logo
Consumers rejoice but Malaysian, Indonesian entrepreneurs sound alarm as Chinese chains flood region

Consumers rejoice but Malaysian, Indonesian entrepreneurs sound alarm as Chinese chains flood region

Malay Mail3 days ago
KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 — Chinese brands are enjoying growing success in Southeast Asia, but some local players and observers remain wary about their rapid rise and potential impact on domestic businesses.
In a CNA report, a Malaysian food and beverage entrepreneur said anonymously that he is under pressure from Chinese chains such as Mixue, which offer bubble tea at RM5 and ice cream at RM2, asking, 'It will remain to be seen how long they will be here.'
'I do hope locals will support local brands and restaurants,' he added, underscoring the concerns of small operators facing fierce price competition.
Experts say that while Chinese companies are gaining market share through affordability and innovation, the pace of their expansion has raised questions over long-term sustainability and market fairness.
Andry Satrio Nugroho from the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance predicted that low-price strategies may not last as production shifts to other countries, saying aome Chinese goods are now produced in Vietnam to keep costs down.
He also noted that a continued perception gap with Chinese brands, saying they were often still seen as a second-tier choice to Western competitors.
Gaikindo co-chairman Jongkie Sugiarto said that Japanese brands remain dominant in Indonesia due to a strong reputation for reliability, and Chinese players 'need to work on' building that same level of trust.
Habib Dzakwan from Jakarta's CSIS think tank cautioned that unchecked expansion may provoke nationalist sentiment, stating, 'If not addressed, it's easy to trigger anti-Chinese sentiment.'
A BYD Dolphin Surf electric vehicle is displayed on stage during a presentation by BYD carmaker in Berlin, Germany May 21, 2025. — Reuters pic
Lee Pei May of the International Islamic University Malaysia noted that local businesses are already raising concerns over the invasion, saying, 'This is due to the fact that Chinese firms are highly competitive.'
Despite these concerns, analysts agree that China's mix of scale, technology and strategy means its brands will continue to grow in the region's markets.
Consumers also reported growing affinity for some Chinese brands, rejecting the view that they were less than alternatives from other countries.
Entrepreneur Aditya Adri Saleh said after using a Chinese EV for nearly a year, 'I would not second guess Chinese products until I test them out myself.'
'While others see it as an influx of inferior products that wouldn't last long, I can attest from personal experience,' he added.
Habib believes the trend will persist as long as purchasing power remains unchanged, saying, 'Consuming Chinese brands is a pragmatic yet rational choice.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

No solid evidence of Jho Low living in Shanghai, says Saifuddin
No solid evidence of Jho Low living in Shanghai, says Saifuddin

Free Malaysia Today

time3 minutes ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

No solid evidence of Jho Low living in Shanghai, says Saifuddin

Two investigative journalists had claimed that Low Taek Jho is currently living in a mansion in Green Hills, an 'ultra high-end neighbourhood' in Shanghai. (File pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Police have yet to find any credible evidence to support claims that fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low, is currently residing in Shanghai, China, using a fake Australian passport. Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Malaysian authorities were working closely with international enforcement agencies to verify Low's exact whereabouts. 'I want to emphasise that the ministry, through the police, is maintaining close and ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies. 'So far, claims about his location and use of a fake passport have not been backed by any verified or credible evidence. 'These remain claims by the journalists in question,' he told a press conference after visiting the National Scam Response Centre at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia. The claims were made by investigative journalists Bradley Hope and Tom Wright, who said they gathered evidence from various sources and newly uncovered documents which showed that Low was living in a mansion in Green Hills, an 'ultra high-end neighbourhood' in Shanghai. They added that Low was using a fake Australian passport under the Greek name 'Constantinos Achilles Veis' to hide his identity. Hope and Wright also claimed that Low was now working as a 'behind-the-scenes strategist for the Chinese government'. His role allegedly includes helping sanctioned companies from China 'navigate difficulties around the world'. Hope and Wright are former Wall Street Journal journalists who broke many of the key early 1MDB stories and co-wrote the book 'Billion Dollar Whale' about the scandal. On Tuesday, Wright alleged that Low had used the fake Australian passport to register a company in the UK. The firm, called Wisdom Opensto Technology Service Enterprise Ltd, is said to have been incorporated on March 13, with a registered office in Cardiff, South Glamorgan.

TAR UMT marks second year of Malaysia-China talent programme
TAR UMT marks second year of Malaysia-China talent programme

The Sun

time3 minutes ago

  • The Sun

TAR UMT marks second year of Malaysia-China talent programme

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) recently celebrated the second year of its pioneering cross-border talent development initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry on a global scale. In collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) and Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd (ESSB), TAR UMT launched the Malaysia-China (University-Industry Collaboration) Talent Development Programme to equip students with both academic knowledge and practical skills essential for today's competitive workforce. The opening ceremony for the second batch of students took place on 17 July at TAR UMT's Kuala Lumpur campus. The event was graced by TAR UMT President Prof Dato' Indera Dr Lee Sze Wei, Prof Zhang Hu, Deputy Director of the International Student Center at USTB, ESSB CEO Wang Shenghua, and Dr Lee Kim Yee, Deputy Dean of the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). A key highlight of the ceremony was the awarding of the 2025 ESSB scholarships to 25 deserving students, enabling them to pursue their chosen programmes with full support. Among the recipients, 10 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering micro-credential programme will spend two years at TAR UMT before continuing their studies at USTB in Beijing. The scholarship also supports five TAR UMT students studying accountancy, finance, and investment, alongside six students in engineering disciplines, including electrical and electronics, mechanical, and mechatronics engineering. The remaining four recipients are UTAR students, highlighting the broad reach and impact of the initiative. In his opening remarks, Prof Dato' Indera Ir Dr Lee emphasised the importance of the programme. 'Launched in July 2024, this initiative provides a clear and forward-looking pathway for talent development by seamlessly integrating education with career preparation. It effectively closes the gap between academia and industry, meeting the growing demand for graduates who are both well-educated and workforce-ready.' Prof Zhang echoed this sentiment, noting ongoing improvements to the programme. 'Since last year, we have refined the programme's structure, strengthened coordination, and enhanced support for students. This reflects our dedication to forging strong ties with industry, combining academic learning with real-world experience, and promoting growth in both education and employment sectors.' Sharing the programme's early successes, Wang Shenghua said the first cohort had already made impressive strides, with two graduates now valuable contributors to ESSB. 'This initiative not only empowers local talent and invests in the future but also fosters closer integration between education and industry in Malaysia and China.' One of the beneficiaries, Bachelor of Metallurgical Engineering student Mei Jian Hao, expressed his gratitude: 'We are deeply grateful to ESSB for their generous support, which allows us to experience student life in both Malaysia and China. This unique opportunity will expand our technical skills and global perspective, laying a strong foundation for our future careers and inspiring us to pursue our dreams with determination.' TAR UMT's Malaysia-China Talent Development Programme continues to set a benchmark for cross-border educational collaboration, nurturing a new generation of globally competitive professionals.

Court removes Anwar, govt as parties in Mukhriz's tax bill suit
Court removes Anwar, govt as parties in Mukhriz's tax bill suit

Free Malaysia Today

time6 minutes ago

  • Free Malaysia Today

Court removes Anwar, govt as parties in Mukhriz's tax bill suit

Mukhriz Mahathir is challenging notices issued by LHDN to him last year demanding that he pay RM5.02 million in tax arrears for 2017 to 2019. KUALA LUMPUR : The High Court has removed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the federal government from Mukhriz Mahathir's suit challenging a RM5.02 million tax arrears demand. Justice Amarjeet Singh allowed an application filed by Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, and the federal government to be excluded from the proceedings, leaving the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) as the sole respondent. The court also fixed Dec 16 to hear the judicial review application on an inter partes basis. Anwar and the federal government had argued that their inclusion in the suit amounted to an abuse of court process, noting that the dispute centred on Mukhriz's tax arrears from 2017 to 2019. LHDN issued notices to Mukhriz on Sept 27 last year, demanding that he pay RM2.56 million for 2017, RM2.44 million for 2018, and RM16,826.37 for 2019. However, the court today refused to strike out a statement by Mukhriz alleging that a long-standing feud between Anwar and Mukhriz's father, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, might have contributed to the issuance of the notices. Mukhriz said that in 2023, Anwar made several adverse public statements about Mahathir, claiming that the former prime minister had enriched his children during his initial tenure in office. He claimed that the remarks were made to tarnish his father's credibility and as an act of revenge. A defamation suit brought by Mahathir against Anwar is ongoing in another High Court. Mukhriz alleges that LHDN miscalculated his tax liability. The former Kedah menteri besar wants the court to quash the notices issued to him for the 2017, 2018 and 2019 years of assessment. He secured leave to bring the judicial review proceedings in January this year. Mukhriz is represented by lawyer Syed Afiq Syed Albakri while senior federal counsel Nur Irmawatie Daud appeared for Anwar and the federal government.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store