Shifting U.S. tariff policies are reshaping the global trade landscape, compelling businesses to rethink supply chains, cost structures, and competitive strategies. In this environment, proactive leadership and informed decision-making are critical.
On August 28, AMCHAM organized a thought-provoking webinar, “Navigating the U.S. Trade Policy: Geopolitical Pressures & Business Strategy”, featuring political strategist Matt Klink and AMCHAM CEO Dato’ Siobhan Das.
The session explored key developments in U.S. trade policy under the Trump Administration, how it’s affecting global trade, the implications of tariffs on global operations as of late, and what are some practical steps for businesses to navigate uncertainty while seizing opportunities.
Thank you to Matt for sharing your expertise and helping our members stay ahead in these challenging times.
Azmi & Associates has released articles from 6 – 26 August 2025. Click on the links below to read the article(s).
On Tuesday, August 19th, AMCHAM hosted a Spotlight Session with AmMetLife Insurance Berhad on the evolving landscape of employee benefits.
The session, titled Balancing Benefits & Costs: The Evolving Employee Benefits Landscape, featured Rangam Bir, Chief Executive Officer, and Marc Ooi, Chief Corporate Solution Officer of AmMetLife. Together, they shared insights on the 2025 global benefits trends, highlighting key challenges businesses face in designing competitive employee packages.
The discussion also addressed the growing health and wellbeing concerns in today’s workforce and how organizations can implement effective solutions without driving up costs. Attendees walked away with innovative strategies to balance employee satisfaction with cost efficiency.
A big thank you to Rangam and Marc for leading such an insightful and timely conversation with our members.
On Monday, August 18, AMCHAM hosted its Quarterly Board of Governors Luncheon at the Merdeka Grill, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. These luncheons offer a strategic platform for members to share perspectives with AMCHAM’s Board while deepening relationships across the business community.
Among the Governors in attendance were Datuk Tim Garland, Chairman of AMCHAM, and Adeline Wong, Partner at Wong & Partners. Joining them were members Sharon Roberts, Head of Communications & Government Affairs at Kimberly-Clark; Christian Rahmig, General Manager – ASEAN; Kieren Beck, Senior Talent Director at RGP Consulting; Herman Kemp, General Manager at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur; and new member Hafidzi Razali, Founder & CEO of Strategic Counsel. Representing AMCHAM were Hasnul Nadzrin Shah, Director of Government Relations, and Cherylanne Ignatius, Government Relations Executive.
A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us, and to Bronze Member Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur for their warm hospitality.
If you’re a member and would like to join a future Board of Governors Luncheon, let us know and we’d be delighted to add you to the list and extend an invitation to one of the upcoming luncheons.
United States President Donald Trump said on Friday (Aug 15) he would announce tariffs on imports of steel and semiconductor chips in the coming weeks.
“I’ll be setting tariffs next week and the week after on steel and on, I would say, chips,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he headed to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.He said the rates would be lower at the start to allow companies to build up domestic manufacturing in the US, rising sharply later, following a pattern he has also outlined for tariffs on pharmaceuticals. He gave no exact rates.
“I’m going to have a rate that is going to be lower at the beginning – that gives them a chance to come in and build – and very high after a certain period of time,” he said.
Trump said he felt confident that companies would opt to manufacture in the United States, rather than face high tariffs.
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, Dato’ Seri Gooi Soon Chai, Senior Vice President at Keysight Technologies. See his responses below.
1. What motivated Keysight to join AMCHAM as a Tiered Corporate Member?
At Keysight, we empower innovators to explore, design, and bring world-changing technologies to life. Our software-centric solutions span the design and development ecosystem, helping engineers and enterprises deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs faster and with greater confidence.
As a global technology leader with deep roots in Malaysia, we recognize the importance of being part of strategic platforms that shape the future of industry. Our decision to join AMCHAM as a Tiered Corporate Member underscores our commitment to actively engage in strategic dialogues that influence U.S.–Malaysia trade, investment, and policy development.
Malaysia remains a critical hub for Keysight — a center of innovation, talent, and advanced operations. In joining AMCHAM, we seek not only to represent the voice of the technology sector but to collaborate with leaders across industries to strengthen the region’s competitiveness in the global economy.
AMCHAM provides a valuable conduit between business and government, enabling knowledge-sharing that is essential to informed policymaking. For Keysight, it’s also a way to remain attuned to macroeconomic and regulatory dynamics — insights that inform our strategic direction as we continue to serve customers at the forefront of science and engineering.
2. In your experience, how has being a Tiered Member added value compared to regular membership?
As a Tiered Member, Keysight benefits from privileged access to key stakeholders and policy platforms, allowing us to anticipate and influence emerging regulatory and trade developments. The membership also fosters strategic collaboration with industry peers, enabling candid dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities. These engagements help build cross-sector partnerships and strengthen our role in advancing a competitive, innovation-driven economy.
3. Would you recommend Tiered Corporate Membership to other companies? If so, why?
Absolutely. For companies with significant operations or long-term investments in Malaysia, this membership offers more than just a seat at the table — it provides valuable opportunities for engagement and connection.
It facilitates meaningful dialogue with senior government officials, industry leaders, and peer companies on important topics such as trade, investment, innovation, talent, and sustainability. In today’s rapidly evolving economic and regulatory environment, this access is both timely and beneficial.
For organizations seeking to stay informed and collaborate proactively, it provides a trusted space to connect, exchange perspectives, and support the ongoing growth of the business community in the region.
