Latest news with #Malaysia-China
Daily Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
More capable women in key roles needed: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 Text Size: Lam suggested creating women's business incubators and cross-border partnership networks, particularly to strengthen Malaysia-China women's business connections. More women should participate in policy consultations and high-level forums. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah's Women Entrepreneurs Committee hopes Sabah will introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and more quotas for female political candidates. Its President, Lam Lee Chin, called for the civil service to establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers while pushing for greater female representation in politics and governance. Advertisement 'For Sabah to become a more resilient and competitive regional hub, we need capable women leaders in political and high-level decision-making roles,' Lam said in statement, here, last Wednesday. Despite Sabah's natural resources and strategic location, women continue to face significant challenges in business and politics, according to Lam. 'Female entrepreneurs struggle to access funding and market opportunities, while inadequate childcare policies force many women to choose between family and career advancement. 'In politics, women remain underrepresented in the state assembly and local governments. Even in the civil service, where women perform well at grassroots levels, few reach senior positions like permanent secretary or ministerial roles. Gender bias and stereotypes persist, with lingering doubts about women's leadership abilities,' Lam said. Advertisement To address these issues, Lam proposed a comprehensive approach involving government, business chambers, and civil society. She urged authorities to introduce gender-responsive policies, including dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and minimum quotas for female political candidates. The civil service should also establish structured promotion mechanisms for women officers. Lam suggested creating women's business incubators and cross-border partnership networks, particularly to strengthen Malaysia-China women's business connections. More women should participate in policy consultations and high-level forums. 'Companies should implement gender diversity quotas at board and executive levels, while educational institutions and media should actively promote gender equality to challenge traditional stereotypes,' she said. The call comes as Assistant Minister Datuk Flovia Ng recently encouraged more women to contest in upcoming state elections. Lam expressed strong support for this initiative, saying it could diversify leadership perspectives in Sabah. Lam also acknowledged the statement by Liberal Democratic Party Women's Leader Glenna Wong, who described women as naturally creative, resilient and socially perceptive leaders capable of driving social transformation. 'We sincerely hope to witness Sabah's first female Chief Minister or State Secretary – a historic milestone in our journey toward political reform and gender equality,' Lam said. Drawing inspiration from countries like Finland, Iceland, and New Zealand, where women excel in politics and contribute to national well-being, Lam believes Sabah should lead in gender-balanced governance. She suggested the State could establish Women-First Development Zones or Women Entrepreneur Innovation Parks as pilot projects for policy innovation. 'Creating a truly women-friendly Sabah goes beyond empowering women, it is about shaping a better future for all,' she said. The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah Women Entrepreneurs Committee, led by Datuk Dexter Lau, has committed to serving as a bridge between local and international resources to accelerate women's advancement in business and politics. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Boosting China ties for stronger growth
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Tun Musa shakes hands with MCFAS Honorary President Datuk Clement Yeh upon arriving at the luncheon with Dr Oh (right). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah offers strong potential for deeper cooperation with China in agri-tech, sustainable farming and value-added industries, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. 'As Malaysia chairs Asean in 2025, we aim to lead the region in green, integrated growth where palm oil plays a key role. Advertisement 'In 2024, bilateral trade hit a record USD 212.04 billion, with Malaysia's commodity exports to China exceeding RM20 billion, half of it from palm oil. Chinese tourist arrivals are also expected to double to 3.8 million, showing deepening people-to-people links. 'With strong leadership and continued collaboration, I am confident Malaysia-China ties, especially in Sabah, will grow stronger in the years ahead,' he said. Chan made the remarks during the 13th anniversary celebration and new office launch of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah (MCFAS) on Monday which was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman. Chan said since 2012, the MCFAS had been vital in strengthening ties between the nations through trade, education and culture. 'Your efforts, especially under the Belt and Road Initiative, have brought meaningful economic benefits to Sabah in investment, tourism and agri-tech,' he said. Its President, Dr Oh Ei Sun meanwhile praised Tun Musa who encouraged the association to formalise efforts in 2012 after aiding with Chinese VVIP arrivals. 'Thirteen years later, we are deeply honoured to have Tun with us again, symbolising a new chapter in our journey. 'Today's launch of our new office is not just a physical upgrade, it marks a renewed commitment to expanding our role in Malaysia-China cooperation, especially in Sabah. Moving forward, we aim to strengthen ties with counterparts in China, promote youth and cultural exchanges, and transform our premises into a vibrant hub for collaboration,' he said. Dr Oh also announced the formation of the Borneo Alliance with Brunei, Sarawak and Kalimantan to deepen regional cooperation with China. 'We sincerely thank all our partners and welcome continued support as we work together to deepen the roots of Malaysia-China friendship,' he added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah opens new office, ushering in new era of regional cooperation
Tun Musa and Chan browsing through a photo exhibition at the venue, accompanied by Dr Oh. KOTA KINABALU (June 16): The Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah celebrated a major milestone with the official opening of its new office, marking a fresh chapter in fostering stronger Malaysia-China relations. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman, and attended by distinguished guests, including Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Chan Foong Hin. In his keynote address, the association's president, Dr Oh Ei Sun, emphasized the organization's unwavering commitment since its establishment in 2012 to deepening cultural, economic, and educational exchanges between the two nations. 'Since our founding, we have remained committed to promoting Malaysia-China friendship and deepening people-to-people exchanges. We have served as a bridge in diverse areas such as the economy, education and culture,' said Dr Oh. He noted that the opening of the new premises represents more than a mere relocation — it is a strategic leap in the association's ability to operate at higher standards and expand its reach across Sabah and the broader Borneo region. 'This symbolizes a new beginning for our organizational development, service capabilities and international outreach,' he said. 'We are now better positioned to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia-China cooperation.' Looking ahead, Dr Oh outlined the association's three strategic priorities: 1. Strengthening collaboration with local governments and Chinese institutions to drive trade and investment, 2. Expanding cultural, educational and tourism exchange platforms, and 3. Activating the new office as a multifunctional hub for dialogue, innovation and partnership. 'We envision this space as a vibrant hub where members, community stakeholders and business partners can collaborate and grow together,' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah strengthens ties with China for sustainable growth
KOTA KINABALU: Closer collaboration between Sabah and China in agriculture, tourism, and technology could transform the state into a leading model of sustainable growth and cross-border cooperation. Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin highlighted the state's strategic potential to benefit from China's economic rise, especially through green partnerships. "Sabah's abundant natural resources complement China's strengths in technological innovation, market scale, and investment capability," he said at the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah's 13th-anniversary luncheon and new office opening on Monday (June 16). Chan, who is also the Kota Kinabalu MP, encouraged the association to continue building bridges under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in eco-tourism, investment, and high-tech agriculture. "I see tremendous potential for deepening cooperation with China in agricultural technology transfer, sustainable cultivation practices, and value-added processing industries," he said. Chan added that Malaysia's commodity exports to China topped RM20bil last year, with palm oil accounting for more than half of that value. "Palm oil remains a critical pillar of our national economy, not just in terms of export value but also in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change," he said. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to ensuring a reliable commodity supply, particularly to key partners like China, despite increasing global uncertainties. Apart from commodities, people-to-people connectivity continues to strengthen, Chan said, noting the expected 3.8mil Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024, more than double the previous year's figure. "These rising numbers show the growing depth of our ties, not just government-to-government or business-to-business, but people-to-people," he said. He praised the Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah for consistently facilitating cultural, educational, and business exchanges that have boosted mutual understanding since its founding in 2012. "The association has helped local enterprises tap into the vast Chinese market and opened doors for countless educational collaborations," he added. Chan also linked Sabah's future growth to Malaysia's upcoming role as Asean Chair in 2025, noting the country's aim to drive regional economic integration and transition to a green, sustainable economy. "Sabah must position itself at the forefront of this shift. Our state can be a testing ground for sustainable practices and innovation in partnership with global players," he said. He expressed confidence that the association's new premises would act as a vibrant hub for further deepening Malaysia-China ties, especially in East Malaysia. "With the esteemed guidance of Tuan Yang DiPertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Musa Aman and strong leadership from the association's council, I believe Malaysia-China relations, particularly in Sabah, will continue to flourish and reach new heights," he said. Also present was Malaysia-China Friendship Association Sabah president Dr Oh Ei Sun.
Malaysia Sun
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysia Sun
Malaysia and China's openness for dialogue strengthens civilizational exchanges
KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Openness for dialogue between Malaysia and China plays a key role in strengthening civilizational exchanges and enhancing people-to-people relations by bridging differences, according to academics and experts at a forum here on Thursday. The Global Civilization Initiative, proposed by China, holds significant theoretical and practical value in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, building a just and equitable international order, and enhancing mutual understanding, Shao Liang, counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, told the "Youth Responsibility in a Shared Future: Islamic-Confucian Dialogue and New Horizons for Malaysia-China Cooperation" forum. "We are living in a time of tremendous global uncertainty," said Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan, president of the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, noting that in response to global challenges, there is an urgent need to embrace civilizational dialogue. Majid also called on young people to bravely shoulder the responsibilities of the times, promote the ideals of peace, and commit themselves to building an inclusive and harmonious global future. For his part, Osman Bakar, rector of International Islamic University Malaysia, said that in today's increasingly diverse world, cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Malaysia and China are more important than ever. He stated that through dialogue and cooperation, young people can become bridges that connect different civilizations, resolve differences, and promote shared values. The participating youth representatives generally agreed that young people should contribute to cultural exchange and civilizational dialogue between Malaysia and China.
