AMCHAM Malaysia is honored to announce the appointment of two distinguished figures, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad (Tok Pa) and YB Tan Sri Rebecca Sta Maria, as Special Advisors. Their extensive experience and leadership in Malaysia’s economic and trade landscape will provide invaluable guidance to AMCHAM as we navigate an increasingly dynamic global business environment.
About Our Special Advisors
YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamad (Tok Pa)
Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed brings decades of experience in economic policy and governance. His illustrious career in public service includes serving as the Minister of International Trade and Industry, Minister of Higher Education, and most recently, as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Economic Affairs. His deep expertise in economic policy formulation and trade negotiations will provide strategic insights to support AMCHAM’s mission of fostering Malaysia’s position as a leading trade and investment destination.
YB Tan Sri Rebecca Sta Maria
YB Tan Sri Rebecca Sta Maria is an internationally recognized leader in global trade and economic diplomacy. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Secretariat and as Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). Her role in shaping Malaysia’s trade policy and driving reforms has been instrumental in positioning Malaysia within the global trade landscape. Her expertise will be crucial in advising AMCHAM on strategic engagement and international collaboration.
Strategic Importance
Their appointments are at a pivotal time for Malaysia, as businesses adapt to an evolving global economic environment marked by shifting geopolitics, trade uncertainties, and the need for strategic policy navigation. Their leadership will be instrumental in:
- Advocating for Pro-Business Policies that foster innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
- Enhancing Strategic Engagements with local and international stakeholders to strengthen Malaysia’s global positioning.
- Providing Insightful Guidance on navigating complex global trade dynamics and fostering economic resilience.
Looking Forward
With their expert counsel, AMCHAM is committed to advancing initiatives that promote Malaysia as an attractive, competitive destination for trade and investment. Their strategic insights will support the development of impactful policies and collaborations that benefit both AMCHAM members and Malaysia’s broader economic landscape.
We look forward to working closely with our Special Advisors and encourage our members to actively engage in upcoming discussions and initiatives.
Together, we shape the future of business and drive Malaysia’s economic resilience.
Stay connected with AMCHAM Malaysia for further updates and strategic initiatives.
The Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill 2025 (“ EPF Amendment Bill ”) was passed by the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) of the Malaysian Parliament on 6 March 2025.
Mandatory EPF Contributions for Foreign Employees
The salient change proposed to the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 (“EPF Act”) through the EPFAmendment Bill is to make EPF contributions for foreign employees (i.e. employees who are not Malaysian citizens: (a) whose country of domicile is outside Malaysia; and (b) who enter and remain temporarily under the authority of any pass issued under immigration laws) mandatory. Currently, EPF contribution for foreign employees is voluntary, and for foreign employees below the age of60 years who elect to contribute to EPF, the rate of contribution for the employee is 11% and for the employer, is RM 5.00 per month.
Azmi & Associates released a number of articles from 5 – 13 March, 2025. Click on the links below to read the article(s).
- The Comparative Analysis of Wakaf Zurri and Family Office in the Context of Malaysia
- Overview on the Appointment of Personal Data Protection Officer under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010
- The Importance of ESG in Industrial Land Development
- Overview on the Data Breach Notification under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010
On 19 March, AMCHAM, in collaboration with 30% Club Malaysia, hosted an engaging session on “Powering Progress and Impact through DEI”. This insightful discussion brought together local and global thought leaders to explore strategies for breaking barriers and driving meaningful change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
The event kicked off with a compelling presentation by Rejina Rahim, Co-Lead of the Influence Pillar at 30% Club Malaysia and Founder of Wahine Capital. She highlighted the current DEI landscape in Malaysia, recognizing the contributions of women in the workforce and the ongoing efforts to support them.
Rejina then led a dynamic panel discussion featuring industry leaders: Jun Maria Tan Abdullah, Senior Director at Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet); Peter Murray, Country General Manager for Malaysia and Asia Emerging Markets at Amazon Web Services (AWS); and Sandy Ma, Asia Pacific Regional HR Director at Keysight Technologies. The panelists shared how their companies have successfully integrated DEI into their workplaces, discussed the challenges they’ve encountered, and provided insights into strategies that have made a sustainable impact.
Attendees actively participated, gaining valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to further champion DEI within their organizations.
A huge thank you to our speakers for their expertise and thought-provoking discussions. We look forward to continuing this crucial conversation and driving meaningful progress in DEI.
On March 13, 2025, Keysight Technologies Malaysia hosted an inspiring and high-impact program showcasing its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement initiatives. With over 500 participants in attendance, the event underscored the power of action in shaping the future.
In conjunction with International Women’s Day (IWD), the event, organized by the Keysight Women’s Council, embraced the theme #AccelerateAction, highlighting the importance of taking bold steps to drive change. In today’s evolving landscape, empowering women, fostering leadership, and championing diversity are more critical than ever. The Council is dedicated to accelerating action in STEM education and advancing women’s roles in technical and decision-making positions through programs such as:
- IGED – Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
- GET – Girls in Engineering and Tech
- KSWEEP – Keysight Society of Women Engineers Enterprise Program
- RISE-UP Mentoring – Personalized career guidance for aspiring professionals
- Keysight Mother’s Club – Resources and a support network for working mothers
AMCHAM’s CEO, Dato’ Siobhan Das, was invited as a VIP guest and panel speaker, joining an esteemed lineup of women leaders, including:
- Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang
- Ooi Lay Pheng, Executive Director & Group CEO of L&P Global Berhad and CEO of Berjayapak
- Moderated by Goh Jin See, Chairperson, Keysight Women’s Council
Together, they shared insightful discussions on leadership, overcoming challenges, and empowering the next generation of women in business.
The panel discussion served as a powerful platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and the collective responsibility of fostering more inclusive workplaces. By participating in this dialogue, Dato’ Siobhan reinforced AMCHAM’s commitment to advocating for diverse leadership, creating opportunities for women in business, and supporting initiatives that drive meaningful progress.
A heartfelt thank you to Keysight Technologies Malaysia for hosting such an impactful event and for inviting AMCHAM to be part of this important conversation on women’s empowerment and leadership.
On March 11, 2025, AMCHAM hosted a quarterly industry roundtable at the Parkroyal Collection, Singapore, bringing together key leaders from various sectors to discuss pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Malaysia’s business environment.
A highlight of the session was a fireside chat featuring special guest Professor Dr. Ong Kian-Meng, Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. Dr. Ong shared his expert insights on Malaysia’s economic outlook, regional competitiveness, and strategies for strengthening Malaysia’s role within ASEAN and the global economy.
The session also featured perspectives from representatives across industries, including government affairs, supply chain, manufacturing, and digital services. Discussions centered around Malaysia’s economic positioning, regulatory hurdles, and strategies for enhancing competitiveness within Southeast Asia.
Key topics included the impact of rising service taxes on digital service providers, challenges in navigating Malaysia’s evolving regulatory landscape, and the ongoing review of the Industrial Cooperation Act (ICA). Participants also examined how Malaysia can better position itself amid regional competition, particularly in light of global supply chain shifts and increasing investment interest in neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand.
The conversation further explored the strategic importance of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) and the need for improved customs and logistical efficiencies to attract investment and strengthen trade ties between Malaysia and Singapore. Discussions emphasized the potential of the JSSEZ to enhance regional economic integration, promote cross-border investments, and streamline business operations.
In addition, there was a candid dialogue about U.S. trade policies and their potential implications for Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Participants stressed the importance of ASEAN nations presenting a unified voice to strengthen regional positioning in global economic discussions.
A sincere thank you to Professor Dr. Ong Kian-Meng and all participants for their valuable contributions. These roundtables are vital in fostering meaningful dialogue, identifying industry pain points, and shaping strategies that can help businesses navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
