For the second year in a row, we mark the occasion of Thanksgiving with our annual MY AMCHAM CARES recognition program for member companies that have demonstrated best practices across four pillars of their corporate citizenry programs.
On November 12, AMCHAM recognized 22 of our member companies for their model approach to corporate citizenship during Thanksgiving hosted by Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. We were delighted to see participation increasing this year and engagement has been fantastic with almost 40% of our member companies participating in the survey. We were honored to have with us H.E. Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, the U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia to join us in this celebration to recognize all our recipients today.
The MY AMCHAM CARES’ annual survey benchmarks our members’ corporate citizenship and CSR initiatives across the four key pillars – Strategy, Measurability, Sustainability and Communication. We are proud to recognize 22 of our members, who have successfully deployed CSR activities and achieved high scores across the four pillars.
Congratulations to all 22 companies!
Minister of Finance Y.B. Tuan Lim Guan Eng joined a closed-door luncheon with members of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) on Thursday to convey his Ministry’s rationale behind decisions taken in the Budget 2019. Titled “Sustainable Growth in New Malaysia”, the Minister’s keynote address emphasized that maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness for foreign investors will be a key enabler in achieving the Budget’s goals of reinvigorating the economy and laying the secure foundations necessary for sustainable long-term economic growth.
Addressing senior executives from the American business community, the Minister explained how the new Pakatan Harapan seeks to attract foreign investors by reforming Malaysia’s institutional framework, providing “not only certainty, clarity and consistency, but also continuity”. Reforms announced during the Budget speech, such as the intention to introduce a Fiscal Responsibility Act and a new Government Procurement Act, the adoption of open competitive tenders, and positioning Malaysia as an entrepreneurial economy which is private-sector driven, will provide the necessary assurances to attract high quality long-term investments.
Responding to questions from AMCHAM members, the Minister elaborated upon the changing ways in which Malaysia is perceived overseas: “We have transitioned from a kleptocracy to a ‘boring’ democracy… but boring is good when it comes to investors, who now know that Malaysia will act in compliance with the highest standards of public governance”.
Siobhan Das, Executive Director of AMCHAM commented after the event: “American companies have been an integral part of Malaysia’s impressive economic trajectory thus far, and we are encouraged by Y.B. Tuan Lim Guan Eng’s willingness to meet with our members within a week of the Budget announcement to provide greater visibility of how new announcements will be implemented. Corporate headquarters of multinational companies have been looking at this Budget for early ‘signals’ from the new Pakatan Harapan government about the direction in which they will lead the country. Part of our role at AMCHAM is to help our CEOs and Finance Directors based here to convey messages back to the U.S. and explain the context around decisions made by the Malaysian government.”
The application period for the Spring 2019 YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Fellowships is now open. There are two types of YSEALI Fellowships – details and links for application:
- YSEALI Academic Fellowship
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program brings undergraduates or recent graduates between the ages of 18 and 25 to the United States for a five-week institute on a particular theme held on the campus of a U.S. college or university. The program includes an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, local community service activities, and opportunities to engage with American peers. Applications are screened by the Public Affairs staff and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a selection committee via phone or in person.
Program Themes:
- Civic Engagement
Hosted by the University of Nebraska-Omaha and Arizona State University, March 23-April 27, 2019.
- Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management
Hosted by the University of Montana and the East-West Center, April 3-May 8, 2019.
- Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
Hosted by the University of Connecticut and Brown University, March 23-April 26, 2019.
Applicants must be registered as YSEALI members – registration is simple and can be accessed here: https://asean.usmission.gov/yseali/
More details about the fellowships are also included in that link.
Application for Academic Fellowship: https://goo.gl/forms/RNSRq6wcZKVZvmoa2
Deadline: November 11, 2018
- YSEALI Professional Fellowship
The YSEALI Professional Fellowship Program provides emerging leaders, ages 25-35, the opportunity to spend five weeks in the United States, including four weeks working directly with American counterparts in individually-tailored work placements with relevant private and/or public sector organizations. During these placements, Fellows boost their practical expertise, leadership skills, and professional networks. Each fellowship theme is managed by a different U.S. implementer, which screens, shortlists and interviews candidates for the program. Embassy staff also participate in the screening and interviews. Note: each implementer uses a different application form.
Program Themes:
- Civic Engagement
- Sustainable Development and the Environment
- Governance and Society
- Economic Development
Applicants must be registered as YSEALI members – registration is simple and can be accessed here: https://asean.usmission.gov/yseali/
More details about the fellowships are also included in that link. Program details and application: https://asean.usmission.gov/yseali/yseali-professional-fellows/
Deadline: November 16, 2018
If you have any further questions about YSEALI or the fellowships, feel free to contact: [email protected]
There is much happening at AMCHAM, so please do read all of this month’s PULSE.
We are moving! AMCHAM will be relocating to our new office on December 3rd. Please update your records and notify your staff including finance of the change.
New Executive Office Address:
Level 10, Bangunan Faber Imperial Court,
Jalan Sultan Ismail,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.
Mainline: +603 2727 0070
Fax: +603 2727 0075
We’re going to be doubling our floor space to make room for the future growth of the Chamber, including a much larger meeting/event space so we can do more programs in-house. We will be hosting senior government officials including Ministers, U.S. Government officials, and other visitors and expect heavy traffic with a full slate of programs designed across the year.
There are some new branding opportunities available at our new office including room naming rights and a new corporate wall where we can showcase to the breadth of U.S. business in the country. Your brand will have high visibility. Please consider playing a larger and more visible role at your Chamber and help us serve your interests but ensuring a stronger Chamber; details are as per below:
AN EXCITING YEAR END
As we grow closer to year-end holidays, AMCHAM is still busy scheduling meetings and events to make sure we’ve provided you with some important interactions with the new Government. We have our final two ministerial dialogues this month, starting off with a closed-door dialogue with Y.B. Tuan Lim Guan Eng, Minister of Finance on 8 November followed by another closed-door dialogue with Y.B. Datuk Darell Leiking, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) on 28 November. Both dialogues are strictly for members only, so be sure to register early. If you have not registered or it’s the first you’re hearing of this event, please click on the links below to book your seat.
- Budget 2019: Sustainable Growth in New Malaysia – November 8
- Luncheon with MITI Minister – November 28
We look forward to your participation we will work with you to ensure and if you have any questions feel free to drop me an email at [email protected]
