Malaysia Global Business Forum Official Blog

MGBF Meets Deputy Foreign Minister at Wisma Putra

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:19:00 +0000

Nordin Abdullah today paid a courtesy call on H.E. Senator A. Kohilan Pillay, Deputy Minister of Foriegn Affairs, at Wisma Putra in Putrajaya where the objectives of this year’s Malaysia Global Business Forum were discussed and Nordin presented the Senator with a framed Songket piece, woven by a single mother in Terengganu which was part of MGBF’s CSR Initiative in 2009.

Discussions between the Senator and MGBF representatives touched on the interest in MGBF as a platform for international business co-operation with Malaysia. MGBF pointed out the ongoing and increased need for involvement and engagement of Wisma Putra in this process.

Nordin told the Senator “We are targetting five feature countries with political and buisness delegations and additional business only delegations from between 20 – 30 countries.” The Senator was enthusastic about the efforts of MGBF in developing strong business linkages that will benefit Malaysia. The Senator commented that Wisma Putra will certainly be pleased to consider all methods of involvement that is within their scope and current directives, especially in light of the success of your last year’s event. MGBF staff were delighted to see that Wisma Putra had highlighted part of last years event in their foyer display.

“MGBF is targetted to ensure there is the right mix of political “door opening” and tangible business initiatives to drive trade and investment,” stated Nordin.

The Senator will be invited to this year’s Malaysia Global Business Forum which will be held in Kuching Sarawak in November, 2010, themed “High Growth Non-Traditional Markets”.

Sarajevo Business Forum - The Return Leg

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 25 May 2010 10:43:00 +0000

The Sarajevo Business Forum saw the presentation of some 157 projects and the region’s leading political and business figures in attendance including H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, H. E. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, 5th Prime Minister and Senior Statesman of Malaysia. The current Chair of the Presidency H.E. Dr. Haris Silajdzic delivered the Keynote Address.

According to the organizer, Mr. Amer Bukvic, CEO of Bosna Bank International “the Sarajevo Business Forum represents a watershed event guaranteeing Bosnia and Herzegovina will become the vibrant and prosperous country and the zone of economic development, cooperation, peace and dialogue of civilizations rather than place of poverty, suspicion, conflict or clash of civilization”  Mr. Bukvic called upon all investors, Bosnian and regional political and business leaders to commit to produce the most promising outcomes and summed up that “Sarajevo Business Forum will change course of economic history of Bosnia.”

Commenting on the Sarajevo Business Forum, which is a partner event of the Malaysia Global Business Forum - Bosnia, Managing Director, Nordin Abdullah stated, “I have always been positive about Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially for Malaysian Businesses Investors, The Sarajevo Business Forum is the first proactive business driven initiative that will lead to the economic self determination of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

“I would like to personally congratulate Amer Bukvic and his team as they have done a great job by all accounts. We were happy to play our small part in the greater success of the Sarajevo Business Forum and indeed the on going development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

All 157 projects that were presented at the 2-day International Investment Conference, ‘Sarajevo Business Forum’ on April 6 - 7 have been made available to the public via electronic web page http://www.sarajevobusinessforum.com/

Green Field Billions

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:30:00 +0000

What is a Green Field Billion? What is a Green Field Billion Worth?

A Green Field Billion is defined as a Billion Dollars, in this case Ringgit, that comes into a green field project. The concept is not too hard to understand, but it is catchy nonetheless. The real question is what is a Green Field Billion Worth? This question is not so easily answered.

The State of Sarawak, home of the Malaysia Global Business Forum, seems to know not only where to find Green Field Billions but also how to attract them to roost in the land of the Hornbills.

Investments in Sarawak reached RM15.2 Billion, in 2008, the most of any state in Malaysia. In the first half of 2009 Sarawak received investments of RM 7.8 Billion, twice as much as the next nearest state.

The value of Green Field Billions can be best understood in the context of the “Knock-on Effect”. The financial sector sees growth, political mileage is created, economic development improves the GDP, knowledge transfer increases human capital development and even the logistics sector moves as goods are ship here and there.

Most importantly the “Knock-on Effect, knocks on the door of the average man in the street who needs a good paying job to support his family. Recent research shows that for every 100 jobs in foreign owned manufacturing, this creates 100 additional service jobs and 10 further manufacturing jobs.

Government Policy does need to address the “development transition” this is the major challenge of major inflows of investment to local industry, local human capital needs to be ready to face the challenges.

Why not reward success? The Malaysian Federal Government should look at rewarding those states which perform better in attracting FDI’s to the country. Knowing full well that SME’s will need to take up much of the support work, it makes sense to create a dedicated fund that is for the development of SMEs linked to these FDI’s, as they will need to be in close proximity to the incoming investments, it will directly reward the states that do a better job at attracting FDI’s.

This will kick start the second level of development which comes with the domestic market sophistication.

So if you are still wondering what a “Green Field Billion” is worth, it is worth a lot.

This article was written by Nordin Abdullah, Managing Director, Glenreagh Sdn Bhd, Organisers of Malaysia Global Business Forum, http://www.glenreagh.net/

Malaysia Global Business Forum will be held in Kuching, Sarawak from 7 0 10th November, 2010. Our websitehttp://www.malaysiaglobalbusinessforum.com/ www.malaysiaglobalbusinessforum.com has recently been updated with information for delegates to this year’s event.

Why Sarawak?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 07 May 2010 06:30:00 +0000

I bet, the title above is the most popular question we get when we say that we are doing something in Sarawak. It's either that, or we get the 'Uhh??", or "Where again?" or the infamous look which says that the person doesn't know what or where is Sarawak.

Well, that's the beauty of Sarawak to be honest. With 'it' being hidden from the world, it can be resembled as a 'diamond' yet to be discovered. Sarawak, maybe lacking in terms of popularity, but it is one of the few states in Malaysia which has huge potential. It has abundant resources, and the massive support from the Sarawak State Government is always available to push anything here to succeed. In fact, we are very confident that Sarawak will soon e more than just a sparkling diamond in Malaysia.

The beauty of the largest state in Malaysia doesn't stop there. The people in Sarawak are generous, and very culture oriented hence making them the best example of true Asians. They mix around without bother of skin colour, religion or background and give smiles that they could give Thailand a run for their money in keeping hold onto the title 'Land of the smiles'.

With that said, Glenreagh Sdn Bhd's Managing Director, Mr Nordin Abdullah has made it his personal mission to introduce Sarawak to the world, because he too believes in Sarawak. His effort is backed by the fact that the Federal Government through Ministry of Works, has also allocated some RM400 Million for roads, bridges and government buildings in the state. Chief Minister of Sarawak, Tan Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud has also said that the state was expected to spend RM3.418 billion against projected revenues of RM3.579 billion, generating a surplus of RM161 million, hence making the state very stable financially, and indirectly making the state very attractive to future investors.

Despite focusing on development, the state also looks ahead by introducing 'Green Energy' through SCORE or Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy as projects like the Bakun Hydro Electric Dam project will help the state provide industrial players with adequate energy for their needs. The state itself also boast of stable yet aggressive home grown public listed companies such as Naim Berhad which recently secured a $160 million project in Fiji.

All this have not gone un-noticed as global giants like Rio Tinto and the Aluminium Corporation of China have made investments in Sarawak, hence enabling Sarawak to gain the most investment in comparison to other states in Malaysia.

Add in the fact that Sarawak's capital city, Kuching boast of world class hotels like the Hilton, Sheraton Four Points, and Pullman with a good combination of international air connectivity via Kuching International Airport, plus the recent availability the state of the art Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching (BCCK) makes Sarawak not one of an option for business, but the best option available.

So, if you are wondering why we are so focused on Sarawak, well... we can simply put all the words above in one which is "Because we are looking to the future..."

MGBF Invites Perlis Business Delegates

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:14:00 +0000

Perlis maybe the smallest state in Malaysia (without considering the Federal Territories), but we feel that it is a state with huge potential. Its location adjacent to Thailand makes it an excellent entry point into Malaysia via land, and the fact that it is so close to Thailand also makes it indirectly enjoy a huge spill over of culture from the Land of Smiles.

Tourism and eco-tourism are new in Perlis, and these non-traditional markets could be the answer for Perlis to move towards becoming one of Malaysia’s most vibrant states in business. The way we see it, Perlis is like a hidden diamond rock which is yet to be polished into a beautiful, shinning rock which is always embedded onto wedding rings, and hence our solid reasoning on why Perlis stands to benefit enormously by participating in the MGBF.

With that said, Nordin Abdullah, Managing Director and Anne Velu, Executive Director of the MGBF briefed Perlis Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Md. Isa bin Sabu, on how MGBF could play a huge role for future benefits of the state. Dato’ Seri Dr. Md. Isa bin Sabu in his reply said that Perlis is in the midst of eradicating poverty and that any business, regardless of size is beneficial for the people of his state. The briefing was held at the Menteri Besar's Office which is located within a beautiful building just at the outskirts of Kangar.

Although the MGBF is based in Kuching, or Sarawak in general, we always welcome delegates from other states outside of Sarawak, and Perlis is one of the states in Malaysia that we feel has huge potential for non-traditional business such as eco-tourism to flourish well. In fact, Perlis which focus primarily on agriculture could stand to benefit a lot from our 2010 MGBF, as our featured country this year, namely Turkey is very keen to look into aspects related to agriculture such as prawn and crop farming.

We feel that a business delegation from Perlis will not only create new opportunities for the locals, but also help Perlis learn how they can move towards High growth – Non Traditional Market. Therefore, if you are from Perlis, and you want to extend your business horizon, and maybe want to go global. Come and sign up here for the 2010 MGBF – Turkey because the MGBF is ecstatic to help you grow and expand your business.

MGBF Keen on Malaysia-Turkey FTA

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:09:00 +0000

It was reported by BERNAMA on January 22, 2010 that Turkish Director-General of European Union Affairs at the Undersecretariat of Prime Ministry for Foreign Trade of Turkey Husnu Dilemre wants to initiate a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Malaysia by April this year.

While our eyes rolled up of excitement, our hearts couldn’t stop screaming "YES!!!!”.

The reason for all the excitement is obvious. The MGBF is hosting Turkey this year, and a FTA between both countries, especially before the MGBF is very much welcomed due to its huge impact on possible business negotiations which would take place during the MGBF 2010.

According to the report by BERNAMA, Dilemre expects little problems in sealing the FTA with Malaysia as Turkey and Malaysia have a total trade of about US$975 million, with exports of about US$860 million while imports amounted to US$115 million for the year 2009. Dilemre also stressed that most sectors in Turkey complement each other, and they have a lot to offer to their Malaysia counterparts.

It is also interesting to note that Turkey is the 15th largest economy in the world and serves as a gateway to countries located in Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Caucasia. That means, Malaysian companies or business have the advantage to use Turkey as a stepping stone to penetrate into a bigger share of the market. Wouldn’t it be cool to have your local Malaysian business go global? Imagine, having ‘Nasi Lemak’ as a signature dish in France!

So how does MGBF actually fit in this picture, and this report by BERNAMA?

Well, a 30-member Turkish business delegation is here in Malaysia to attend to the Industry Briefing and Business Matching with the support of the Undersecretariat for Foreign Trade of Turkey. The briefing would be held at Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur tomorrow on the 25th January 2010, and we expect good initial talks between business counterparts from both countries. We are also very hopeful and at the same time convinced that this session is the catalyst to kick start more partnership among Malaysian and Turkish companies and hence allow a fully fledged business partnership to materialize during the up-coming MGBF in Kuching this year. In additional to that, we expect the delegates to make new friends, and bond with each other through a good cup of coffee, and therefore make it easier for them to proceed with their business talks when they come over to Kuching. With that said, we look forward to the business matching tomorrow, and anticipate the possibility of the FTA between Malaysia and Turkey to materialize as we also agree with what Dilemre described as ‘the way for better conditions for investment flow between the two countries apart from presenting opportunities to diversify and boost trade volume significantly’.

Why Do You Need Global Forums?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:59:00 +0000

If you are looking to expand your business into new heights, the question above must be one of the few questions playing in your head.

Yes, at this age of technology and the huge boom of social networks in the internet, marketing couldn't be any easier by most companies. In fact, some feel that they could get so much over the internet, that they are ignoring 'face to face' contact until the very last minute. It's simply not a taboo anymore that you could do business all the way via the net, without actually meeting the person whom does business with you. Problem is, this works for small companies only, and you are only gearing for the small segment of the huge market. Trust us on this, because huge multi-national companies prefer to meet their respective clients, especially when we are talking about hundreds and thousands of dollars.

In fact, we feel that by only relying solely on the internet, you'd be 'flying blind' out there, trying to reach unknown ties and unknown clients. The world is a huge market, and going global is not simply achieved by doing online marketing. It may go to the extent that you may not achieve the potential your company deserves. Therefore, our advice would be to build a reputation using the conventional way, and keeping that reputation 'alive and kicking' using the modern way. Yes, combine both ways, and we assure you of success in whatever business you're doing.

So what do we mean by the conventional way? Well, it hugely involves face to face meetings, discussions and talks on things which are related to your business, and how you can together expand it with your future business partner. But before you're thinking of such a meeting to materialized, think of things which can help in the discussion such as the quality of your product, language barriers, product acceptability, product pricing, possible cost, and what commitment you are ready for (just to name a few things you should consider). Come on, you wouldn't want to give a bad impression on your 'future' partner by being un-prepared, right?

When you are ready with all your impressive details and statistics about your business, then you should seriously consider the 'meet up' we have been saying above. We know, a formal meet up does sound kind of boring, but that's where the Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) stands to be different. We anticipate the opportunity to create more business globally for you, and therefore have selected the beautiful Sarawak as our home base for you to meet up with potential partners or investors. We also try our very best to encourage delegates to mingle with each other informally by organising dinners and events which would foster friendship. The way we see it, business is more likely if you are friends and that a successful partnership will be more likely if you have known your business partner a little bit more on the casual side. Yes, in other words, we believe in those 'small personal touch' when making a business.

This year, the MGBF will feature Turkey, and since they are doing a lot of business on food, why not you take the opportunity to sign up for the MGBF this year. As of today, we are proud to say that we have confirmed attendance from a huge range of countries, and you should join in for the fun and the opportunity to expand your business. With that said, sign up for the MGBF - Turkey by visiting out official website to 'fly' into the right direction of doing business globally.

Nordin Becomes a Half-Sarawakian

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:43:00 +0000

Hehehehe.. We like to gossip, so here's the latest gossip in town. It's about our dear CEO, Mr Nordin Abdullah. Yes.. the tall, white and handsome leader we have. So come together, and let's start whispering.. Shhhh!!! Don't let Nordin read this!

You see, recently Nordin returned to the Land of the Hornbills. Yes, that's true. He went back... and that's barely after he was in Kuching for our very first MGBF! The story goes that he was at the Grand Ballroom of Kuching Hilton Hotel, and that he was wearing his 'best' tux for the night. Ahhhhh... You see? Something's going on here =P

Well, the truth is, Nordin was invited by the Sarawak Convention Bureau to attend their third year of the “Anak Sarawak Appreciation Awards”. Yeah, you guessed it, he's one of the recipients, and he joins other forty-five new Honorary Convention Ambassadors which have contributed significantly to Sarawak's MICE industry growth for the past year. All of them with local dignitaries and invited guests were treated to a special “Phantom of the Opera” themed dinner by the Sarawak Convention Bureau which is headed by its Chairman, Yang Bhg Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Leo Michael Toyad and YB Datuk Haji Talib Zulpilip, whom is the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Sarawak.

Mrs. Jill Henry, CEO of the Sarawak Convention Bureau in her speech said that, the Bureau team is always willing give the best possible advice and support to help their clients every step of the way and we feel that this video somehow sums up what she means by that. (the video loads slow as it is 5 mins and in good quality):

Anyway, a near jumping Nordin said "We are proud to receive such a prestigious award and we are glad to have made Kuching, Sarawak the home of the Malaysia Global Business Forum, and I would like to personally thank all those whom contributed to the success of this event", which is just Nordin, being Nordin. He's so humble, and proof is by him saying 'we' instead of 'I'. I know, you can tell that we love our CEO. =)

And yes, Nordin being Nordin again, said "The Malaysia Global Business Forum was a resounding success, in terms of delegates, media coverage, VVIP attendance, sponsorship engagement and tangible business conducted."

Phew.. That's a mouth full to say, but he is right. The 1st MGBF was a huge success, and to date, we are just as proud as Nordin to say that not less than 5 countries have already requested to send high level delegations to the next Summit in November 2010 although we do feel that Nordin does seems a little too 'extra-ordinarily-happy' to travel back and forth to Sarawak after he has received this award.

Well, we can't exactly speak on behalf of our CEO's excitement for this coming MGBF, but we hugely feel that his anticipation for the MGBF has something to do with Sarawak. After all, he is now already an honorary ambassador of Sarawak, and that makes him half Sarawakian by any means.

To Nordin, congratulations!

MGBF Invites The Republic of Bangladesh

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:32:00 +0000

When it comes to making new friends, nobody should be left out, and we are proud to make new friends from The Republic of Bangladesh via our CEO, Mr Nordin Abdullah whom had the priviledge to meet H.E. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, the Honorable Minister of Commerce of the Republic of Bangladesh last Friday.

While it is a known fact that Malaysia and Bangladesh do share a lot of excellent business together for the past decade, we hugely feel that this relationship could be 'upgraded' to a whole new level via the MGBF which will be next November at Kuching, Sarawak.

Bangladesh is keen to seek new opportunities regarding labor supply to Malaysia considering they currently have a sizeble ammount of skilled and non-skilled workers at their disposal, while Malaysia can look into venturing towards construction and e-government implementation projects in developing Bangladesh.

The possible tie-up does not stop there as Sarawak, which will host of the 2nd MGBF stands to benefit from the possibility of exporting its infamous 'Ikan Terubuk Masin' or better known as 'Fried Fish' towards new markets in China and European countries through Bangladesh. In fact, we feel that the potential that Malaysia, or in particular Sarawak has in fisheries and agriculture isn't reflected adequately by the number it exports, and so we are hoping that Bangladesh could work together with Malaysian based companies to bring this number up during the MGBF as they (Bangladesh) have a lot of expertise to offer in this two key sectors.

The way we see it, Bangladesh and Malaysia are both moving in the right direction when it comes to diplomatic ties, and we would like to seal that beautiful relationship by enhancing it through business opportunities available in both countries. With that said, the MGBF extends its greatest hope that we would see the Republic of Bangladesh as one of the featured countries during the 2010 MGBF. Maybe, if we can't help strike any immediate business ties between both countries, the very least would be having us sitting down together while enjoying the infamous fried 'Ikan Terubuk Masin' for lunch. =) After all, part of business is about making new friends, and friends in the Malaysian 'un-official custom', MUST have lunch together.

Turkey: It's about Food

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:49:00 +0000

When it comes to food, Malaysians are always a proud lot. They take pride that they have practically anything to serve their guest, and that their guest would love the Malaysian flavours. You can name any Asian delicacy, Malaysia would have some stall/restaurant ready to serve you. In fact, the infamous 'Laksa' which is a spicy noodle like food has almost over 5 version in Malaysia.

Now, the MGBF is proud to extend this pride by offering new opportunities to Malaysian business which are particular about food by inviting interested Malaysian business delegation to meet up with a Turkish business delegation with nothing else in mind, but FOOD! The objective, spread the love of food to Europe and beyond!

Yes, it would be a very interesting topic to discuss among each delegates as they collectively would cease the opportunity to discusse things involving the import and distribution of food products in Turkey and Malaysia. In fact, we would also think that the delegates would eventually find themselves drooling over numerous food menus as their discussion moves on to lighter topics like possible cousines which could be sold in each other's respective country.

The fact is, this meeting which would be held on January the 25th at the Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur will help close the distance gap between Malaysian food based companies and Turkey food based companies to co-operate among each other in respective fields for mutual benefits. Turkey will be very interested to look into Malaysia's ability in prawn farming, as well as wheat, noodle, confectionary and bakery products manufacturers, while Malaysian companies can look forward to knowing more about Turkey's ability in providing high grade wheat flour, fresh fruits and vegetables, pasta and edible oil.

The event, which is dubbed as a 'business matching' briefing would enjoy the participation of at least 25 delegates, and a minimum of 4 Malaysian companies to 1 Turkish company. This is good because Malaysian companies do need to expand to Europe, Middle East and Central Asia, and Turkey is happy to oblige as is the right country which can provide just that!

With that said, we are hugely expecting another 'fruitful' meeting for this business matching session, and we hope related companies, esspecially those in Malaysia would grab this opportunity by calling us up at +60392057769 to join into this 'food loving' business discussion. MGBF is relishing the prospect to find Laksa Sarawak in Turkey in the next few years!

MGBF Now Blogs!

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:56:00 +0000

Almost 2 months have past since since the last Global Malaysia Business Forum - Bosnia which we held succesfully in Sarawak's state capital, Kuching, and what an event it was! We met legendary leaders such as ex-Malaysian Premier, Tun Mahathir, and had the honour of rubbing shoulders with the president of Bosnia, H.E. Haris Silajdžić. The best part was when we managed to engange in a fruitful forum with numerous exchange of MoU's between corporations and academic institutions in Malaysia and Bosnia, as well the fact that new possible business opportunities were created for mutual benefits in both countries which include hospitality and also medical services.

In fact, we are so delighted that the whole event was a huge success, that we are planning more similar events in the coming months to give the business community a huge hand in enhancing their presance in what ever business they are doing.

Today, we are proud to announce the opening of our officical blog, as we continue to press for further 'friendly' relationships among the Malaysian business community with other business communities from around the globe. This blog is therefore created to give readers an informal insight of what's going on in MGBF, and how things are done to to the very best by organiser of the MGBF for mutual benefits of participants of the forum.

We are greatly inspired by the man behind the MGBF, and also the CEO of Glenreagh Sdn Bhd, Mr Nordin Abdullah, whom has continously pushed for a more focused and better understanding of a complex relationship among business people, the government, the academicians, NGOs and also the media. His effort, as well as the people behind the MGBF which are surely willing and able, are very very keen and willing to help push the business communities in Malaysia to greater heights. With that said, we are happy to say HELLO WORLD, and welcome you tou our new official blog.