), provided valuable insights into the role of BCX in facilitating Malaysia’s energy transition, the features of the Bursa Carbon Exchange, and the BCX Continuous Trading Platform.
We extend our thanks to both speakers for sharing valuable perspectives and solutions to help businesses adapt to Malaysia’s evolving energy landscape.
On 25 September, AMCHAM and the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council had the honor of co-hosting Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative (USTR), for an evening reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Kuala Lumpur.
His presence in Malaysia, which coincided with the ASEAN Economic Ministers, brought together leaders from U.S. multinationals and key stakeholders to discuss strengthening U.S.–Malaysia and U.S.-ASEAN economic ties.
With U.S.–Malaysia trade exceeding USD 86 billion in 2024, our partnership stands as a cornerstone for growth, innovation, and investment. Malaysia continues to serve as a key hub in ASEAN, leveraging its strategic location, strong industrial base, and role as a bridge between advanced economies and the region.
We were honored to host Ambassador Greer with about 85 guests from AMCHAM and USABC memberships, together with guests of the U.S. Embassy. This reception reaffirms Malaysia’s importance as a vital trade and investment partner and AMCHAM’s commitment to fostering collaboration for sustainable growth across Malaysia, the U.S., and ASEAN.
President Donald Trump on Thursday took aim at a broad range of imported goods in announcing a new round of punishing tariffs, saying the US will impose 100 per cent duties on imported branded drugs, 25 per cent tariffs on heavy-duty trucks and 50 per cent tariffs on kitchen cabinets.
Trump has launched numerous national security probes into potential new tariffs on a wide variety of products during his second term, casting a shadow over the global economic outlook and paralysing business decision-making.
Trump also said he would start charging a 50 per cent tariff on bathroom vanities and a 30 per cent tariff on upholstered furniture next week, with all the new duties to take effect from October 1.
The new 100 per cent tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product will apply to all imports unless the company has already broken ground on building a manufacturing plant in the United States, Trump said.
He said the new heavy-duty truck tariffs were to protect manufacturers from “unfair outside competition” and said the move would benefit companies such as Paccar-owned Peterbilt and Kenworth and Daimler Truck-owned Freightliner.
The new tariffs on kitchen, bathroom and some furniture were because of huge levels of imports which were hurting local manufacturers, Trump said.
The United States will impose a 100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceutical products starting 1 October 2025, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
“Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America,” Trump said in a social media post.
The tariffs will not apply to products from companies that have already broken ground on a U.S. manufacturing facility or are currently constructing one.
The announcement follows an investigation launched by the Trump administration in April into the pharmaceutical sector, under a law that allows the president to adjust imports on national-security grounds. The social media post did not provide further details.
WASHINGTON: The US Commerce Department said on Wednesday it has opened new national security investigations into the import of personal protective equipment, medical items, robotics and industrial machinery.
The “Section 232” investigations, which were opened on September 2 but not publicly disclosed previously, could be used as a basis for even higher tariffs on a wide swath of medical and industrial goods including imported face masks, syringes, and infusion pumps as well as for robotics and industrial machinery like programmable computer-controlled mechanical systems and industrial stamping and pressing machines.
The probe asks companies to detail projected demand for robotics and industrial machinery and the extent to which “domestic production of robotics and industrial machinery, and their parts and components can meet domestic demand” as well as the role of foreign supply chains in meeting US demand.
The tariffs could also cover surgical masks, N95 respirators, gloves, gowns and other medical and surgical instruments and supplies including IV bags, gauze/bandages, sutures, wheelchairs, crutches and hospital beds.
The US Commerce Department wants companies to detail projected demand for personal protection and medical equipment and devices and the extent that domestic production can meet US demand, as well as the role of foreign supply chains, particularly of major exporters like China in meeting US medical needs and the “impact of foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices.”
On 19 September 2025 in Penang, AMCHAM formalized a new partnership with the Harpswell Foundation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Rooted in trust and cooperation, this collaboration focuses on engaging an untapped population segment across ASEAN—empowering women and girls to drive leadership and productivity.
The MOU commits both organizations to share knowledge, provide support, and co-develop impactful initiatives. We’ll explore joint projects, exchange expertise, and amplify each other’s efforts through regular collaboration.
“Teaming up with AmCham Malaysia will support many of our goals and help these future leaders develop their support networks—a critical pillar of success,” said Shelly Kessler, Chair of the Harpswell Foundation.
Last week in Penang, AMCHAM CEO Dato’ Siobhan Das delivered a session at Harpswell’s ASEAN Summit, which brought together a 33-strong cohort of emerging leaders. Her session focused on Pillar 5 of the Inner Development Goals (IDG)—ACTING: Enabling Change through Courage.
“This MOU with the Harpswell Foundation strengthens our shared commitment to developing a deep bench of women leaders across ASEAN. By combining Harpswell’s proven leadership programs with AMCHAM’s business network and industry expertise, we will expand access to mentoring, skills training, and courageous, values-led action—so emerging leaders can translate potential into impact for their organizations and communities,” added Dato’ Siobhan.
