Latest news with #Sabah-ChinaChamberof
Borneo Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce strengthens ties with new Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu
Frankie Liew (seventh right) and the SCCC delegation posing with Consul General Zhu Xinglong (sixth right) and Deputy Consul General Ouyang Huifeng (fifth right) during the courtesy call. KOTA KINABALU (July 8): Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) president Datuk Frankie Liew on Tuesday led a delegation of key committee members to pay a courtesy visit to Zhu Xinglong, the newly appointed Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu. The visit aimed to extend a warm welcome and sincere congratulations, while engaging in in-depth discussions to further strengthen Sabah-China cooperation. During the visit, Liew conveyed heartfelt greetings and gratitude on behalf of all the committee members and SCCC members, thanking the Chinese Consulate for its longstanding support of their work. He emphasized that the SCCC and the Chinese Consulate have always maintained a close and positive relationship. Under the support and guidance of successive Consuls General, both parties have jointly promoted many initiatives to enhance bilateral cooperation, deepen economic and trade ties, foster investment exchanges, and strengthen cultural engagement between Sabah and China. Looking ahead, Liew expressed confidence that under the leadership of Consul General Zhu, the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce will continue to deepen its collaboration with the Consulate. SCCC will actively support the Consulate's work and promote exchanges and cooperation between Sabah and various provinces and cities in China in areas such as business, culture and education. He also emphasized that the Chamber will continue to play its role as a bridge and link, assisting both the Federal and State Governments in attracting investments to stimulate local economic growth. At the same time, the Chamber will work on enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of local entrepreneurs — including empowering women and youth entrepreneurs — to help them shine on the international stage. During the meeting, Liew also introduced the mission and functions of the Chamber. Since its founding in 2019, the SCCC has adhered to its mission of 'promoting exchange, advancing development, and serving members,' and has worked to strengthen Sabah-China cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, industry and commerce. He noted that the Chamber actively provides members with policy updates, investment guidelines, trade resources, and a wide range of platforms for engagement, including expos, economic forums, thematic lectures and training programs — effectively building a practical and efficient cooperation bridge between Sabah and China. 'In recent years, the SCCC has actively organized and participated in many key events, including last year's Sabah-China Expo, co-organized with the Sabah State Government to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China. We have also maintained regular engagement with chambers and enterprises across China and established liaison offices in multiple cities to expand connections and cooperation,' said Liew. Zhu welcomed the SCCC delegation and gave high praise for SCCC's contributions in promoting Sabah-China exchanges and collaboration. The Consulate General assured that he will continue to support the Chamber's development and looks forward to working closely together to further strengthen and deepen bilateral relations. Zhu also highlighted China's strong focus on its friendship with Malaysia. He noted that in April, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia for the first time in 12 years, followed by Premier Li Qiang's visit in May for the ASEAN–China–GCC Summit. 'It is quite rare for both the President and the Premier to visit Malaysia in the same year,' he said. He also pointed out that Chinese presence in Sabah — whether in tourism or commercial activities — is very vibrant. For example, Chinese tourists account for around 80% of international arrivals in Semporna. Many major Chinese state-owned and private enterprises have also entered Sabah for various investment projects, with more large-scale ventures expected in the near future. Zhu officially assumed his post in Kota Kinabalu on June 8. Since then, he has paid courtesy calls on the Head of State of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, reaffirming the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia. He expressed willingness to work hand in hand with Sabah to implement the consensus reached by both nations' leaders, and to expand cooperation in agriculture, investment, tourism and education — contributing to the building of a high-level China-Malaysia strategic community with a shared future. Also present at the meeting was Deputy Consul General Ouyang Huifeng. This meeting further deepened the friendly ties between the Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of China in Kota Kinabalu, laying a strong foundation for future cooperation in trade, culture and education.
Daily Express
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Attracting more Chinese investments to East Malaysia
Published on: Sunday, July 06, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 06, 2025 Text Size: Liew in a group photo with the Chinese leaders. KUCHING: The Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) is intensifying efforts to foster regional economic integration by building closer ties with Sarawak, signalling a united front in positioning East Malaysia as a strategic hub for Chinese investment into Southeast Asia. Led by its President Datuk Frankie Liew, SCCC held a high-level exchange session with Sarawak Chinese community leaders, recently. The meeting culminated in a shared commitment to maintain close communication and cooperation in areas of economic, cultural and social development. Advertisement During the visit to Kuching, Liew paid courtesy calls on prominent local Chinese leaders and municipal council chairpersons. He was also hosted at a luncheon by Datuk Seri Lau Wei Chiang, President of the Federation of Foochow Associations of Malaysia and Executive President of the World Federation of Foochow Associations. The session featured in-depth discussions on future cooperation opportunities between the two states. Among the key Sarawak leaders present were Temenggong Datuk Chin Nyuk Fei, the highest-ranking Chinese community leader in the Kuching Division; Padawan Municipal Council Chairman Chen Kai; Datuk Kong Chai Hing; Datuk Chai Chuan Wei; and Chen Zezhang from Bastein. 'The main objective of this trip is to strengthen collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak in the economic, cultural and social spheres, especially in attracting Chinese investments,' said Liew. 'We hope to jointly promote investment and trade activities across East Malaysia.' He emphasised that both Sabah and Sarawak are geographically connected, rich in resources and strategically located within Asean, making them ideal gateways for Chinese enterprises expanding into the region. Throughout the discussions, potential cooperation projects in manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure were explored. Liew said both states have competitive advantages in natural resources, energy and industrial park development. 'Collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak will unlock synergies that can significantly contribute to regional economic growth. By leveraging our respective strengths, we can create a more robust and attractive investment ecosystem,' he added. Highlighting previous successes, Liew said SCCC had accompanied a Sabah Government delegation on an official visit to Jilin Province, China, where they secured cooperation agreements worth around RM600 million. The projects, focused on agriculture and manufacturing, have already begun delivering economic and employment benefits to Sabah. 'Through this visit, we hope to deepen our cooperation with Sarawak and attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in East Malaysia, driving shared economic prosperity,' he said. The meeting, he added, marks a significant step forward in Sabah–Sarawak economic collaboration, and both sides have agreed to maintain continuous contact and actively pursue tangible projects. 'Sabah and Sarawak share bright prospects for cooperation. With complementary strengths in resources, industries and supportive policy environments, East Malaysia presents vast opportunities for Chinese investors aiming to access the wider Asean market,' said Liew. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SCCC strengthens East Malaysia economic ties through Sarawak visit
Datuk Frankie Liew (center) with Datuk Seri Lau Wei Chiang JP (third from right), Temenggong Datuk Chin Nyuk Fei (third from left) and other Sarawak Chinese leaders. KOTA KINABALU (July 4): The Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), led by President Datuk Frankie Liew, held a meaningful exchange session with Sarawak Chinese community leaders yesterday, reaching a consensus to maintain close communication and cooperation. The aim is to promote economic collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak, inject new vitality into regional development, and position East Malaysia as a strategic hub for Chinese investment into ASEAN. Liew visited Kuching where he paid courtesy calls on local Chinese community leaders and municipal council chairpersons. He was hosted at a luncheon by Datuk Seri Lau Wei Chiang JP, President of the Federation of Foochow Associations of Malaysia and Executive President of the World Federation of Foochow Associations. Both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on future cooperation opportunities. Among the prominent Sarawak Chinese leaders present at the gathering were Temenggong Datuk Chin Nyuk Fei, the highest-ranking Chinese leader in Kuching Division, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Chen Kai, Datuk Kong Chai Hing, Datuk Chai Chuan Wei and Chen Zezhang. Liew stated that the purpose of this visit was to enhance economic cooperation between Sabah and Sarawak and to jointly promote investment and trade activities between East Malaysia and China. 'The main objective of this trip is to strengthen collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak in the economic, cultural and social spheres, especially in attracting Chinese investments,' he explained. He emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak are geographically adjacent, rich in talent and resources, and strategically located — making them ideal gateways for Chinese enterprises investing in East Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region. During the meeting with Sarawak Chinese leaders, various potential cooperation projects were discussed, including those in manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Liew stressed that both Sabah and Sarawak possess abundant natural resources and favorable investment environments. Their strengths in energy and industrial park development offer unique advantages. Collaboration between the two states would enable synergy and contribute significantly to regional economic growth. He also highlighted that the SCCC had previously accompanied a Sabah state government delegation on an official visit to Jilin Province, China, where they signed cooperation agreements worth approximately RM600 million. These projects cover sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing and have already brought substantial economic benefits and job opportunities to Sabah. 'Through this visit, we hope to deepen our cooperation with Sarawak and attract more Chinese enterprises to invest in East Malaysia, driving shared economic prosperity,' Liew said. He noted that this meeting marked an important step forward in the economic collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak. Both sides will continue maintaining close contact and actively pursue concrete cooperation projects that bring fresh momentum to regional economic development. 'Sabah and Sarawak share bright prospects for cooperation. With complementary advantages in resources, industries and policy environments, both states can offer Chinese businesses more opportunities to expand into Southeast Asia,' he added.
Borneo Post
14-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New SCCC leadership team to strengthen Sabah-China ties
Frankie Liew (fifth left) with the new SCCC Council. KOTA KINABALU (June 14): The Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) has reaffirmed its leadership with Datuk Frankie Liew Chun Kim re-elected unopposed as president during its Third Council re-election. The harmonious filling of all council positions underscores the chamber's unity and confidence in Liew's continued stewardship. The election, held on Thursday at SCCC's Kolombong headquarters, proceeded smoothly in a spirit of cohesion. Liew hailed the event as a testament to the chamber's stability and maturity. In his acceptance speech, he thanked members for their trust and pledged to advance Sabah-China cooperation, creating new opportunities for businesses. SCCC also extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu, Zhu Xinglong. Liew emphasized that SCCC has always maintained a good and close relationship with successive Consuls General of the Chinese Consulate in Kota Kinabalu, collaborating on various initiatives to promote bilateral cooperation. Looking ahead, the chamber will continue to fully support the work of the Consulate General and serve as a bridge for fostering friendly relations between Sabah and China, striving for a win-win future. Zhu is the fourth Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Kota Kinabalu since its establishment in 2014, succeeding Consul General Huang Shifang, who concluded her term at the end of March this year. Since its 2019 inception, SCCC has championed economic and trade exchanges between Sabah and China, offering members policy insights, investment resources, and networking platforms. Looking ahead, Liew stated that the chamber will continue to deepen its exchange services between the two regions, further strengthening collaboration with the government and major institutions, and actively facilitating key projects and cooperation plans beneficial to regional economic development. 'We will continue to serve as a bridge and link for investment promotion efforts by the federal and Sabah governments, boosting the momentum of the local economy. At the same time, we aim to elevate the overall quality of entrepreneurs, actively empower women and young entrepreneurs, and support the local business community in shining on the international stage,' he said confidently. With the new Council of SCCC now formed, carrying on the legacy while embracing new leadership, the chamber enters a new and exciting chapter. The appointment of the new consul Glgeneral, combined with the smooth formation of the leadership team, sets the stage for a promising future in Sabah-China cooperation and exchange. New SCCC Council Line-Up President – Datuk Frankie Liew Chun Kim Deputy President – Brett Chua Man Kui Vice President – Ir. Ts. Tan Kok Jyh, JP, Datuk Jonathan Koh, JP, Datuk Simon Teoh, Chiew Heng Hock and Tan Siew Ling Secretary General – Chea Hoong Tak, Deputy Secretary General – Lo Mei Hwa Treasurer – Chung Zheng Uyee, Deputy Treasurer – Darius Hee Vui Chung Director of Commercial Affairs – Douglas Fong Yin Tshung, Deputy Director of Commercial Affairs – Ling Hang Tze Director of Public Relations – Anthony Leong Tit Khi, Deputy Director of Public Relations – Kenneth Tan Hock Khiam Committee – Hong Jia Hao, Chan Jun Git, Chin Hui Zhi, Cheong Siau Ling, Joanis Yee Shi Ping, Desmond Hsiu Wei Peng, Datuk Peter Chia Yun Kong, Kapitan Foo Hoe Weng, Leo Liew Yih Sin, Lucas Kwan Lee Kong, Jeremy Ho Soon Teck, Max Chan Chu Fatt, Wong Chung Ming, Ong Kian Tee Auditor – Datuk George Lim Shu Chung
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah becoming key destination for Chinese investment amid global trade shifts
Frankie Liew (fifth from left) with Xu Zhiliang and other members of the Chinese delegation. KOTA KINABALU (April 30): Sabah-China Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Frankie Liew stated that U.S. President Donald Trump's launch of a global tariff war has accelerated Chinese enterprises' overseas expansion efforts. Sabah, with its unique geographical location, rich resources and the friendly bilateral relations between China and Malaysia, is emerging as an important landing point for Chinese businesses seeking new opportunities. Liew pointed out that as the global supply and production chains undergo intense restructuring, Sabah has the potential to become a strategic base in China's 'Going Global' strategy. He revealed that a recent Chinese delegation comprising experts from various sectors — including finance, nuclear technology, game development, artificial intelligence and hotel development — visited Sabah for a fact-finding and investment exploration mission. The delegation, made up of authoritative figures in their respective fields, included Xu Zhiliang, a seasoned corporate system alignment coach with over 20 years of management experience; veteran financial expert Hu Faxiang; hotel and mall developer Cui Guojun; hotel operations expert Cui Xiuhua; game and AI expert Jiang Tianhua and his collaborator Duobao; as well as Dr Jiang Yong. All of them expressed strong enthusiasm for expanding their overseas ventures. During their visit, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Liew and held in-depth exchanges with him. Liew emphasized that amidst the reshaping of the global economic landscape, cooperation between China and Sabah is ushering in new opportunities. 'While the U.S.–China trade war and American tariff policies pose challenges, they also compel companies to seek new avenues. Sabah's abundant natural resources, strategic location, and multicultural environment make it an ideal springboard for Chinese enterprises targeting the Southeast Asian market.' The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in Sabah's overall investment environment, particularly in areas such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, wellness, eco-tourism, the hotel industry and high technology. Among them, financial expert Hu Faxiang highlighted Sabah's vast potential in the healthcare, medical and wellness sectors. He remarked, 'With the expanding middle class and rising health awareness, the health industry is key to future development. We hope to explore potential partnerships with relevant institutions in Sabah.' Liew also expressed his hope that with joint efforts from China and Malaysia, Sabah could be developed into a regional hub for medical and healthcare-related industries. 'This visit comes at a time when China is accelerating its 'Going Global' initiative and furthering the Belt and Road Initiative. As a crucial node country, Malaysia is once again attracting Chinese capital. Sabah, as a key state in East Malaysia and a neighbor to the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia, boasts a unique natural ecosystem and strategic location, making it an exceptionally attractive investment hotspot in the region.' The delegation emphasized that this visit is just the first step. They intend to further study feasible projects and look forward to working hand in hand with various sectors in Sabah to integrate resources, complement strengths, and jointly create new opportunities under the new era of cooperation.
