Latest news with #MCCCSabah
.jpg&w=3840&q=100)

Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Chamber backs making Padi Bukit popular
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 Text Size: Brian (left) and Padi Bukit (right) is a hidden gem of Sabah's agriculture sector. (Pic: Lano Tan via Berita Harian) Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCC) Sabah has pledged full support to government efforts in commercialising Padi Bukit, a traditional highland rice variety with significant cultural and economic potential. Led by President Datuk Dexter Lau, MCCC Sabah announced its commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and Lembaga Padi dan Beras Sabah (LPBS) in transforming the traditional crop into a competitive agricultural product. Trade Affairs official Brian Ho Joon Chuan described Padi Bukit as a hidden gem of Sabah's agriculture sector, pointing out the opportunity to integrate modern business approaches with traditional farming practices while preserving rural community heritage. The chamber outlined comprehensive support spanning product development, branding, innovative packaging and marketing campaigns to elevate Padi Bukit's market profile. Through its business network connections, MCCC Sabah aims to secure strategic partnerships placing Padi Bukit products in mainstream supermarkets, organic specialty stores and retail platforms. To address logistical challenges faced by small-scale producers, the Chamber will assist LPBS in coordinating efficient supply chain strategies, connecting farmer cooperatives with transporters, warehousing solutions and retail distributors to improve goods flow from remote agricultural areas to urban markets. Advertisement Internationally, MCCC Sabah is exploring opportunities to introduce Padi Bukit to overseas markets through its network of business partners and importers, particularly in China and Asean countries. The Chamber expressed openness to long-term collaboration with LPBS and federal trade agencies for export readiness in Middle Eastern, European and North American markets, where consumer interest in sustainable, heritage-based food products continues growing. 'These combined efforts reflect MCCC Sabah's commitment to being more than a trade association but a true partner to government initiatives that aim to empower rural communities, preserve traditional agricultural knowledge and enhance Malaysia's reputation as a producer of high-quality, culturally rich agricultural products,' Brian said. The initiative aligns with national agendas of food security, rural revitalisation and sustainable agriculture, positioning Padi Bukit as a potential flagship agri-product for both domestic and global markets through public-private sector collaboration. * 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
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce appoints Auditor-General
Published on: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 Text Size: Datuk Dexter Lau accompanied by Vice Presidents Jacky Chin and Lau Jiin Woei, presenting the letter of appointment to Datuk Roger Chin. Kota Kinabalu: In a move to strengthen organisational governance and enhance financial oversight, the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah has officially appointed Datuk Roger Chin Ken Fong—Chamber member and former President of the Sabah Law Society—as its Auditor General. The appointment was formalised on June 23, with MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau, accompanied by Vice Presidents Jacky Chin Thau Chung and Lau Jiin Woei, personally visiting Datuk Roger Chin at the Chin Lau Wong & Co law firm to present the official letter of appointment. This strategic appointment is part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to reinforce internal checks and balances, ensuring transparency, compliance, and credibility in financial management. As MCCC Sabah continues to expand and deepen external engagements, a sound financial review framework is becoming increasingly vital to its sustainable growth. 'Our Chamber places great emphasis on institutional integrity and governance,' said Datuk Dexter Lau. 'We are confident that with Datuk Roger Chin's professional leadership, the transparency and efficiency of our financial operations will be significantly enhanced—laying a stronger foundation of trust between the leadership and our members.' He added that Datuk Roger Chin's deep legal expertise, combined with his extensive experience in civic and public affairs, as well as his longstanding commitment to integrity, make him the ideal candidate for this role. 'With his support, we look forward to further standardizing our financial audit processes and reinforcing institutional oversight as we work toward modernizing and systematising the Chamber's governance.' * 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
15-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
MCCC Sabah builds strategic business ties
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 Text Size: MCCC Sabah's strong presence at the AGM reflects the Sabah business community's commitment to national chamber development and its organisational strength. Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch, led by President Datuk Dexter Lau Wei Dick, attended the MCCC National Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the 14th National Council Election, here, on June 13-14. Demonstrating its commitment to the core mission of 'connecting resources, building platforms, and expanding opportunities', the Sabah delegation hosted a high-level business networking dinner on June 13 at Calia, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Advertisement The event served as a strategic bridge to foster dialogue, showcasing the forward-looking and enterprising spirit of Sabah's business community in this new era. Spearheaded and coordinated by Public Relations Officer Edmund Goh Chuen Sheng, the networking dinner attracted a gathering of entrepreneurs, corporate elites, investors, and prominent figures from various industries and the cultural sector across Malaysia. Guests engaged in in-depth conversations on capital synergy, brand collaboration, international expansion, and industrial trends – laying a solid foundation for future cross-industry and interstate partnerships. Following the dinner, the delegation attended the official welcome banquet hosted by the national chamber at Chuai Heng Banquet Hall, further strengthening relationships with chamber counterparts from other states and boosting Sabah's visibility on the national stage. On June 14, the delegation participated in the AGM held at Wisma Huazong, contributing to discussions on constitutional amendments, resolutions, and witnessing the election of the new national council – highlighting Sabah's strong commitment to institutional development and organizational responsibility. According to Goh, the significance of this trip goes far beyond attendance. 'This mission shows that the Sabah Branch is not limited to local activities, but is taking a proactive approach to connect with national resources and partners. 'We have lived up to the state government's expectations by stepping out of our comfort zone to establish new connections with prominent entrepreneurs, including listed companies and those managing major development projects,' he said. 'Throughout this short but intensive engagement, we exchanged valuable insights on business models, economic outlooks, and Sabah's development prospects – sparking opportunities for collaboration that can indirectly spur business growth and job creation in our state. Supporting our members in business expansion has always been a core leadership goal of President Datuk Dexter Lau.' Goh expressed confidence that as the chamber continues to promote regional collaboration and economic dynamism, the State government would support these efforts by appointing capable individuals to work with the chamber. Through combined resources, networks, and dedication, the chamber hopes to build broader international exposure for Sabah's talents, enabling them to gain global experience and knowledge and, ultimately, contribute to the state's development upon their return. He emphasised that the Sabah Branch remains committed to its mission: 'Let the nation see Sabah, believe in Sabah, and collaborate with Sabah.' Through various platforms, the branch will continue to help local businesses broaden their horizons and strengthen their competitiveness. 'Going out,' he said, 'is not just a market strategy – it is a reflection of our belief in cooperation.' In recent years, MCCC Sabah has actively upheld the philosophy of 'promoting cooperation through dialogue, and driving development through cooperation.' By participating in national AGMs, regional forums, and young entrepreneur initiatives, the branch continues to create meaningful and result-driven partnership opportunities. Moving forward, it will remain grounded in practical action to build a solid bridge for Sabah enterprises to connect nationally and expand globally. Also present were Life Honorary Advisor cum former President Datuk Lau Kok Sing, Former President Datuk Michael Chin Wee Yee, President Datuk Dexter Lau, Deputy President Kapitan Dr Tan Kai Lee, Vice President Jacky Chin Thau Chung, Vice President Louis Su Khon Fen, Trade Affairs Brian Ho Joon Chuan, Assistant Trade Affairs Brian Wong Kwong Fah, Public Relations Goh Chuen Sheng, Assistant Public Relations Yong Wei Hau, Committee Benny Hon Fook Peng, Women Entrepreneur Committeee President Lam Lee Chin, committee Joanna Ling Tyan Hwey and members Yap Yuen Wen, Yong Ken Chau, Zheng Wu Lin. * 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
07-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Halal hub: Chamber reaffirms alliance
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 Text Size: From left: Dexter Lau, Shawn Tan, Lanice Ng, Jacky Chin and Dr Gloria. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah Branch reaffirmed its strategic partnership with the World Halalprenuer Council (WHC), focusing on positioning Sabah as the gateway to the China-Malaysia halal ecosystem and transforming the State into an international halal hub. MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau said both parties recently met and agreed to translate their previous strategic engagement into concrete, collaborative frameworks. Advertisement 'We will specifically focus on bilateral halal trade, education, leadership in publications and the joint organisation of high-profile and documentation initiatives,' he said, in a statement, Friday. Lau said the chamber had appointed four committee members – First Vice President Jacky Chin, Treasurer Shawn Tan, committee member Lanice Ng and Dr Gloria Chang – as the working committee for the WHC Sabah Chapter. He expressed confidence that their appointments, along with MCCC Sabah's involvement, would greatly benefit chamber members by offering exposure and expanding visibility on the international stage through WHC's global events, publications and digital platforms. The strategic collaboration will also serve as a bridge for bilateral halal trade and investment opportunities, particularly for halalpreneurs and women entrepreneurs from China and Malaysia, especially in Sabah. Lau is confident in Sabah's strong potential to become the international halal hub for Southeast Asia, given its strategic location and access to fast-growing markets with large Muslim populations in the region. 'With continued support and encouragement from the Government in promoting international trade and investment, we believe it won't be long before our objectives materialise, and Sabah's halal trade and investment can be elevated to a new level,' he added. According to the Global Islamic Economy Index, the global halal economy is projected to reach a market value of USD7.7 trillion by 2025 – up from USD3.2 trillion in 2015 – driven by increasing demand for Shariah-compliant investments and products. Malaysia remains a global leader in the halal industry, which contributes nearly 10 per cent to the nation's GDP. The sector is expected to grow further, with halal exports valued at billions of ringgit, as the country continues to lead in halal innovation, exploring areas such as AI-driven supply chain platforms and plant-based pharmaceuticals. The largest component of Malaysia's halal economy is the food services sector, which generated approximately USD31 billion (RM128.8 billion) in revenue in 2021. This figure is forecast to rise to USD47.6 billion (RM201.02 billion) by 2025. * 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
06-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce Sabah backs call for stamp duty review on employment contracts
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 Text Size: Dr Tan also urged the Government to grant full exemption for MSMEs, especially in Sabah where the business ecosystem is still developing. Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah has voiced full support to the recent call by the Sabah Association of Professional Accountants (Sapa) to review the blanket implementation of mandatory stamp duty on all employment contracts under the Stamp Act 1949. MCCC Sabah Deputy President Dr Callee Tan, said while the Chamber recognises the Government's efforts to improve tax compliance and national revenue, the current approach could place an undue burden on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in Sabah. Advertisement 'Many local businesses here are small-scale with limited resources. Without considering factors such as business size, industry and region, this policy risks hurting the very enterprises we need for economic recovery,' she said in a statement, on Thursday. MCCC Sabah proposed that employment contracts for positions with monthly salaries below RM6,000 be exempted from stamp duty to reduce the financial pressure on small businesses and encourage formal employment practices. Dr Tan also urged the Government to grant full exemption for MSMEs, especially in Sabah where the business ecosystem is still developing. 'To maintain compliance and safeguard local employment, these enterprises need supportive and realistic policy measures,' she said. She further recommended deferring enforcement of the ruling until further notice, with comprehensive outreach programmes to help businesses understand and prepare for compliance. 'As a key representative of the business community, we are concerned that this policy, if not properly reviewed, may discourage the use of formal contracts, potentially exposing workers to informal and vulnerable employment arrangements.' MCCC Sabah urged the Ministry of Finance and Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to engage with industry stakeholders, particularly in less-developed regions, to ensure policies reflect fairness, feasibility and local context. 'Only with balanced and inclusive policy making can we ensure long-term national growth and social well-being,' said Dr Tan. * 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