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, Dr. James J. Govindasamy, Vice President of Ciba Vision Johor Sdn Bhd (ALCON). See his responses below.
1. What motivated Alcon to join AMCHAM as a Bronze Tier Corporate Member?
What motivated us to join the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) as a Bronze Tier Corporate Member is the valuable platform it provides for engaging with policymakers and regulators in Malaysia. Through our membership, we gain a voice in shaping business policies and addressing key industry challenges.
Additionally, the Bronze Tier membership connects us with a broad network of U.S. and Malaysian companies, including other multinational organizations. This network opens doors to potential partnerships, collaborations, and the exchange of best practices.
We also benefit from access to a wide range of reports, briefings, and forums that offer valuable insights into economic, regulatory, and industry-specific developments—crucial for informed strategic planning and decision-making.
Being recognized as a Bronze Tier member enhances Alcon’s visibility within the business community, further strengthening our corporate reputation and affirming our commitment to contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth.
Ultimately, our partnership with AMCHAM reflects Alcon’s dedication to actively supporting and engaging with the Malaysian business landscape, particularly in the areas of medical device innovation, talent development, and sustainability.
2. In your experience, how has being a Tiered Member added value compared to regular membership?
Being a Tiered Member of AMCHAM has provided Alcon with enhanced visibility, influence, and engagement opportunities that go beyond those available through regular membership.
As a Bronze Tier Corporate Member, we benefit from priority access to AMCHAM events, exclusive briefings, and closed-door dialogues with key government stakeholders. This allows us to stay ahead of regulatory developments and actively contribute to policy discussions that impact our industry.
The elevated platform also enables Alcon to showcase its thought leadership and commitment to the Malaysian market through speaking opportunities, branding exposure, and participation in high-impact forums. This visibility strengthens our reputation within the business community and reinforces our position as a trusted eyecare company.
Moreover, the networking opportunities at the Tiered level are deeper and more strategic—allowing for closer collaboration with senior leaders from other multinationals and U.S.-affiliated companies. These connections are invaluable for exploring partnerships, innovation, and shared growth opportunities.
In short, Tiered Membership has amplified our ability to engage, influence, and lead, making our affiliation with AMCHAM a strategic asset in advancing Alcon’s goals in Malaysia.
3. Would you recommend Tiered Corporate Membership to other companies? If so, why?
Yes, I would confidently recommend Tiered Corporate Membership with AMCHAM to other companies.
The Tiered Membership offers far more than just affiliation—it provides a strategic platform for companies seeking to elevate their presence, influence policy, and build meaningful connections within Malaysia’s business ecosystem.
Through this membership, Alcon has benefited from exclusive engagement opportunities, direct access to policymakers, and high-level forums that inform our business decisions and align with our growth objectives. The increased visibility and brand positioning as a Tiered Member have also reinforced our reputation as a committed and forward-looking healthcare company in the region.
Moreover, the ability to network with senior leaders across industries, participate in thought leadership activities, and stay informed on key regulatory and market developments has made the Tiered Membership a valuable investment.
For companies looking to deepen their impact, shape the business environment, and collaborate with like-minded organizations, Tiered Corporate Membership is a clear and worthwhile step forward.
The United States has revised its tariff on Malaysian imports to 19 per cent, following a presidential order issued by the White House on July 31.
The new rate forms part of broader changes to the US Reciprocal Tariff framework under Executive Order 14257, aimed at addressing what Washington describes as long-standing trade imbalances and national security concerns.
Malaysia is among several trading partners now subject to revised ad valorem duties under the updated tariff schedule, which takes effect seven days from the date of the order. The new rate will apply to Malaysian goods entering the US unless exempted under specific conditions.
The order, signed by President Donald Trump, reflects ongoing efforts by the US administration to pressure trade partners to align more closely with its economic and security policies.
In Southeast Asia, the 19 per cent tariff imposed on Malaysia is on par with the rates now applied to Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Cambodia. Vietnam faces a slightly higher rate of 20 per cent.
Singapore, a major US trading partner in the region, is notably absent from the list, implying no new reciprocal tariff adjustment.
Brunei faces a higher rate at 25 per cent, while Laos and Myanmar are subject to steep hikes, 40 per cent each, which may reflect Washington’s tougher stance on countries seen as offering minimal engagement or posing circumvention risks.
Among other Asian economies, India is now subject to a 25 per cent tariff, while Taiwan and Sri Lanka face 20 per cent. South Korea and Japan each received a uniform 15 per cent rate, and China is covered under a separate executive order.
The wide variation in tariffs reflects the US administration’s country-specific approach, rewarding what it deems “constructive alignment” on trade and security, while penalising nations considered uncooperative or non-reciprocal.
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The Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, in his Opening Address at the ASEAN Corporate Governance Conference 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur on 24 July 2025, disclosed that the Securities Commission Malaysia (“SC”) is currently undertaking a review of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance issued on 28 April 2021¹ (“MCCG 2021”) and that the revised version of the MCCG 2021 is expected to be published in 2026 (“MCCG 2026”).²
The United States (US) President Donald Trump will announce the tariff rate on Malaysian goods by tomorrow, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, revealed the decision followed a phone conversation with Trump at 6.50 am, amid concerns over Washington’s plan to impose a 25% import tariff on all Malaysian goods beginning Aug 1, 2025.
“We are also discussing the tariff issue on the spirit and principle of free trade. This also applies to the series of negotiations involving the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) with the US Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce,” he said while tabling the 13th Malaysia Plan in Parliament.
Anwar added that Trump expressed his appreciation to Malaysia for its effective role in helping resolve the Thailand-Cambodia conflict. “In my response, I said this was due to the ASEAN consensus and the positive attitude of both countries as well as the cooperation shown by the US, especially Trump, and (China’s President) Xi Jinping,” he said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed Trump’s attendance at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
On 30 July, AMCHAM hosted a Spotlight Session featuring KPJ Healthcare Berhad focussing on a pressing global health issue: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
We were honored to welcome Dr. Azhani Akmar Azhar, Consultant Nephrologist at KPJ Healthcare, who delivered an insightful and accessible presentation on kidney function, the causes and progression of CKD, and practical steps individuals can take to prevent and manage the condition.
Participants gained valuable knowledge on CKD symptoms across various stages and engaged in a meaningful discussion on early detection and lifestyle modifications.
Following the session, attendees were also treated to complimentary health screenings and a lucky draw, courtesy of KPJ Healthcare.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Azhani and the team at KPJ for helping us raise awareness about this vital health concern.
