Malaysia\u2019s total trade had reached RM2.51 trillion by August 2026, while approved investments for the first half of 2026 stood at RM218.46 billion – said YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry<\/p>\n
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 September 2026<\/b> \u2014 A regional business
\ngathering took on a broader purpose when Asia CEO Community celebrated its 11th
\nanniversary with a Gala Dinner hosted by the Malaysia Chapter, bringing
\ntogether approximately 300 guests, including 16 Chapter Presidents, business leaders
\nand distinguished guests from across Asia.<\/p>\n
Held in Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with Visit Malaysia
\n2026, the Gala Dinner was designed not only to strengthen business connections,
\nbut also to introduce international guests to Malaysia\u2019s tourism attractions,
\ncultural diversity and hospitality.<\/p>\n
The event brought together two complementary dimensions of
\nMalaysia\u2019s regional appeal: its growing opportunities for trade and investment,
\nhighlighted through the participation of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and
\nIndustry (MITI), and its cultural and tourism offerings, supported through the
\ninvolvement of Tourism Malaysia.<\/p>\n
The Malaysia Chapter\u2019s intention was to encourage business
\nleaders to view Malaysia not only as a place to conduct business, but also as a
\ndestination to explore, invest in and return to with their families and
\nnetworks.<\/p>\n
MITI Highlights Malaysia\u2019s Economic Momentum<\/b><\/p>\n
The Gala Dinner\u2019s Guest of Honour, YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin,
\nDeputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, shared an overview of
\nMalaysia\u2019s recent trade and investment performance in his keynote address.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He highlighted that Malaysia\u2019s total trade surpassed the
\nhistoric RM3 trillion mark in 2025, reaching RM3.061 trillion. He also noted
\nthat Malaysia recorded RM426.7 billion in approved investments in 2025,
\nrepresenting an 11% year-on-year increase and the country\u2019s third consecutive
\nyear of record investment performance.<\/p>\n
According to the figures shared during his address,
\nMalaysia\u2019s total trade had reached RM2.51 trillion by August 2026, while
\napproved investments for the first half of 2026 stood at RM218.46 billion.<\/p>\n
YB Sim also highlighted Malaysia\u2019s improved standing in the
\nIMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2026, where the country secured 15th position
\nglobally.<\/p>\n
His message underscored Malaysia\u2019s continued efforts to
\nstrengthen its position as a competitive destination for international trade,
\ninvestment and high-value economic activity.<\/p>\n
The Malaysia Chapter expressed its sincere appreciation to
\nYB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin for gracing the occasion and sharing these insights with
\nthe international business community.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Malaysia\u2019s Culture Takes Centre Stage<\/b><\/p>\n
Beyond the economic discussion, the evening offered
\ninternational guests an opportunity to experience Malaysian culture.<\/p>\n
One of the key highlights was the traditional lion dance
\neye-dotting ceremony, symbolising the awakening of the lions and the ushering
\nin of good fortune, prosperity and positive energy.<\/p>\n
The ceremony brought together distinguished guests and
\ncommunity leaders in a meaningful celebration of Malaysian heritage.<\/p>\n
Later in the evening, the atmosphere became more spontaneous
\nwhen the Chapter Presidents and distinguished guests were invited onto the
\nstage for a musical celebration.<\/p>\n
A specially selected music video \u300a\u4e07\u6c34\u5343\u5c71\u603b\u662f\u60c5+ Ikan Kekek\u300bfeaturing Malaysia\u2019s attractions,
\ncultural heritage, unity and hospitality played on the screen. As the music
\nfilled the room, leaders from different countries began singing, dancing and
\nwaving Malaysian flags.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gary Lam, Global President of Asia CEO Community, and Dato\u2019
\nVimmy Yap, Malaysia Chapter President, led by example, joining in the
\ncelebration and encouraging fellow leaders to put aside their formal roles and
\nenjoy the moment.<\/p>\n
The scene was filled with laughter, dancing and shared
\nenthusiasm. For a moment, professional titles and national borders gave way to
\nfriendship and the simple joy of being together.<\/p>\n
Building Connections Beyond the Boardroom<\/b><\/p>\n
\u201cHosting this year\u2019s Gala Dinner in Malaysia was a
\ndeliberate decision,\u201d said Dato\u2019 Vimmy Yap, Malaysia Chapter President of Asia
\nCEO Community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to bring business and tourism together; to
\nintroduce our international business leaders to Malaysia\u2019s investment
\nopportunities, while also allowing them to experience our culture, attractions
\nand hospitality. Our hope is that they will return not only for business, but
\nalso for personal travel, family holidays and future investment opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Gala Dinner also featured awards, tokens of appreciation
\nfor sponsors and partners, and a charity painting initiative under the
\ncommunity\u2019s NOVA Circle.<\/p>\n
The evening reflected Asia CEO Community\u2019s belief that
\nmeaningful business relationships are strengthened through shared experiences,
\ncultural exchange and genuine human connection.<\/p>\n
\u00a0As leaders from across Asia celebrated together in Kuala Lumpur, the message was clear: One Community. Many Countries. Together in Malaysia.<\/b><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n