Malaysia, July 16, 2025 – Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is helping businesses across Asia Pacific navigate an evolving trade landscape marked by tariff-induced uncertainties and heightened customs complexity. FedEx has been conducting webinars to help its customers stay agile in managing regulatory changes and responding to shifting trade environments. The response to its latest webinar series demonstrates the need for guidance within the business community. Over 6,500 participants registered from across the region.

The company’s role as experienced trade facilitators gives it a front-row seat to gauge sentiment in the business community.

One third (29%) of respondents attending FedEx webinars are not planning on changing their supply chain strategy.

More than half (52%) are considering supply chain diversification over the next 12 months to better adapt to global trade uncertainty.

A fifth (19%) are actively pursuing such plans.

Businesses have identified ongoing tariff uncertainty (41%) and increasing costs (29%) as both the drivers’ and key barriers to supply chain diversification.

These insights underscore the growing importance of leveraging best practices and the expertise of trade experts to tackle customs challenges and enhance supply chain resilience.

“Resilience has become a strategic imperative in a trade environment of constant transformation through shifting regulations, changing trade flows, and digital disruption,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of Marketing & Customer Experience for Asia Pacific at FedEx. “While many are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach before making major strategic changes, the most future-ready businesses will be those that invest in flexibility, embrace innovation, and rely on trusted partners to stay ahead of change.”

Best Practices for Seamless Customer Experience Supported by FedEx’s Comprehensive Suite of Services

Amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty, businesses need to be better equipped to navigate increasing complexity. By leveraging the FedEx comprehensive suite of services, including digital trade tools and tailored solution guides, businesses can minimize delays, avoid unexpected costs and maintain operational efficiencies.

1. Rely on Expert Guidance

• Regularly check for expert guidance on tariffs, customs policies, and required documentation through reliable sources like the FedEx U.S. Tariff Hub.
• Access FedEx Trade Solutions for personalized trade consulting, advisory solutions for immediate challenges, and managed solutions for ongoing compliance and regulatory needs.

2. Gather Essential Information for Seamless Clearance
   • Provide Clear and Accurate Product Descriptions: Include specific details such as material composition, intended use, quantity, and country of manufacture.
   • Use the Correct HS Codes: Ensure the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) codes are included in all shipping documents. Customers can leverage the enhanced HS code feature in FedEx Ship Manager^TMat fedex.com powered by the latest AI technology to improve compliance.
   • Include Manufacturer Identification Code (MID): For certain shipments, particularly textiles and apparel, provide the MID code on both the Air Waybill and commercial invoices to ensure smooth customs clearance.
   • Prepare for Formal Entry Requirements: Ensure the consignee’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) is included for formal entry shipments to avoid delays or returns.
3. Leverage Tailored Digital Trade Tools
   • Utilize tools such as FedEx Global Trade Manager to estimate duties and taxes, identify applicable tariffs, and access essential trade resources.
   • Take advantage of Electronic Trade Documents to electronically submit data, enabling paperless processing and accelerated customs clearance with reduced delay risks. 

4. Select a Reliable Logistics Expert with a Robust Global Network

• Customers can leverage the comprehensive FedEx portfolio of day-definite parcel and freight services that balance speed with competitive pricing to support their business growth. With its one-stop solution, designed to handle everything from single packages to large pallet or container shipments.
• FedEx also continues to invest in infrastructure to support regional trade. In addition to its strong intra-Asia network, the recent launch of a direct Singapore-Anchorage flight improves transit times between Southeast Asia and the U.S., offering faster delivery options for businesses in the region. FedEx also launched a new flight connecting its Asia Pacific Hub in Guangzhou, China to Bangalore, India and onwards to Liege and Paris in Europe in November last year. The flight operates five times per week to enhance intra-Asia and Europe connectivity.

As global trade dynamics shift, FedEx trade expertise, industry-leading customs clearance capabilities, and game-changing digital solutions, empower its customers to navigate customs complexities with confidence and seize new opportunities.

To stay informed of the latest tariff policy changes and access FedEx’s latest solutions and support, businesses are encouraged to explore the FedEx U.S. Tariff Hub and contact their local FedEx representative for personalized support.

On 16 July, AMCHAM’s Human Capital Committee (HCC) and Health & Life Sciences Committee (HLS) came together to host a joint program focused on a timely and often underappreciated topic: immunization in the workplace.

As organizations prioritize business resilience and operational continuity, employee health has become a key strategic focus. Immunization is increasingly seen as a proactive measure to reduce absenteeism, enhance productivity, and manage long-term healthcare costs.

The program featured insightful presentations from expert speakers. Dr. Shaharudeen Kamaludeen (KPJ Damansara) shared best practices in adult immunization and its relevance to workplace wellness. Danny Wong (Marsh Insurance Brokers) discussed navigating insurance landscapes and managing associated risks. Dr. Abed bin Onn (GE Vernova) emphasized a preventive approach to employee health, highlighting the ongoing efforts to safeguard workforce well-being.

Following the presentations, all speakers participated in a panel discussion moderated by Kwa Kheng Hoe (Abbott Malaysia), offering valuable real-world perspectives on the role of vaccination in fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce.

A big thank you to our speakers for their expertise and for making this session a success.

Day 2 of the Door Knock  focused on engaging with a bipartisan selection of representatives on Capitol Hill. We heard a wide range of views from both senators and congressional representatives from both sides of the aisle including Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL), Representative Young Kim (R-CA) and Republican Senator Steve Daines from Montana. With multiple touch points with the House Ways and Means Committee, its Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, among others, it is clear that the administration is focused on rebalancing trade while at the same time, recognizing the strategic importance of South East Asia which includes Malaysia. 

During the latter part of the day, we engaged with the America First Institute and the Council on Foreign Relations which each gave a point of view on the big picture approach of the current administration. The current administration is focused on minimizing trade deficits and at the same time, looking to incentivize companies to reinvest into the United States while ensuring that their global supply chains are not subject to adverse concentration risk.

AmCham Malaysia’s delegation Dato; Siobhan Das, Hasnul Nadzrin Shah and Cheryl Ignatius continued to build on established relationships and used the opportunity to forge new connections throughout the day.

Day One of the AAP Doorknock brought together 50 delegates from 15 American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) across the Asia-Pacific region. Representing AmCham Malaysia are Dato’ Siobhan Das, Hasnul Nadzrin Shah, and Cherylanne Ignatius.

On Monday, July 14, the delegation participated in a full-day meeting at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where they met with key officials from the U.S. Administration, including the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Deputy Under Secretary Diane Farrell. Dato’ Siobhan Das moderated the session with U.S. Treasury’s Eric Ettorre, Senior Advisor at the Office of International Trade and Development.

AMCHAM Malaysia continues to support the interests of American businesses in Malaysia and strives for stronger, more resilient trade and investment ties between the two countries. Participation in the AAP Doorknock is a crucial opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the issues faced collectively across the region, gain deeper insights from a U.S. domestic perspective, and strengthen strategic relationships with participants from private and public sectors.

As the week continues, AMCHAM looks forward to meaningful discussions that will amplify our collective voice and shape a future where cross-border collaboration fosters economic growth and shared prosperity.

A New Chapter of Leadership at AMCHAM with Datuk Timothy Tariq Garland

AMCHAM Malaysia has appointed Datuk Timothy Tariq Garland as its new Chairman, effective July 8, 2025.

Datuk Tim succeeds Antony Lee, who recently concluded a distinguished term as Chairman. A long-standing member of the AMCHAM Board, Datuk Tim brings deep institutional knowledge, global business experience, and a strong commitment to advancing the Chamber’s mission.

His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter in AMCHAM’s leadership journey, as the Chamber continues to champion U.S.–Malaysia business relations and support the growth of its member community.

Introducing the 2025–2027 AMCHAM Board of Governors

A Collective of Industry Leaders Driving Impact

AMCHAM Malaysia is proud to announce the 2025–2027 Board of Governors—an accomplished group of senior executives who bring together decades of experience, cross-sector insights, and a shared vision for advancing U.S.–Malaysia business relations.

This year’s Board includes senior representatives from respected multinational companies contributing to Malaysia’s economic growth.

The 2025–2027 AMCHAM Board of Governors comprises of:

1. Datuk Timothy Tariq Garland, Director & CEO, START
2. Antony Lee Fook Weng, CEO, AIG Malaysia
3. Anushia Soosaipillai, Partner, Tax, PwC
4. Adeline Wong, Partner, Wong & Partners
5. Cheam Tat Inn, Managing Director, Equinix Malaysia
6. Chong Aik Kean, Vice President, Foundry Manufacturing & Supply Chain, Intel Corp & Managing Director, Intel Malaysia
7. Fearghal Hennesy, Vice President, Operations, Boston Scientific Medical Device
8. Gautam Puntambekar, CEO, Bank of America, Malaysia
9. Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director, Philip Morris Malaysia
10. Selvam Chinappan, Managing Director, NI Malaysia & Vice President, APAC Manufacturing
11. Sharon Ko Mei Wan, Managing Director, Analog Devices Malaysia
12. Wong Hooi Ching, CEO, JP Morgan Chase Bank Berhad
13. Vikram Singh, CEO, Citibank Berhad

Together, the Board represents some of the world’s leading multinational companies operating in Malaysia. Alongside the AMCHAM team, they remain committed to delivering value to our members and championing U.S. business interests in Malaysia.

As AMCHAM enters this next chapter, we look forward to working alongside our Board of Governors to deliver continued value to our members and elevate the voice of American business in Malaysia.