British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Bhd (BMCC) will continue to shape a vibrant and prosperous future for the United Kingdom (UK) and Malaysia’s business landscape.
Chairman Mark Arthun said the success of the chamber and its transformation into a prolific international entity is undeniably attributed to the unwavering support of its members and stakeholders.
He said its members’ dedication and collaborative efforts had played an instrumental role in shaping the chamber and the UK-Malaysia business landscape.
“We acknowledge and appreciate your commitment, expertise, and innovation that have propelled the chamber forward,” he said at BMCCs 60th Anniversary Gala and 4th Annual Business Excellence Awards Dinner on Thursday.
Also present at the event were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, UK Prime Ministers Trade Envoy to Malaysia, Richard Graham and the British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Charles Hay.
Additionally, Arthun said BMCC has embarked on a dynamic journey in 2023, focusing on enhancing its committees and introducing networks.
He said the chamber recognises the importance of serving its members and has revitalised existing committees while establishing new ones, such as the healthcare and the built environment committee, to cater to the specific industries represented by our esteemed members.
“These committees foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities within their respective sectors,” he said.
The BMCC Business Excellence Awards was established in 2018 to celebrate the long-standing business relations between the UK and Malaysia by recognising and honouring the best of British and Malaysian companies across various achievement categories.
This year, YTL Corporation Bhd bagged the UK-Malaysia Business of the Year Award, having displayed a stellar track record of investment in the UK over the last two to five years by building on its successful local business, bringing mutual benefit to both nations.
BMCC also awarded YTL managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh Sock Ping with the UK-Malaysia Business Personality of the Year Award for his exceptional role in investment developments in Wessex and Bristol, UK.
EcoWorld International Bhd and Ballymore have been crowned the UK-Malaysia Partnership of the Year Award for their joint-venture collaboration for both nations, while the University of Reading and Universiti Tunku Abdul Halim won the UK-Malaysia Education Institutional Partnership of the Year Award.
Medical technology company Smith & Nephew Operations Malaysia clinched the Outstanding ESG (environmental, social and governance) Award for their achievements in adopting ESG practices.
BMCC has awarded the Technology and Innovation Award to Mott MacDonald Malaysia, which has successfully pursued new solutions by applying digital, innovative, and disruptive technologies to operate efficiently and contribute to Malaysia’s productivity enhancement.
Meanwhile, Owen Mumford Sdn Bhd won the Diversity and Inclusion Award. This award recognises organisations across all industries that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to fostering the spirit of diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Hay, who is also chair of the judging panel, said all the award nominees have contributed to the ever-growing UK-Malaysia trade relationship. He said bilateral trade had increased 8.9 per cent and reached £5.6 billion (£1 = RM5.77) in 2022.
“With the UK having concluded negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), British and Malaysian businesses will soon be able to take full advantage of the new opportunities ahead,” he said.
The BMCCs 60th Anniversary Gala Dinner served as a testament to its spirit and essence, encapsulating the outstanding accomplishments and invaluable contributions of the businesses in its network.
The event provided a remarkable opportunity to reflect on the BMCCs journey, highlighting the remarkable progress made in advancing UK-Malaysia Business Excellence.
