Azmi & Associates released a few of articles in from 27 November to 3 December 2024. Click on the links below to read the article(s).
- Transfer of Domicile for a Vessel Registration
- Legal Aspects on Conducting Due Diligence over a Listed Company
- Maqasid al-Shariah and the Sustainable Development Goals in the Practice of Takaful: An Analysis
The Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, has recently stated in the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) that the long-awaited amendments to introduce a merger control regime into the Competition Act 2010 are likely to be tabled at the next meeting of the Malaysian Parliament, subject to the approval of the Malaysian Cabinet.¹ However, the Minster did not indicate the timeframe for the framework to come into force after the amendments have become law.
On December 5, AMCHAM hosted its signature Penang Dialogue 2024 at the iconic Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang. Under the theme “Policies & Possibilities: Paving the Pathways for Growth,” this event convened industry leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to discuss strategies critical to bolstering Malaysia’s position in the global arena.
We were privileged to welcome Yang Berhormat Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and His Excellency Edgard D. Kagan, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, as our distinguished guests of honor, who provided invaluable perspectives on Malaysia’s economic future and U.S.-Malaysia bilateral collaboration.
The Dialogue’s first panel set the stage with a deep dive into Malaysia’s role in the electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor value chains, emphasizing actionable strategies to sustain and amplify global competitiveness. This was followed by a critical exploration of the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection in an era of workforce mobility, where panelists highlighted the risks of IP leakage and the urgent need for robust safeguards. Meanwhile, the third panel addressed the pressing challenges of compliance, supply chain transparency, and navigating geopolitical complexities—all vital for building resilience in today’s interconnected world.
A key highlight was the fireside chat with Yang Berhormat Liew Chin Tong and His Excellency Edgard D. Kagan, moderated by Selvam Chinappan of NI (now part of Emerson). This session offered candid insights into the intersection of geopolitics, supply chain dynamics, and Malaysia’s growth opportunities, underscoring the critical role of collaboration between governments, industries, and international partners.
The event concluded with an impactful final panel session envisioning a sustainable, greener Malaysia. Discussions centered on the pathways for achieving productivity while championing environmental responsibility, setting the tone for a future-focused agenda.
A heartfelt thank you to our guests of honor, esteemed speakers, and participants for making Penang Dialogue 2024 a resounding success. Special appreciation goes to our sponsors:
Gold Sponsors: Boston Scientific Medical Devices (Malaysia), NI Malaysia (now part of Emerson), Hewlett Packard (HP), HSBC, Intel, Lam Research International, Motorola Solutions Malaysia, Plexus, and Seagate.
Silver Sponsors: Analog Devices, Bank of America, and Keysight Technologies.
As Malaysia navigates its path toward sustainable growth and technological excellence, AMCHAM remains committed to fostering the collaborations necessary to drive innovation, investment, and global leadership.
In Malaysia, an estimated 4.5%[1] of people living in urban areas face poor living conditions. The high cost of living poses significant challenges, making access to basic necessities and food essential for their survival. Food insecurity in these communities often leads to poor nutrition, increased health issues and limited opportunities for growth and development.
FedEx and TrEES: A Collaborative Effort to Address Food Insecurity
Recognizing this challenge, FedEx Malaysia, in collaboration with non-profit organization Treat Every Environment Special (TrEES), has stepped up to address food insecurity through its community vegetable garden initiative. Now in its second year, the program delivers fresh vegetables to underserved communities, enhancing nutrition and reducing food costs.
The initiative kicked off with the establishment of a vegetable garden managed by TrEES and supported by nearly 100 FedEx volunteers. The garden produces enough vegetables to supply approximately 700 meals every month to welfare homes and vulnerable groups. Welfare homes benefiting from the initiative, such as Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru in Klang, reported a 20% reduction in grocery expenses, enabling them to redirect resources toward other critical needs.
“At FedEx, we are driven by our purpose to connect people and possibilities, creating opportunities for meaningful change,” said Tien Long Woon, managing director of FedEx Malaysia. “Through our collaboration with TrEES, we are helping to address food insecurity and promoting sustainability, while also amplifying our community engagement efforts. By working together, we can uplift underserved communities and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.”
“Collaborations like the one with FedEx are pivotal in scaling the impact of our initiatives,” said Leela Panikkar, director of TrEES. “With their support, we have expanded our reach, delivering fresh produce to improve the health and livelihood of local communities. This collaboration addresses immediate needs while emphasizing the importance of collective action in building stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Positive Impact on Communities
The TrEES community vegetable garden has had a positive and lasting impact on both individuals and the broader community. By providing fresh vegetables year-round, the initiative reduces food insecurity and improves nutrition. Beneficiaries have shared how this support has helped them through challenging times, providing a sense of hope and stability.
“The fresh vegetables have been a blessing for us,” shared a recipient from Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru. “They’ve made our meals healthier and more varied, which is important for the well-being of our residents. We’re incredibly grateful for this support as it has made a meaningful difference in our lives.”
Other recipients from Pusat Jagaan Ros Biru have also shared heartfelt stories about how the initiative has brightened their lives. “Every time TrEES sends us the vegetables, we feel so happy knowing we’ll enjoy delicious, nutritious meals,” said one recipient. Another recipient added, “The fresh vegetables have eased a lot of our worries. They’ve made us feel more confident about having enough food.”
Beyond addressing food insecurity, the program promotes healthier eating habits and strengthens social bonds by bringing people together with a shared purpose. The volunteers, comprised of FedEx employees, play a vital role in maintaining the garden and, in the process, gain valuable skills in sustainable farming and healthy eating – skills they can carry forward into their own homes and communities.
Empowering Communities and Fostering Sustainability
To ensure the sustainability of the initiative beyond FedEx involvement, TrEES plans to transform the garden into a dedicated training center for sustainable agriculture. This hub will provide participants with practical skills in gardening and resource management while generating income through the sale of seedlings and compost. The revenue will support the garden’s operational costs and inspire other communities to establish their own vegetable gardens, promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable food practices.
Vision for a Sustainable Future
While TrEES drives the long-term vision of building self-sustaining ecosystems through its community vegetable garden initiative, the collaboration with FedEx amplifies the program’s reach and impact. Together, they address immediate food insecurity while fostering resilience and promoting the future well-being of Malaysia’s underserved population.
“As TrEES continues to expand this initiative, FedEx Malaysia is proud to have supported efforts that create a lasting impact by providing sustainable solutions and empowering communities,” added Tien Long Woon.
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of corporate social responsibility. By uniting resources and expertise, FedEx and TrEES are fostering meaningful change, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/795371/poverty-rate-of-rural-and-urban-areas-malaysia/
Recently, Citi Malaysia hosted its largest employee event of the year – the Citi 5k Fun Run at the beautiful Taman Botani Putrajaya. The successful event was planned and executed entirely by Citi colleagues in less than three months! This massive effort culminated in an unforgettable event with almost 1,500 attendees, including Citi’s amazing employees, friends and families and over 70 staff volunteers. At 8:00 a.m., everyone was in position at the starting point for flag off and the high energy from the crowd was buzzing.
Participants not only enjoyed the run but there were also food & beverage pop ups, a variety of family-friendly activities, including sand art, bouncy castle, and complimentary basic health screenings by AIA. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this memorable day. Here’s to ending the year on a high note and looking forward to an exciting 2025!
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