MDBCONNECTS 2018 - Last edition

MISA aec‘18 BUDGET 2019

Makers & Drivers of Business & Commerce

GOV’T INCENTIVES

MDBC - NETHERLANDS EMBASSY COOPERATiON SEEN AS BEST PRACTICE

ISSUE: last edition 2018

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CONTENTS MEMBERS

DIALOGUE

MDBC EVENTS / 11

KPMG / 15

Interchamber Networking with MABC Breaking Boundaries at BD Asia Education 360: Reskilling Team Management De Dag van de Ondernemer Rabobank Financial Markets Outlook KPMG 2019 Budget Briefing

MDBC PENANG / 17

MDEC / 33

BIG STORY MISA ‘18 / 22

MDBC JOHOR / 19

COMMUNITY

MEMBERs news / 20

STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM / 25

MY Services / 37

/12

EMBASSY NEWS / 26

NEW MEMBERS / 38

MY IN NL / 29

SOCIAL / 42

asean news / 30 special message / 35

/15 /22

sHUFFLE IN PORTFOLIOS, INCREASED COLLABORATION Dear MDBC Members and Friends, In the past 2 years, I have met many of you on several occasions, and I am glad to inform you that we are going to work together more closely in the years to come! As a result of a reshuffle of tasks within the Embassy, I have taken up the economic portfolio.

Now that the end of 2018 is nearing, most of us will be busy with typical activities like the financial closing of the year and the planning for 2019. At the Embassy, we had our annual planning session some time ago and, together with MDBC and our partners from the embassy network in the region, set the priorities and goals for the coming period. In 2019, we will focus on 5 priority sectors: Water, Circular Economy / Waste Management, Healthcare, Port Development, Agrifood and Flowers.

The ‘New Malaysia’ offers plenty of new opportunities for cooperation and the Embassy is building strong relations with the new ministers and government officials.

The quest for more transparency and the fight against corruption are likely to benefit the business climate in the years to come.

At the same time, some things still need to settle. It is not clear yet how some of the new policies and guidelines will be implemented and how they will work out for businesses in Malaysia. As always, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We have an open invitation from the new government to raise any issues that Dutch businesses may encounter. Please flag your issues with us and / or MDBC so we can raise them when we meet with ministers and other government officials. The Embassy is here to serve you and the quality of the service that we can provide to you largely depends on the input that you give us.

improvement, the end of the year is also a moment to count our blessings. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to cherish the healthy cooperation we enjoy. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2019!

Christoph Prommersberger Deputy Head of Mission & Economic Counsellor Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with MDBC in 2019. The new Dutch business organization ‘NL International Business’ has qualified the cooperation between MDBC and Embassy as a ‘best practice’ for other business councils and Netherlands embassies to follow. While we of course, continue to work on further

MDBC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain, Chairman Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad

Ms. Annemarieke de Haan Unilever Malaysia

MDBC Executive Director: Mr. Marco Winter

Mr. Remco Koster, Vice Chairman Expandian

Mr. Koen van Gurp TalentSquare

Datuk Merlyn Kasimir Former CEO of Matrade

Mr. Tarang Gupta Dutch Lady Milk Industries

MDBC Patrons: Y.B. Ignatius Darell Leiking Minister of International Trade & Industry

Mr. Jack Ang Markant (M) Sdn Bhd

Mr. Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris Shell Malaysia

Mr. Wouter van der Weijden &samhoud

Ms. Candice Bongers - de Bie Orbital Capital

Mr. Philip Kunjappy Sime Darby Plantation Berhad

Honorary Member of the Board: H.E. Ms. Karin Mössenlechner Netherlands Ambassador

Mr. Suerd Polderdijk Frames Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd

Ex - Officio Mr. Christoph Prommersberger Netherlands Embassy

Y.Bhg Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz Former Minister of International Trade & Industry Malaysian Dutch Business Council Unit 808, 8th Floor Wisma Lim Foo Yong 86 Jalan Raja Chulan 50200 Kuala Lumpur Tel : 603 - 2722 8335 Email : info@mdbc.com.my Website : www.mdbc.com.my

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CALENDAR

DEC

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Thur 6 / 6:00Pm

THUR 10 / 6:00Pm

Fri 7 / 9:00am

wed 16 / (TBC)

Networking at the Heineken Tavern Heineken Tavern

Dialogue with the Penang CM Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara

fri 18 / 9:00Am

BCSD Breakfast Talk on Digital Ethics Digi Telecommunications

MDBC New Year’s Reception 2019 Ambassador’s Residence

MDBC: Outlook 2019 TBC

NOTICE:

MDBC members will receive personal invitations for these functions by email once all details are confirmed.

All events/dates to be reconfirmed.

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Being the bridge that connects our members to each other, to government representatives, and to overseas contacts.

MDBC / MABC INTERCHAMBER NETWORKING & TALK

This year, MDBC members who attended the annual Interchamber Networking evening with our colleagues from the Malaysian Australian Business Council (MABC), received an in - depth look into e commerce, the opportunities, and challenges involved.

Research has shown that in the last 14 years, the growth of e commerce companies has skyrocketed across the board. Some merchandise lines (like clothing and beauty products in particular) have achieved a remarkable

25% average Compound Growth Rate (CGR). Growth projections estimate that by 2022, e commerce retail revenues may exceed $4 trillion.

The e commerce industry in Malaysia is slowly taking shape, with over US $1.4 billion worth of transaction value and an average Compound Annual Growth Rate of 17.9% YOY (which is among the better ones in the region). The advent of the digital free trade zone here has provided an interesting boost, while also raising pertinent questions. A large marketplace of consumers await, but a complex ecosystem hasn’t necessarily delivered on the promise of rigorous adoption.

Panelists from six companies, all active in e commerce shared their experiences and debated the issues currently found in the sector. * Bina Tulsida (PS Area Manager, Booking.com) * Daniel Havas (Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner to Malaysia & Brunei, Australian Trade & Investment Commission (AUSTRADE)) * David Wong (Founder & Group CEO, SNT Global Sdn Bhd)

* PC Gan (Country Director Malaysia, GoBear) * Sharon Goh (Founder & CEO, IT Comp) * Ibrahim Hamid (CEO, Axle & Olio Solutions) Through the presentations and answers, attendees got to learn about the intricacies involved in e commerce, explore opportunities, understand the challenges, and determine how to best participate.

The event proved to be a valuable learning experience for all, including the panelists themselves. Speakers (pictured below together with representatives from MDBC and MABC) were also able to gain valuable information through the sharing of their stories and questions posed to the other panelists. It was an opportunity for all to learn from the other’s experiences.

For additional photos from this event, please check page 42.

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MDBC: BREAKING BOUNDARIES AT BD ASIA

MDBC members were treated to an informative presentation on Breaking Boundaries: Out of the Box Perspectives on Building Collaborative Teams by Gijs van Wezel at Big Dutchman (BD) Asia’s new headquarters recently.

This gave guests a special look at BD Asia’s regional head office and logistics center for the Asia Pacific region. It is also the largest and most modern center in the entire Big Dutchman family. Five times larger than its predecesor, the facility has a solar panel the size of two football fields installed on the warehouse’s roof to supply renewable energy.

Presentation and training rooms also turn the location into a center of excellence for modern lifestock production.

Gijs provided a presentation on Building Collaborative Teams. Having a collaborative team where all departments work as a goal oriented team requires continuous management attention. During this co - learning session, Gijs shared several approaches used for existing teams.

Gijs is a certified FEBI coach and Open Space Technology facilitator. He also provides intermediary services and business consultancy for international and local companies.

MDBC EDUCATION 360: RESKILLING TEAM MANAGEMENT & EFFICIENCY Together with MDBC member Cultural Impact and our colleagues from the Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce (CCIFM), MDBC organized a second MDBC Education 360 event on Reskilling Team Management & Efficiency, led by Marie Tseng.

With an increasing amount of multicultural teams it has become even 12

MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

more important to understand the impact of multiple cultures within the workplace.

These teams offer a number of advantages, including a deeper and wider variety of knowledge, and culturally sensitive customer service.

intercultural competencies. They also learnt how to decipher different cultural expectations, adapt their behaviors accordingly, optimize communication within a Malaysian context, and effectively handle challenging situations.

Attendees learnt how to use a proven, competence - based framework: Intercultural Readiness, to build

This enabled attendees to manage multicultural teams efficiently and effectively.

“THE DAY OF THE ENTREPRENEUR”

De Dag van de Ondernemer (DVDO, Day of the Entrepreneur) is an initiative in The Netherlands by MKB Nederland (SME Corp Netherlands) to show respect for the motivation of entrepreneurs and their importance to the (Dutch) economy.

NLinBusiness (initiated by the Confederation of Dutch Business) supports DVDO and approached MDBC to organise a gathering of Dutch entrepreneurs in Malaysia in conjunction with DVDO.

so it was great that we managed to get a third of them together for this first edition.

On 15 November, a day before the actual date in The Netherlands, MDBC successfully organised our first ‘Day of the Dutch Entrepreneur in Malaysia’ with a dozen members who have made their mark here in Kuala Lumpur. A quick count informed us that we have approximately 30 - 40 Dutch entrepreneurs in Malaysia,

MDBC: RABOBANK FINANCIAL MARKETS OUTLOOK 2019 MDBC members were invited to a special presentation by Rabobank on the Financial Markets Outlook 2019: “Puzzling Times, cubed” with Senior Asia - Pacific Strategist, Michael Every (pictured bottom right).

Ten years into the global recovery, there is more undertainty about what the next year

holds than there has been for decades. Is the US economy set to boom on tax cuts, or bust as the Feds keep hiking? Can Europe survive the sunset of QE, and what will Brexit look like? Is China a source of stability, or instability? Moreover, can the global economy survive a trade war?

an informative journey through the uncertainty that is the current financial market.

For a copy of the presentation by Rabobank, please visit the MDBC Library at: https://www.mdbc.com.my/ information/the-library/presentations.

Michael took audience members on

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MDBC: KPMG 2019 BUDGET BRIEFING

MDBC member KPMG held its annual Budget Briefing recently. With the 2019 Budget being the inaugural budget for the new administration, many were eagerly anticipating what changes would be announced.

Themed “A Resurgent Malaysia, A Dynamic Economy, A Prosperous Society”, the 2019 Budget focuses on institutional reforms, the well being of Malaysians and the promotion of an entrepreneurial economy. According to the KPMG Budget Snapshot, Malaysia is expecting a GDP growth of 4.9% in 2019 despite uncertainties in the global economy. The new Government has emphasized its commitment to implement consolidation steps to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.4% of GDP in 2019, 3% by 2020, and 2.8% in 2021. This is intended to be followed by the tabling of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in 2021.

to increase revenue and undertake tax reforms, the Government has proposed a review of the existing tax system. Other notable tax changes announced in Budget 2019 include a service tax on imported services and digital products and services, increases in real property gains tax, stamp duty, casino tax, and gaming tax as well as the imposition of excise duty on sugar sweetened beverages.

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MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

Overall, the 2019 Budget provides a clear message that the Government is serious about reforming the economy and combating leakages to reposition the nation, allowing it to propel forward despite challenging times.

For additional information on the highlights from Budget 2019, please see the opposite page or contact KPMG. Attendees continued their discussions with the KPMG presenters and each other after the presentations.

MDBC Vice Chairman Remco Koster together with KPMG Presenters Ong Guan Heng and Fah Siew Peng

In line with the Government’s objective

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What probably came as a surprise to many was the seven year time limitation period for businesses to carry forward tax attributes for future utilization vis - a vis the existing infinite period accorded under the existing tax legislation. As this could have a significant impact on businesses and investments into Malaysia, further evaluation and consultation on this proposal is encouraged.

DIALOGUE

MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

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Penang Suite S-21-H, 21st Floor, Menara Northam, 55 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 Penang.

Labuan Brumby Centre, Lot 42, Jalan Muhibbah, 87000 Labuan F.T.

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Malaysian Dutch Business Council

PENANG BORDERLESS OPPORTUNITIES BY STANDARD CHARTERED BANK

MDBC Penang Chapter members joining AMCHAM’s Penang Dialogue 2018 with the Chief Minister

MDBC Penang Chapter

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia - Penang branch recently invited the members of the MDBC Penang Chapter to “A World of Borderless Opportunities” session, to assist businesses develop a strong international foothold and provide

bespoke solutions to meet business needs.

Topics included Financial Markets - an Insight, International Trade & Services, Digital & Online banking, Employee Banking benefits and Priority Banking.

p/a TMF Administrative Services Suite S-21-H, 21st floor Menara Northam 55, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Penang penang@mdbc.com.my

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Malaysian Dutch Business Council

JOHOR MDBC - CCIFM ‘Back to Work’ Networking In Johor, forty members and guests of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry France - Malaysia and the Malaysian Dutch Business Council attended the ‘Back to work’ networking dinner in well - known restaurant Chez Papa last October.

The attendees enjoyed pre - dinner drinks, special menu selections and each other’s company at this first collaboration in Johor between the 2 Chambers since our French colleagues also launched their Chapter in Johor recently.

With the increasing number of international companies setting up their base in Johor, and the wide range of services and investment incentives that are made available by Johor authorities, the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), related organisations such as i2M and Medini Iskandar Malaysia, and developers such as Sunway Properties, we will surely also see more cooperation between Busines Chambers in Johor.

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Members News

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA IBM’s Global Location Trends: The Netherlands Excels in Quality Job Creation

Last Edition 2018

Members News

Financial Times: Holland’s Innovative Food Valley cultivates the future of food

SAM MEDIA WINS THREE AWARDS AT THE MALAYSIAN MOBILE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS It serves as an affirmation of the excellence of the work that Sam Media has done among competitors and peers, at the same time also standing as recognition and a celebration of the wealth of talent and expertise within the industry.

Judging is led by industry professionals with a series of processes that ensure the entries are reviewed according to a specific set of criteria. technology industry. MEAA provides positive reinforcement and honors recognition of the best and brightest in terms of innovation and achievement, giving an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the winners.

The Malaysian Mobile Business Excellence Awards (MBEA) turned out to be an extraordinary evening and a great success for MDBC member Sam Media.

The second edition of the MBEA once again celebrated the best in the mobile

Sam Media won for their three flagship products: * Best Entertainment and Lifestyle: MOBIO 360 * Best Education: FLAMLINGO * Best Game Application: GAMELORDS.

KPMG WINS Consulting firm of the year former regulators. The firm was able to demonstrate its strengths across the Asia Pacific region in a wide range of regulatory themes.

MDBC member KPMG recently won three awards in the inaugural Regulation Asia Awards for Excellence 2018.

KPMG won in the Consulting Firm of the Year category for demonstrating strong domain expertise and its ability to understand the views of regulators as well as the entities they regulate, a position strengthened by its diverse team of consultants that include compliance specialists, technology experts, and

KPMG was ‘Highly Commended’ for its work to develop GRC solutions to help banks with new rules that require them to implement firm - wide risk management systems which must monitor regulatory changes and directly link these changes to

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the related controls and processes required for compliance.

For One - to - Watch, KPMG was recognised for delivering a proof - of - concept shared ledger, developed in collaboration with three banks and Bluezelle, which leverages blockchain technology to facilitate the sharing of digitised KYC information across banks and significantly reduce onboarding times.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Members News

Last Edition 2018

TALENTCORP LIFE AT WORK 2018 AWARDS MDBC member Shell Malaysia for Best International Organisation. The Key Initiatives which helped Shell win were the family friendly initiatives such as 16 weeks of paid maternity leave and childcare centre for East Malaysia employees. Shell also had Lunch and Learn sessions to introduce employees to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) topics, and the mandatory D&I online training to understand individual work style and how to build quality working relationships.

TalentCorp recently held its Life at Work 2018 Awards. LIFE AT WORK calls upon employers to step forward and share workplace practices that have enabled their employees to achieve work / life integration.

Initiated by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the LIFE AT WORK initiative aims to recognise and celebrate employers with progressive workplace strategies that demonstrate their commitment to the Diversity and Inclusion agenda in line with the demands of the Future of Work, Workplace, and Workforce.

It also helps create a network of employers with Diversity, Inclusion, and Work / Life Practices that have enabled their employees to achieve work / life integration and delivered positive business results.

Introduced in 2013, LIFE AT WORK has been enhanced in 2018 to embrace the Future of Work which impacts the Diversity & Inclusion landscape of organisations in the areas of WORK: Diversity and Inclusion, Learning & Development, and Health Benefits; WORKPLACE: Benefits to employees, Flexible Work Arrangements, Employer / Family Friendly Facilities, and Work / Life Benefits; WORKFORCE: Automation, Digitalisation, Gig Economy, Usage of Online Mediums for Learning & Development, Usage of Social Media and Digital Channels.

Award winners and participating organisations represent a network of LIFE AT WORK organisations and carry the LIFE AT WORK brandmark.

Among the winners for 2018 was

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offers top notch facilities and services from rejuvenating spa experiences, fun activities for children to great dining, promising comfort and luxury that will surely be memorable. The resort’s 310 new guest rooms, including suites are spacious with private balconies, tastefully furnished with a beautiful seaview or partial seafacing view and are fitted with many modern in - room amenities.

The resort provides an exclusive view of the beach as well as great access to two swimming pools including two huge waterslides and a children’s paddle pool. Host anything from meetings and seminars, or conferences and conventions

with ease in their range of well - equipped function rooms that accommodate up to 480 guests. Already one of the most well - known resorts located along Penang Island’s famous Batu Ferringhi beach, PARKROYAL Penang Resort has upped the ante by developing a range of exciting new experiences which are bound to delight holidaymakers from arrival through to departure.

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Congratulations to the winners of the MDBC Sustainability Awards 2018! l to r: Prithi Sharma (HEINEKEN Malaysia), Robert van As (Paques Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd), H.E. Karin Mössenlechner, Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed (Former Minister of International Trade and Industry), Y.Bhg. Datuk Isham Ishak (Secretary General, Ministry of International Trade and Industry), Zainul Rahim (Chairman, MDBC), Philip Ling (Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd), and Dato’ Marcus Lee Andrew (MN Empire).

The 2018 Innovation and Sustainability Champions were crowned on Friday, 12 October 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, host to this year’s MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA).

Now in its seventh edition, MISA continues to provide a vibrant and informative platform for trailblazers in Innovation & Sustainability to share their best practices, and encourage a deeper understanding of the topics within the private sector.

Recognized as a valuable learning platform, MDBC’s awards program continues to grow and evolve. There is a change in focus areas every year, enabling attendees to gain a well rounded understanding of innovation and sustainability.

This year, MISA focused on organizations that work on innovations that make the world a better place; Innovations that tackle social and environmental challenges.

MISA ‘18 event partners made rewards available; these ranged from mentoring and fund raising advice sessions with experts to patenting assistance, or providing office space and facilities.

To keep innovation as a focus for our own Awards Program, MDBC introduced a part of the program this year which is comparable with the famous “Shark Tank” concept.

This part of the program created a low barrier platform for different stakeholders to connect and engage. It helped the start - ups / scale - ups fill the gap in taking their concepts and business models to the next stage.

Shortlisted finalists in the category of Best Start - Up / Scale - Up in Sustainable Innovation were invited, during the MISA Day Program, to pitch their solution to some of the leading organizations in the field of innovation, venture capital management, government, and corporate, who considered the long term growth potential of presented business concepts.

It was an addition that has received a lot of positive feedback from both contestants as well as attendees, proving that MDBC’s awards program is a unique and effective accelerator for innovation and sustainability.

During the evening Awards Ceremony & Dinner MDBC also took the opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you and farewell to our long time Patron, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed (pictured left). His active participation and support of MDBC, inclusive of involvement with former editions of the awards program, will be missed.

As before, MISA also contained an Audience Award during the evening program. All shortlisted finalists gave an “Elevator Pitch” of their submissions to the Awards Ceremony & Dinner audience.

Attendees were then able to vote live to

SPECIAL EVENT

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INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2018

determine the winner of the Audience Award. This year, the Audience Award winner was HEINEKEN Malaysia.

in awareness of, and general popularity, the participants and audience for MISA continues to expand.

The MISA ‘18 Award Categories were: * Best Social Innovation; * Best Environmental Innovation; and * Best Start - Up / Scale - Up in Sustainable Innovation

Finalists per category were (Winners marked in bold):

These categories allowed for a wide range of companies to participate in the program. Enjoying a continued growth

* Best Social Innovation: - Arcadis Malaysia Sdn Bhd - Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd - Make It Right Movement - Shell Malaysia Limited

* Best Environmental Innovation: - Expleco Ltd - HEINEKEN Malaysia - Paques Asia Pacific - Sime Darby Research Sdn Bhd * Best Start - Up / Scale - Up in Sustainable Innovation - Abmanan Biomedical Sdn Bhd - Bays Parking - MikeBikes - Malaysia Institute for Supply Chain Innovation - MN Empire Sdn Bhd - Serv Technology Sdn Bhd Congratulations to the winners of this year’s MISA. Information about the finalists, their projects, the judges, and MISA in general will be made available in the MISA ‘18 Supplement. Be sure to check it out to learn from these Innovation & Sustainability Champions!

Additional photos from this event will be available on page 43.

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STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FRAMES group The SIP Experiences of Gijs Govers at Frames Group.

Gijs Govers is currently doing an internship at MDBC member Frames Group having just finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Studies at Tilburg University in The Netherlands.

“I really wanted to find a company where I feel like I am actively contributing to the success of the organization, where I am given actual responsibilities and where I am expected to deliver high quality results as well” – Gijs Govers, who is currently doing market research for Frames Group in Malaysia. The opportunity that Frames presented perfectly fit these demands.

Frames is a company which provides a vital link between well and pipeline. They design, build, and deliver renewable energy and water solutions, separation technologies, oil & gas processing equipment, and flow control & safeguarding systems for the international energy market. Their people work directly, one - on - one, with

each client for the best results.

The assignment that Gijs has been working on fits this perfectly; He is doing market research into the sales focus for Frames’ electrostatic coalescers in the downstream market in Asia - Pacific, which will be a new market for Frames in the Asia - Pacific region.

This is quite a big responsibility because Frames intends to follow the advice that will be given at the end of the research.

Furthermore, it is quite a challenging assignment due to the nature of our industry, where very specific knowledge on numerous matters (Type of coalescers, market types etc.) is required in order to say anything of use about the sector.

“This assignment really requires a lot of initiative and independence from the intern, something that we made clear from the start,” shared Suerd Polderdijk (General Manager, Frames).

In addition to the research, Gijs helps out other colleagues where necessary on current projects that Frames have going on,.

This can vary from helping out with paper-

Above: Gijs Govers with colleagues at Frames Group

work to actually providing input on new projects. Also, Gijs attends weekly meetings and functions as a full colleague.

“This is the first time Frames has hired an intern through the MDBC and so far we are quite satisfied with the work of the intern, especially the initiative that he has shown and his professional stance right from the start,” added Suerd.

Gijs’ final report will help Frames decide where they want to focus their new activities in the downstream market. An intern is also the perfect way to discover these new things due to the fact that they can devote their time and effort to focused research on these topics.

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NETHERLANDS EMBASSY NEWS

Fuelling Malaysia’s Economic Development: desire to obtain the MSC Status: - Start - up should be striving to scalable and profitable business - Operating less than 3 years - Less than RM 100,000 in annual revenues - Should have 10 employees or less The incentives listed above are dependent on the type of company and the categories / tiers it is categorized in . There are indeed different requirements for Foreign Companies, Higher Learning Institutes, and Start - Ups to apply for this status.

Fuelling Malaysia’s Economic Development: An Overview of Key Government Incentives and Initiatives Currently, Malaysia belongs to the middle - income countries and it is well on track to join the high-income countries in the foreseeable future. Recent economic development projects, such as the ‘Iskandar Malaysia project’ and ‘the Digital Free Trade Zone’ are a perfect example of Malaysia’s vision to modernize and digitalize the economy. The recent annual growth rates of Malaysia (4.2% in 2016 and 5.9% in 2017 ) certainly further bolster this high - income 2020 vision.

Indeed, this strong economic development makes Malaysia an interesting country to many foreign companies looking for investment opportunities. According to the latest reports of the World Bank, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was around 3.02% of Malaysia’s GDP in 2017.

To place this strong performance of Malaysia into perspective, FDIs in Thailand and Indonesia were respectively 1.74% and 2.11% of their GDP in the same year.

Malaysia’s central government plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investments to the country with several government agencies active in this field.

However, a negative aspect of having all these agencies is that data that might be relevant to companies are sometimes hard to find, as information dissemination 26

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becomes too decentralized and dispersed.

This section in MDBConnects magazine will highlight the key government incentives and programs that might be of interest to your company!

Government Incentives There are two major incentives offered to companies and individuals that wish to come and settle in Malaysia. These incentives are the ‘MSC Malaysia Status’ and ‘MTEP’.

MSC Malaysia Status The MSC Malaysia Status is a special status granted to foreign and local ICT related companies. This status entitles companies to various incentives and privileges that range from special tax and visa exemptions to exemption of local ownership requirements.

The main objective of the MSC Malaysia Status is to promote the growth of ICT related businesses that in turn have a positive trickledown effect on the nation (e.g. transfer of technology and knowledge).

Here is a selection of the incentives the MSC Malaysia Status grants to eligible companies: - Employment of a maximum of 20 foreign workers at the same time - The right to freely borrow funds globally - No censorship of internet The following requirements / restrictions are set for (international) start - ups that

It is interesting to note that recently, MDEC has announced that it will revise and update the MSC status. Therefore, the current requirements and incentives offered might be subject to change in the future.

Malaysian Tech Entrepreneur Program (MTEP) The main objective of MTEP is to attract the young and skillful from oversees to settle and start - up their companies in Malaysia. This special visa exemption program offers a 1 - year or 5 - year stay to entrepreneurs who fulfill the requirements.

In addition, entrepreneurs can use this program to attract other foreign talents to their company. Application for this special program is done online and if one meets the requirements, approval will be given

by MDEC and Malaysian immigration services within six weeks.

The following requirements must be fulfilled to qualify for this program: One-Year Stay for New Entrepreneurs: a) Business Pitch; b) 3 months Personal Bank statement with a minimum amount of RM 50,000; c) Certificate of Good Conduct; d) Sponsor: Letter of offer from any Malaysia Digital Hubs or recognized partners for 1 year of tenancy Five Year Stay for Established: a) Business Pitch; b) Three months Personal Bank statement with a minimum amount of RM 50,000 and proof of business performance; c) Certificate of Good Conduct;

NETHERLANDS EMBASSY NEWS

An Overview of Key Government Incentives and Initiatives d) Declaration Form from a Malaysian sponsor or individual.

General Government Led Programs Besides the abovementioned two incentives, MTEP and MSC Malaysia Status, there are also three key government led programs / initiatives that might be of interest to foreign companies.

These three initiatives all differ in scope but they all share the same objective to digitalize the economy of the nation through the introduction of new technologies.

National Regulatory Sandbox Initiative (NRSI) This initiative came into existence to deal with the raising and changing regulatory demands of several innovative sectors, such as Fintech industry. As a result of rapid innovations in these fields, regulations will have to be altered or changed completely in order to foster further developments.

In that sense, one could say the Sandbox is a mechanism that updates regulations in order to keep up with these innovations.

As MaGIC has stated, “The National Regulatory Sandbox is a platform that promotes innovation by providing a safe test bed to experiment and pilot solutions that either requires regulatory framework or potentially impacts a regulatory environment.”

This Sandbox approach offers companies / start - ups the opportunity to test innovative business models without being hindered by certain regulations.

In addition, regulators, such as MaGIC and Bank Negara Malaysia (the central bank of Malaysia), also offer support (in terms of overseeing regulations) to these innovative companies.

Finally, this initiative also offers the Malaysian government agencies a better understanding of the challenges these innovative sectors face in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the NSRI is implemented by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) with the assistance of a special brainstorming group that consists of regulators. The MoF has identified the following sectors for the NSRI: - Agriculture; - Biotechnology; - Building; - Education; - Energy; - Financial; - Food; - Green Technology; - Healthcare; - Hospitality; - Smart City; - Sports; - Telecommunication; - Transportation; - Tourism; - Water Management; and - Waste Management.

Digital Free Trade Zone At the Global Transformation Forum in March 2017, the first Digital Free Trade Zone in the world was launched.

This initiative is aimed at significantly increasing SME contribution to the GDP

of Malaysia through offering incentives to SMEs active in e - commerce and improving the current infrastructure of the nation.

To exemplify, instrumental to the trade zone will be the reduction of the cargo clearance and declaration time from six hours to three hours so that Malaysia can compete with other major hubs in the region, such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A pilot study had been undertaken at KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1 (KACT - 1) in 2017, and identified several key areas of improvement in order to reduce the ‘down - time’ of cargo. Examples of these improvements are updates to the infrastructure of the airport (roads etc.), shorter towing roads, and upgrades of machinery.

Malaysia Digital Hub The Malaysia Digital Hub was created to improve the connectivity of local tech start-ups with the global market in terms of collaborations with foreign accelerators, incubators, and other tech companies based in the ASEAN region or other places abroad.

In other words, these hubs offer local start - ups the opportunity to connect with digital ecosystems all over the world.

The Digital Hubs are co - working places that provide start - ups access to highspeed broadband (100mbps), funds (private and public), mentors and talent builders, Intellectual Property protection, and to a Founders network.

The Malaysian Digital Hub mainly focuses on the following four categories: growing start-ups, tech companies, accelerators and investors. Currently, there are five Digital Hubs active in Malaysia, namely APW, The Co, Common Ground, WORQ and Sunway iLabs.

Contributed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia.

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Greater Kuala Lumpur The Epicentre of ASEAN

Greater Kuala Lumpur (Greater KL) writes its success through the numbers. It has the right number of talent, graduates, businesses, markets and opportunities. It has the best potential of any city in ASEAN, being strategically located in the region. Greater KL is now hub of the world’s fastest growing economic region. Here’s why leading Multinationals such as Schlumberger, Honeywell, IBM, Cargill, Philips, Worldline, Turner, Colas Rail, Linde and Epson have Recognised 1st in chosen Greater KL as the optimal Southeast Asia as a location for their Regional World Energy City Headquarters in ASEAN.

1

st

3

rd

Ranked 2nd in Southeast Asia for

Starting a Business & Ease of Doing Business

– Southeast Asia

Business Potential

Global Services Location Index

Excellent Ecosystem US$8 trillion of new

global middle class market rising in Asia by 2020 (OECD Observer)

2

nd

Competitiveness

(WECP)

3.2 billion

Greater KL by Numbers

2nd

Level of English proficiency in Asia (Education First)

infrastructure in Asia by 2020 (Asian Development Bank)

11th (Asia) 36th (World) Best Airport

74 double tax agreements offered in Malaysia (IKL)

ASEAN’s market

644,514,000 population,

US$2719.844 billion

273,373

graduates annually in Greater KL (IKL)

33.8 million

GDP (IKL)

US$1 trillion

in Oil & Gas upstream investment over next 2 years (Wood Mackenzie Ltd Report, 2016)

Malaysia’s population by 2020 - up 40% (IKL)

1.5 hrs journey time

from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore via high speed rail by 2026 (SPAD)

Lifestyle Friendly

165th 5th 23 38 44 58 Least Expensive City Worldwide

(Mercer Cost of Living Survey 2016 Most Expensive = 1)

Invest KL Corporation (957672-K)

Best Shopping Destination Worldwide

World Class Golf Courses

Museums and Art Galleries

International Schools

(IKL)

(IKL)

(IKL)

(Expedia, 2016)

16th Floor, Menara SSM@Sentral, No.7, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5

Public and Private Universities (IKL)

KL Sentral, 50623 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

www.investkl.com

MY in NL NL In BUSINESS IDENTIFIES Kuala Lumpur AS CITY OF OPPORTUNITY NLinBusiness was initiated by the Confederation of Dutch Business (VNO - NCW & MKB - Nederland) in close partnership with the Dutch government and three leading Dutch employers’ organisations. It was established to coordinate and make Dutch trade promotion and international business development worldwide more professional.

NLinBusiness is dedicated to coordinating and organising accessible and longer term programs for (Dutch) SMEs who aim to grow internationally.

NLinBusiness supports Dutch SMEs in identifying the right international market(s), building the required capabilities to be successful, and secures the soft landing Cities of Opportunity. NLinBusiness builds consortiums focused on impactful projects worldwide. This is achieved through intensive public - private collaboration with trade organisations, multinationals, and public partners (like the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and Dutch diplomatic missions).

NLinBusiness has identified Kuala Lumpur (KL) as one of its Cities of Opportunity and is therefore examining how to bridge the gap between The Netherlands and KL, and how to stimulate more Dutch SMEs to enter the Malaysian market.

After an earlier cooperation when MDBC co - organised the Iskandar seminar in The Hague last April which was supported by NLinBusiness, MDBC Executive Director Marco Winter spent 2 days with the team at NLinBusiness to discuss further cooperation. Having been identified by NLinBusiness as one of the top Dutch Chambers in the world, the governance structure, and the various business services and activities of MDBC were shared.

Above: With NLinBusiness Managing Director Edo Offerhaus (3rd from right) and his team Below: With Jeroen Haver, International Business Manager - ASEAN

NLinBuisness shared their interest in supporting Dutch SMEs that want to explore or expand in ASEAN, especially now that the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs have identified the ASEAN - 5 as the 2nd ranked country / region on the Dutch list of priority countries.

Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Celebrating 40 years of Rolling Out the Orange Carpet

www.investinholland.com

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EU / ASEAN NEWS

EU / ASEAN BLUEBOOK 2018 ening its relationship with ASEAN. In 2017, the strategic focus of EU-ASEAN cooperation was demonstrated through the launch of a ministerial High-Level Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) in Bangkok, attended by EU Commissioner Neven Mimica.

Extracted from the EU - ASEAN Bluebook 2018 The New EU - ASEAN Plan of Action 2018 - 2022 Following the successful implementation of the ASEAN - EU Plan of Action for 2013 - 2017, the two sides worked jointly on a new document that would open the way towards further reinforced cooperation between them.

The resulting ASEAN - EU Plan of Action for 2018 - 2022 focuses on three areas of cooperation: political & security, economic, and socio - cultural. It also covers two cross - cutting topics: connectivity, and narrowing the development gap in ASEAN.

The new Plan of Action was adopted in August 2017 on the occasion of the ASEANEU Ministerial Meeting in Manila, co-chaired by the EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Don Pramudwinai. At that same meeting the EU and ASEAN committed to exploring new areas of cooperation in trade, security and defence, counter - terrorism and climate action. The meeting also adopted a Joint Statement on the Paris Agreement and a Statement on the 40th Anniversary of EUASEAN Dialogue Relations.

EU - ASEAN Development Cooperation The European Union is committed to deep-

This dialogue will be continued on a regular basis and highlights the contribution of our cooperation to achieving the SGDs in the ASEAN region and further narrowing the development gap among ASEAN Member States.

EU cooperation with ASEAN continues to grow fast. From 2014 to 2020, more than €170 million were earmarked to support ASEAN regional integration – more than double the amount allocated for the previous period from 2007 to 2013.

The highlights of 2017 include the launch of ARISE Plus and the Enhanced Regional EUASEAN Dialogue Instrument (E-READI), with a combined investment of €61 million, and the commitment of €10 million to support the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on

“Building partnerships in Asia to find sustainable solutions for oil, gas and energy.”

Suerd Polderdijk, General Manager Frames Asia Pacific, with Frames since 2011

Frames Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. Unit A-36-3, Menara UOA Bangsar 5 Jalan Bangsar Utama 1 59000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia +60 3 22840822 frames-group.com

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MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

EU / ASEAN NEWS

Activities which focus on climate change adaption and disaster risk reduction are aligned with the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER).

Disaster Management (AHA Centre). Additional support is given to regional programmes with specific thematic focus for instance on climate change and environment. In addition, in 2017, the EU Spotlight Initiative to support female migrant workers was launched.

Further bilateral development cooperation with individual ASEAN Member States includes more than €3 billion pledged to the lower - middle income ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam and the Philippines for 2014 2020.

The EU’s support to ASEAN covers three main areas which are discussed and endorsed at the annual ASEAN - EU Joint Cooperation Committee meeting. All initiatives are designed to be flexible so that they can respond to the evolving needs of integration as defined by ASEAN. Connectivity through Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Integration and Trade Underpinned by the success generated from previous bilateral cooperation, activities in this area improve institutional connectivity and contribute to the development and completion of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

across the region.

Inclusiveness is fostered through the special attention provided to the countries of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam (CLMV). Support for the trade and integration agendas will be at both the regional and national level.

This will include capacity-building measures, including for trade negotiations and for the ASEAN Secretariat, as well as to support ASEAN Member States with the implementation of their integration commitments.

Climate Change, Environment, and Disaster Management Development activities in climate change, environment, and disaster management are informed by the objectives contained in the ASEAN Socio - Cultural and Political and Security Communities’ blueprints. Cooperation in these areas is based on the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) and the related ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change. Mitigation efforts aim to foster efficient, clean, and renewable energy as well as the enhanced sustainable management of peatlands and the reduction of problems caused by trans - boundary haze.

EU - ASEAN thematic programs also preserve the biodiversity of Southeast Asia by strengthening the institutional capacities of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) and support family farming and farmers’ organisations across ASEAN Member States. The latter action aims at increasing food security and the adaptation to climate change. Discussions on marine debris including plastic waste, creating sustainable, climate resilient, and low carbon cities in ASEAN are also ongoing.

Comprehensive Dialogue Facility In 2017, the new E - READI Facility started building on the experience of the previous successful Regional EU ASEAN Dialogue Initiative (READI). The latter has helped significantly strengthen relations between the two regions.

E - READI is designed to be flexible and cover subjects crossing all the pillars of the ASEAN Community - the Security and Political pillar, the Economic pillar, and the Socio - Cultural pillar - including a range of topics where the development of policies can improve the situation of the poorest. It will boost EU suport to ASEAN’s integration agenda in areas of strategic importance for both regions and enhance dialogue with the EU. These dialogues will be complementary to and coordinated with other actions outside the EU’s Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI).

The full EU Asean Blue Book 2018 report can be found at: https://www.mdbc.com. my/information/the-library/infographics/

The agenda foresees enhanced cooperation on issues such as trade - related regulatory and policy frameworks, intellectual property rights, standards, customs and transport, as well as civil aviation under the new ARISE Plus programme.

The concept of connectivity is central to EU ASEAN cooperation, with the overall objective of bringing businesses, people, and institutions closer together to boost trade and investment whilst promoting smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

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DIALOGUE

Malaysia: Gateway to the Fastest Growing Region in the World

As the ASEAN region continues to boom, investment opportunities in the region have become even more alluring.

However, the cultural complexities of the countries within ASEAN add to the challenges of forming a sound investment strategy. Understanding the big picture includes taking into consideration various factors such as the economics of a country’s Gross National Income (GNI), social landscape, state of digital adoption, and talent resources.

So, what would be one of the most attractive investment destinations in the ASEAN region today? Which country would best leverage your investment and deliver significant growth for you?

Not only one of the most visited tourist locations in the world, Malaysia also boasts an economic ecosystem offering a rich ground for investment considerations.

Located at the heart of ASEAN, the country is an ideal and cost - effective gateway to access the region’s population base of 640 million with a collective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$2.5 trillion. With strong economic fundamentals, the World Bank anticipates Malaysia becoming a high - income nation as early as the year 2020. One of the fastest growing sectors in Malaysia is its digital economy, which consistently continues to be on an upward trajectory and accelerates the country’s economic development.

Digital Economy: A Catalyst for Dynamic Growth Malaysia’s digital economy development is impressive. In 2016, the digital economy contributed 18.2% (RM 224 billion, or at current exchange rate, US $54 billion) to Malaysia’s economy, as indicated by Department of Statistics Malaysia. The contribution to the country’s total GDP

comes from the digital industry (RM 149.4 billion / US $36 billion) and the eCommerce industry (RM 74.6 billion / US $18 billion). The digital industry continues to focus on exports (RM 216.9 billion / US $52.23 billion); and employs more than 1.07 million people. This growth seen by Malaysia is a result of its forward - looking vision on driving itself into becoming a highly productive economy through digital transformation.

Various government agencies and ministries work in collaboration with the industry to drive digital transformation.

Under the Ministry of Communications & Multimedia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is the lead agency responsible for helping to chart a path for the holistic development of the nation’s digital economy. MDEC’s implementation efforts are centred on four strategic pillars - driving investments, building local tech champions to regional and global markets, catalysing digital innovation ecosystems to nurture start - ups and propagating digital inclusivity among its citizens.

Wooing Foreign Direct Investment Malaysia has been at the forefront of foreign direct investment (FDI) and these investments came from various parts of the world such as US, UK, The Netherlands, Singapore, Germany, China, India, Australia, and Japan. Global corporations and hyper growth technology companies have been attracted to the conduciveness of setting up businesses in Malaysia. These companies have invested, and continue to invest, in technology and platform, digital and global business services as well as digital content development, to expand these services regionally and globally from Malaysia as their hub.

Malaysia’s position as a favoured country

for digital investment has been recognized by its consistent 3rd ranking (behind world giants India and China) in AT Kearney’s Global Services Location Index since the ranking’s inception in 2004.

To ensure that Malaysia continues to attract FDI, various digital initiatives that fuel investment opportunities have been developed and implemented, including a number of high impact national programmes. For example, to keep abreast of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, new frameworks are being developed under Malaysia’s Digital Economy plan focusing on Big Data Analytics, eCommerce and Internet of Things (IoT), offering massive growth potential. In 2018, Malaysia started to promote the adoption and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

With the objectives of maximising social and economic benefits, Malaysia is accelerating AI development across three key areas: Talent; Industry Development; and High Impact Use Cases in the areas of smart cities and smart manufacturing, resting on a foundation of progressive regulatory framework.

A thriving digital ecosystem Malaysia is constantly looking at initiatives to transform its human capital infrastructure to be ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Coupled with its proficiency in languages including English and other Asian languages such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Bahasa, Hindi, Arabic, and others, as well as the investment in the hard infrastructure of roads, railways, ports, and high-speed internet connectivity, this has undoubtedly been the major attraction for enterprises to expand their operations in Malaysia.

With its diverse multilingual and multicultural population, Malaysia offers a conducive business environment through its unique cultural diversity, making integration of local talent to be part of the global workforce a seamless experience to many global multinationals and unicorns.

As of now, thousands of companies from 60 nations have already cast their anchors in Malaysia. Do not miss out on your opportunity to expand from Malaysia to Asia and the world!

This article is brought to you by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the lead agency in driving the digital economy in Malaysia. For more info, visit www.mdec.my MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

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SPECIAL MESSAGE

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO THE MDBC PATRON - YB DATO’ SRI MUSTAPA MOHAMAD Soon after being appointed Minister of International Trade & Industry (MITI) in April 2009, YB Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed consented to becoming the Patron of MDBC. Dato’ Sri Mustapa, or Tok Pa as he is fondly known, has held numerous cabinet posts: in the 1990s as Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Minister of Finance II, and in the 2000s as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Minister of Higher Education, and Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry.

During the latter, there was already frequent contact with the Dutch, so there was an immediate link when Dato’ Sri Mustapa became the new MITI Minister.

Over the years, there have been frequent and positive contact with the Minister, including trips to The Netherlands in several of the Malaysian trade & investment missions to Europe. His directness and openness in promoting Malaysia as a favourable investment destination in ASEAN for Dutch companies was

always well received. The Minister was also always open to a dialogue with Dutch companies in Malaysia and MDBC members, constantly and consistently listening to the input received and working hard to

edition in 2011 which coincided with the celebration of MDBC’s 15th anniversary. improve the ease of doing business in Malaysia.

Furthermore, the Minister was a frequent guest of honour at our flagship event, the MDBC Sustainability Awards (now the MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA)), including the first

It was therefore fitting to invite Dato’ Sri Mustapa to MISA 2018 to wish him farewell, in appreciation and conclusion of his years as MDBC Patron. At MISA, MDBC Chairman Zainul Rahim commemorated the pleasant and successful cooperation which MDBC has enjoyed with the MITI Ministry and with Dato’ Sri personally over these years, while Dato’ Sri thanked the Dutch for their entrepreneurial spirit and their openness in discussing economic issues.

MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

35

MY SERVICES - BUSINESS SERVICES Not all MDBC member-companies are involved in bilateral trade or investments; a very important part of the MDBC community is our service providers. They provide the services (or products) which all organisations, and often especially the potential Dutch investors in Malaysia, require. The ease of doing business within the MDBC community has substantially increased thanks to our service providers. This page is specially dedicated to them.

Property Developer SUNWAY INTEGRATED PROPERTIES Lobby Level, Menara Sunway Jalan Lagoon Timur 47500 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 5639 9219 Fax: +603 - 5639 9876 gerardki@sunway.com.my www.sunwayproperty.com

Hotel PARKROYAL PENANG RESORT Batu Ferringhi Beach 11100 Penang Tel: +604 - 881 1133 Fax: +604 - 881 2167 enquiry.prpen@parkroyalhotels.com www.parkroyalhotels.com/penang

The property arm of Sunway Group which was established in 1974, with businesses in 50 locations worldwide across 12 industries. Sunway Property’s unique business model: build, own, and operate, powers its ability as a Master Community Developer to create a unique win - win proposition through sustainable communities where future generations can continue to thrive. It has delivered an extensive portfolio of properties.

PARKROYAL Penang Resort is a five star beach resort centrally located in the heart of famed Batu Ferringhi beach.

Equipped with top - notch facilities from rejuvenating spa treatments, fun children club to 70 feet long water slide, the resort is a wonderful getaway for families, honeymooners, holidaymakers, and business travellers. It has fully equipped function rooms and ballrooms that cater to all functions from corporate bonding get togethers to hosting a banquet of over 400 persons.

TECHNOLOGY

CAR SHARING

uNIT4 MALAYSIA Suite 22.05, Level Centrepoint South Mid Valley City Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200 Kuala Lumpur

Mixed Content Magazine UNRESERVED MEDIA B4 - 5 - 1 Solaris Dutamas No 1, Jalan Dutamas 1 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 - 6211 9333 www.unreservedmedia.com Intelligence is Sexy. UNRESERVED is a premium mixed - content magazine that examines Culture, Life, and Current Affairs in Southeast Asia through intelligent and engaging storytelling via a range of content platforms: Print, Web, Social, Video, and Events.

SOCAR MALAYSIA Wisma UOA Damansara II 50490 Kuala Lumpur

Tel: +603 - 2856 7886 www.unit4.com/ap

Tel: +6017 - 225 8015 rodica@socar.my www.socar.my

Unit4 is a technology company that has been providing software systems since the early 1980s to meet the challenges of our customers and unlock their potential.

Unit4 is a leading global provider of enterprise applications, empowering people in service organizations.

Thousands of organizations benefit from our industry focused solutions, our end to end Cloud ERP suite and best in class applications for Financial Management and Performance Management.

SOCAR is a car sharing platform from Korea that launched in Malaysia in Jan 2018. With SOCAR now operational within the Klang Valley, users are able to book a car of their choosing through the app and rent it by the hour, day, or week, with current rates ranging from RM 8 / hour to RM 30 / hour based on the vehicle. All cars come adequately fueled and insured, and feature a keyless entry system. Booked cars can be picked up from designated SOCAR zones.

NEED A RELIABLE PARTNER FOR KEY BUSINESS SERVICES? THESE MDBC MEMBERS ARE JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY! MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

37

NEW MEMBERS

WARM WELCOME

As always, we constantly expand to include new and interesting partners as part of our international community of business professionals, allowing our members to find more opportunities for success.

To that end, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to the MDBC Community for the following new members:

ADEN SERVICES

AVANTEDGE CONSULTING

Business Activity: Integrated Facility Management, Remote Site Management for Oil & Gas and Construction, Renewables, Acoustic Solutions, Internet of Things.

Corporate Representation Joshua Schrijvers, Country Manager Elenggo Vivegananthan, Sr. IFM Manager

As a SMART Facility Management specialist with deep roots across Asia, ADEN is always at the leading edge of technological development. ADEN is a major innovator in the SMART Integrated Facility Management services industry.

Founded by French entrepreneur Joachim Poylo in 1997, ADEN maintains its headquarters in China.

CONTACT: CCI France Malaysia Level 22, Suite 2204 - 2205 Plaza See Hoy Chan 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Business Activity: Avantedge Consulting is an international consulting group that focuses on bringing growing global businesses into Asia’s emerging markets by providing specialized business development and business advisory services on various aspects of the clients’ presence in Asia.

Corporate Representation Jason Lee, Chief Executive Officer Parichat Bunkajang, Business Development Manager

The group also provides services to governments and government linked organizations in promoting investments, developing public - private partnerships and providing assistance in other forms of international trade agendas.

Business Activity: Bolloré Logistics is a global leader in international transport and logistics.

Constantly adapting to its customers’ changing needs, the company has enriched its expertise to become a tier one supply chain partner and one of the top ten transport and logistics companies in the world with the largest integrated logistics network in Africa.

BOLLORÉ LOGISTICS MALAYSIA SDN BHD

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MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

Tel: +603 - 2714 6266 ext 1504 Website: www.adenservices.com

CONTACT: 32 - 1 Ruby Complex Jalan Kancil 55100 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 - 2143 0518 Email: business@avantedgeconsulting.com Website: avantedgeconsulting.com Corporate Representation Harm Johan Emaus, Managing Director Stephanie Hericher, General Manager Sales CONTACT: Lot 607, 3rd & 4th Floor Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway 47500 Subang Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 5631 8330 Website: www.bollore-logistics.com

NEW MEMBERS Business Activity: Publisher for comprehensive Malaysian country and state guidebooks.

Corporate Representation Regina Fabiny, Chief Executive Officer CONTACT: No 21 Jalan 16 / 3 Petaling Jaya 46350 Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 7955 7013 Fax: +603 - 7956 1660 Email: theguidetomalaysia@gmail.com

LEISURE GUIDE PUBLISHING SDN BHD

Business Activity: Exclusive distributor of DY Iksan products in Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan.

DY Iksan Industrial Machinery was established in 1992 to become a specialized manufacturer of industrial machinery. They provide high quality stick and knuckle cranes, concrete pump cars, and auto washing machines.

MIANGULS

SDN BHD

NLinBUSINESS

CONTACT: No 30 Jalan Meru Indah 19KU8 Taman Perindustrian 42200 Kapar Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 3392 9677 E mail: ceo@dymalaysia.com Website: www.dymalaysia.com

INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD

NEAPOLI

Corporate Representation Muhammad Asif, Director Nur Fadhilah, Director

Business Activity: NEAPOLI is a Green Building Consultancy firm. We advise clients on how Green certification can be obtained, and help them with the optimization and documentation in relation to Green Building Certification. Our current portfolio exceeds 25 million sqft Green Building space across major sustainable projects around the world and certified under LEED, GBI, Green Mark, GreenRE, and MyCREST certification bodies. Our clients including government agencies, private corporations, building operators, and real estate developers.

Corporate Representation Hans Weemaes, Managing Director Dr. Stellios Plainiotis, Chief Executive Officer

Business Activity: NLinBusiness was initiated by the Confideration of Dutch Business (VNO - NCW & MKB - Nederland) in close partnership with the Dutch government and three leading Dutch employers’ organisations. NLinBusiness supports Dutch SMEs in identifying the right international market(s), building the required capabilities to be successful and secures the soft landing Cities of Opportunity. They build consortiums focused on impactful projects worldwide.

This is achieved through intensive public - private collaboration with trade organisations, MNCs, and public partners.

Corporate Representation Flin Veenstra, Analyst Jeroen Haver, International Business Manager

CONTACT: D-8-5 Megan Avenue I 189 Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 - 2166 6498 E mail: admin@neopoli.com.my Website: www.neapoli.com.my

CONTACT: Bezuidenhoutseweg, 12 2594 AV Den Haag The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0) 622 681 678 Email: office@nlinbusiness.com Website: nlinbusiness.com

MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

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NEW MEMBERS

WARM WELCOME

As always, we constantly expand to include new and interesting partners as part of our international community of business professionals, allowing our members to find more opportunities for success.

To that end, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to the MDBC Community for the following new members:

OMINENT SDN BHD

Business Activity: IGL Coating is the fastest growing consumer coating company globally. It formulates eco - friendly car coatings which are safe and outperform existing products on the market in terms of durability, quality, and ease of application.

Less than three years old and we have expanded our reach to 46 countries, representing 1,500 detailers who LOVE our products.

A preferred development partner and supplier to the textile machine builders.

DIVE CO & BRAND

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MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

Corporate Representation Koen Davina, Managing Director Johan Steeghs, Managing Director Business Unit Textile CONTACT: Jalan Seruling 57 Taman Klang Jaya Klang 41200 Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 3323 6953 Email: koen.davina@saxonia.com.my Website: www.kern-liebers-textile.com/en

SDN BHD

SCUBA MIKE’S

CONTACT: No 6 Metropolitan Business Park Jalan Para U8 / 103, Bukit Jelutong 40140 Shah Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: +603 - 7831 0980 Email: hr@iglcoatings.com Website: iglcoatings.com

Business Activity: Comprising of the reputed brands KERN - LIEBERS KNITTING PARTS, SAXONIA, and LEISTNER. A reliable partner regarding textile parts, needles for the weft-, raschel-, and warp knitting industries as well as spinning machines with a program of more than 60,000 different types.

SAXONIA MALAYSIA

Corporate Representation Chun Chieh Keong, Managing Director Jayanthi Ramachandran, HR & Admin Executive

Business Activity: We are an SSI & PADI Scuba Diving Center based in KL. Our promise to our customers is to provide the best possible training to divers, always focusing on safety while using only the most qualified instructors. We teach everyone from beginners to Dive Masters and we are kid / family welcoming. When you learn to scuba dive with us, you will leave as a strong, confident, and safe diver. We want our divers to leave a trip excited and asking when is the next one. When you join Scuba Mike’s Scuba Diving Center you are joining a family of divers, who are all passionate about diving and travel.

Corporate Representation Tim Warburton, Scuba Instructor Michael Grossman, Director CONTACT: A-1-9 Plaza Damas 3 63 Jalan Sri Hartamas 50480 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +6017 - 204 1995 Email: tim@divescubamikes.com Website: www.divescubamikes.com

NEW MEMBERS Business Activity: Established in 1969, Sodhi has remained among the top in the men’s clothing trade. A distinct and personalized approach remains a priority, along with the pride we take in offering a complete in house product. A very rare commodity in today’s dying trade of hand - made tailoring.

SODHI

STICHTING AMMON

UNIT4 MALAYSIA SDN BHD

W KUALA LUMPUR

Corporate Representation Baljinder Sodhi, Chief Executive Officer Peter Sodhi, Managing Director CONTACT: 294 / 3 Silom Road Silom Bangkok, BKK 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2635 9671 Email: info@sodhi.com Website: www.sodhi.com

Business Activity: AMMON is a Dutch located foundation with more than 50 industrial companies participating in five market segments: Water, Sports, Agro and Food, Building and Construction, and Health. AMMON facilitates these industrial companies to speed up and broaden their business development by joining forces, set - up consortia that collectively make the necessary step from product to system development. AMMON can offer the complete project, even through investment parties.

Corporate Representation Martin Olde Weghuis, Program Director Jorieke Adolfsen, Process and Innovation Director

Business Activity: We’ve been providing software systems since the early 1980s, to meet their challenges and unlock their potential.

Unit4 is a leading global provider of enterprise applications, empowering people in service organizations.

Corporate Representation Amit Vithal Patel, Sales Director

Thousands of organizations - from industries including Professional Services, Public Services, Higher Education and Not for Profit - benefit from our industry - focused solutions, our end to - end cloud ERP suite and our best in class applications for Financial and Performance Management.

Business Activity: Bridging the bold to the pulse of the city. Blazing ahead and redefining the hotel scene in downtown Kuala Lumpur, adjacent to the world renowned Petronas Twin Towers. Discover W Kuala Lumpur and revel in our signature Whatever / Whenever® experience. Make yourself at home in any of our 150 guest rooms with cutting edge interior design, overlooking the city skyline. Connect via high speed internet access, play your favorite music on a bluetooth sound bar, and watch the TV in the state of the art entertainment system. Make a cocktail and grab a snack at our tempting W MixBar.

CONTACT: Vliegveldweg 333 7524 PT Enschede The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0) 622 532 331 E mail: info@ammon-innovation.com Website: www.ammon-innovation.com

CONTACT: Suite 22.05 Level Centrepoint South Midvalley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra 59200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 - 2856 7886 Website: www.unit4.com/ap

Corporate Representation Christian Metzner, General Manager Simone Stanco, EAM, B&F CONTACT: 121 Jalan Ampang 50450 Kuala Lumpur Tel: +603 - 2786 8899 Website: whotels.com/kualalumpur

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PICTURE PERFECT

Above: Rabobank Financial Markets Outlook 2019; Breaking Boundaries at Big Dutchman Asia.

Below: InterChamber at CIMB Classic Golf; InterChamber with MABC.

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MDBCONNECTS LAST ISSUE 2018

Picture Perfect at the Awards!

A selection of the thousands of pictures from our annual flagship event. More pics on pages 22 and 23 and in the MISA supplement. And on the left page some impressions from our many other networking events.

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