Tag Archives: FEATURED

EZ 67 - Cover Story

From Legal to Retail

Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong

Group Executive Chairman of USP Resources Sdn Bhd Group of Companies and GAMA Group of Companies

“Stay humble, be yourself and never give up”

Datuk Andrew Lim Tatt Keong, a distinguished figure in the Malaysian retail industry, has had an extraordinary career path that saw him transition from a successful legal practitioner to becoming the Group Executive Chairman of both USP Resources Sdn Bhd Group of Companies and GAMA Group of Companies. He is also the Deputy Group Chairman of the SOGO Seibu Group of Companies in Malaysia.

Born, raised, and schooled in Penang, Datuk Lim received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University College Cardiff, Wales, UK, and passed the BAR exams from Middle Temple (London) in 1981 and he was admitted as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia in 1982. Datuk Lim embarked on his legal career by practising in his late father’s legal firm, Messrs Lim Cheng Poh, Lim & Rahim, where he specialised in various legal matters, including banking, corporate, commercial, conveyancing, international contracts, and international trade. It was while practising law that he developed a keen interest in the retail industry.

Datuk Lim took up the opportunity to venture into retail business by buying into the GAMA Group of Companies in 2000, and subsequently, he also acquired the SOGO Seibu Group of Companies in 2002.

His extensive legal background proved invaluable to him during his transition from legal practice into the retail industry. 

“Having served as the company’s legal advisor, I was already privy to the intricate details and financial figures of the business. This familiarity made it relatively easier for me to analyse the company’s operations and make informed decisions“

Drawing from his twenty years of legal experience, he successfully addressed various challenges, managing irrational expenditures, implementing prudent financial practices, and reducing unnecessary expenses to turn the company around.

His legal expertise accorded him a unique insight into distinguishing truth from facts, allowing him to approach problem-solving with a discerning eye to systematically assess and analyse challenges and find effective solutions. Datuk Lim’s methodical approach became instrumental in avoiding hasty decisions made during stressful situations.

Established in 1967, GAMA Supermarket & Departmental Store was originally known as Pulau Pinang Supermarket, located at Chowrasta Market on Penang Road, Penang. Its flagship store, Wisma GAMA, opened in 1980 and went on to become one of the pioneers of the Malaysian retail industry. The store was the first to introduce the concept of a supermarket-cum-department store, which revolutionised the way Malaysians shopped. This milestone was recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records 2022, in which GAMA was awarded the recognition of being the “First Registered and Oldest Supermarket and Departmental Store in Malaysia.”

Under Datuk Lim’s visionary leadership, GAMA Departmental Store witnessed remarkable growth as one of Malaysia’s leading retail establishments. The company’s commitment to providing quality merchandise, fair prices, and exceptional customer service is reflected in its motto, “We Serve You Better,” and GAMA has earned the trust and patronage of its customers over the past 57 years.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and the advent of online shopping, Datuk Lim anticipates a resurgence of in-store shoppers, recognising the unique experience physical stores offer. Looking to the future, he envisions transforming malls and departmental stores into lifestyle experience centres, catering to the evolving preferences and demands of modern internet savvy consumers.

Datuk Lim attributes all his success to his experienced and dedicated team, some of whom have been with GAMA for decades. He emphasises the importance of valuing employees, prioritising customers, and building strong partnerships with brand partners. For young entrepreneurs, he advises never to give up, highlighting the significance of resilience and continuous learning. He also stresses the critical importance of possessing both emotional intelligence (EQ) and intellectual intelligence (IQ) for long-term leadership success. 

EZ 67 - Captains & Legends

A Visionary Leader Transforming Penang’s Hospitality Landscape

Tony Goh Nai Heng

General Manager of The Wembley, Penang & Cititel Express, Penang

“My team is very important to us. They are our strength.
Without their hard work and relentless contributions and efforts, we would not be what we are today”


A proud moment: Mr Tony Goh (2nd from right) receiving the INPenang National Award for Preferred Hotel on behalf of The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang, from the Governor of Penang, TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi bin Haji Abdul Razak (2nd from left) at the INPenang International Awards 2021 presentation ceremony. Looking on are: (L) YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) and Dato’ Chng Huck Theng, President of CHTNetwork (R)

“There is no right or wrong in whatever we do but we must always maintain our integrity and preserve our principles”

Tony Goh Nai Heng is a prominent personality in the service and hospitality industry, currently serving as the General Manager of The Wembley, Penang, and Cititel Express, Penang. With over 38 years of experience, Tony’s leadership has had a significant impact on the industry.

Tony’s journey began at Les Roches hotel school in Switzerland, where he developed his skills and passion for hospitality. He climbed the ranks, holding senior management positions in renowned hotels within the Shangri-La and Swiss Garden groups. Notably, he achieved remarkable milestones as the General Manager of Cititel Mid Valley Kuala Lumpur and Cititel Penang.

Currently, Tony leads a dedicated team at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel, Penang and Cititel Express in George Town, Penang. These landmark hotels, located in the heart of the city, offer 415 and 234 rooms respectively. Tony’s role is crucial in ensuring smooth operations and creating a Totally Fulfilling Experience for every guest. He emphasises the importance of his team, recognising their hard work and contributions as the foundation of the hotels’ success.

In addition to his managerial responsibilities, Tony serves as the Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Penang Chapter. He is committed to transforming Penang into a home away from home for all tourists. Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tony’s dedication was instrumental in keeping the industry relevant despite economic adversities and reduced tourism rates.

As a visionary leader, Tony focuses on creating a clear vision for the future and inspiring others to join him in achieving it. He believes in upholding integrity and preserving principles.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Tony actively participates in events that promote the well-being and development of Penang. He is known for his passionate and charitable nature, extending assistance to individuals and organisations without judgement or condescension. With his visionary leadership and dedication, he continues to leave a positive impact on the industry while actively contributing to the betterment of Penang’s community. 

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down
and lifting people up”

EZ 67 - Captains & Legends

On A Musical Odyssey from Malaysia to the World

Timur Flores

“Even though my family is now based in Europe, Malaysia is home for me. I love the warmth, the variety of food and the multitude of cultures, and that’s why I decided to begin my music journey here”

Timur Flores, a prodigious singer-songwriter with a Swiss-Sarawakian heritage, holds a profound connection to Malaysia, where she was born and raised.

Despite her academic achievements, including a Masters degree in Engineering from Oxford University and a stint in the financial industry, Timur made the bold choice to pursue a career in the realm of pop music. Fuelled by her lifelong passion for diverse musical genres and dance, she sought to carve a path for herself in the creative industry.

Blessed with a captivating voice that seamlessly blends melodious tones with an undeniable power, Timur has dedicated recent years to honing her songwriting abilities. Now, she stands resolute in her ambition to establish her presence not only in Malaysia but also on the global stage. Timur, whose very name evokes the spirit of the East, endeavours to channel her songwriting and hip-hop dancing talents back into her homeland, seeking success in the East while captivating audiences worldwide.

Although Timur departed for the UK at the age of 15 to pursue further education, her heart remains firmly rooted in Malaysia. The country’s warm embrace, its vibrant array of culinary delights, and its rich multicultural tapestry serve as a wellspring of inspiration for her musical journey.

Recently, Timur unveiled a tetralogy of songs—Not A Criminal, Sabotage, Love You Now, and Carnival—each accompanied by a meticulously crafted music video. This musical quartet, a testament to Timur’s creativity, weaves an engaging narrative that transcends individual tracks and advocates for championing the innocent against bullying. Collaborating with accomplished teams hailing from LA and Sweden, renowned for their work with notable K-pop groups, Timur’s songs resonate with authenticity and relatability.

Among the multitude of artists who have influenced her, none have left as indelible a mark on Timur as Shakira. Her formative years were filled with admiration for Shakira’s mesmerising dance skills and magnetic stage presence. Now, Timur is poised to release her own self-written song titled “Dance Through My Heart” this summer—a poignant expression of her beliefs and personal experiences. 

EZ 66 - Cover Story

Forging A Golden Path of Precious Metals 

Dato’ Lim Khong Soon

Founder of Quantum Metal Sdn Bhd

“Most people misunderstand, buying gold is not spending;
it is an exchange of currency.”

The path to success is one wrought with challenges and red tape for Dato’ Lim Khong Soon, but he is not one to give up. It took him seven years of countless meetings and funds spent, but his perseverance finally paid off when Quantum Metal Sdn Bhd achieved its first milestone of partnering with Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad in 2014. Two years later, Quantum Metal officially launched its precious metal trading system solutions. Today, Quantum Metal is one of the largest gold bullion distributors in Malaysia, providing 99.99% premium gold products to the Malaysian market, including government bodies, banks, financial institutions, merchants, and individual dealers.

The idea of setting up a gold profile management company came to Dato’ Lim after a conversation with an Indonesian friend, who told him about the inconvenience of carrying physical gold bars to exchange into US currency.

“I was looking for an alternative business to my electronics recycling business after the government implemented new regulations on the import of waste materials, so the chat with my Indonesian friend inspired me to start Quantum Metal”

Apart from the planning and requirements they have to comply with to set up the company, he said there were also a lot of competitors in the market, and there are still many people who do not understand why investing in gold is a good idea. Instead of giving up, Dato’ Lim saw this as a challenge to overcome.

“To me, business is like boxing matches; the one who stands till the end of the game is the real winner”

Now, Quantum Metal is in 13 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and China. The company has about 40,000 consultants and over 400,000 registered members nationwide, with thousands of new members joining daily.

Quantum Metal is introducing a Shariah-compliant gold trading initiative and economic recovery solution to help consumers improve their financial status. The company is also in the process of preparing to be uplisted in Nasdaq after being OTC-listed in the US.

“Today, Quantum Metal has achieved significant milestones over the past ten years, and we are still moving ahead”

It is Dato’ Lim’s wish to incorporate his professional knowledge and experience in gold asset management to educate, lead, and prepare the people to face the fast growing digital economy in metaverse investment. “Most people misunderstand; buying gold is not spending; it is an exchange of currency,” he said.

It is his belief that they must always help others, as per the Scout Oath of “To help other people at all times”. Dato’ Lim says he ensured both his children practises the same values. He has always taught them to be helpful and to help at least one person a day, and that will be their greatest contribution and achievement. 

EZ 66 - Captains & Legends

The SPAC Saint

Datuk Seri Paul Chong

Managing Partner of Knights Capital Partners

“The ability to use forward-looking statements and future projections in the De-SPAC prospectus allows investors to better gauge a company’s future prospects, hence justifying the higher valuation”

“Listing a company via a SPAC has many advantages: it is less costly, and is a faster and surer way to get listed compared to a traditional IPO”

“SPACs democratised the IPO process”

Datuk Seri Paul Chong is the Managing Partner of Knights Capital Partners, a regional private equity fund, and a Venture Partner at the global investment bank ARC Group. In addition to sponsoring multiple NASDAQ-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (“SPACs”) in 2020-2023, Paul and ARC Group have completed the most NASDAQ SPAC IPOs of any firm in Asia.

He co-founded TNG FinTech Group, Asia’s largest ex-China fintech company with a presence in 16 countries, which owns Tranglo, Malaysia’s largest authorised B2B payments settlement and remittance company.

Paul previously managed the Rothschild Creat Partners Fund (a US$750 million global private equity fund) and the Mitsubishi Creat Fund (a Japan-focused private equity fund worth ¥10 billion/US$130 million).

With three decades of experience in investment banking and private equity, including holding senior positions at Goldman Sachs and UBS Investment Bank, he completed numerous initial public offerings (IPOs) on major exchanges, such as New York, NASDAQ, London, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, Frankfurt, Singapore, Taiwan, and Kuala Lumpur.

Paul holds a law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) as well as an MBA from the London Business School (LBS). He is also a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). 

EZ 66 - Captains & Legends

Service With A Heart

Dr. Taraz-Lee

Vice Chairman of the Sports Chiropractic Council Malaysia

“An illness or condition must be viewed holistically in order to provide the best possible care to patients.”

Dr. Taraz-Lee is a multilingual, multicultural graduate of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic in the United Kingdom.

His own background and interpersonal skills, combined with his diverse educational experience both regionally and abroad, make him a natural communicator who speaks English, Bahasa Melayu, and Mandarin fluently.

Currently the Vice Chairman of the Sports Chiropractic Council Malaysia, Dr. Taraz has extensive first-hand experience with both team and individual sports as an athlete as well as a coach. He strives to help athletes achieve their personal goals and pushes them to perform at their full potential. Alongside this, he dreams of one day representing the country in raising the standards of local sports through sports rehabilitation and performance. He is also a member of the Association of Chiropractic Malaysia.

In terms of work as service, Dr. Taraz finds meaning and purpose in giving back to the community. Having taken part in several service events, one of the most memorable was a trip to India, where a group of chiropractors treated 40,000 people over the course of five days. Dr. Taraz’s perspective on the impact he can have on people’s lives has been shaped by this heart-warming experience.

Dr. Taraz practises integrative medicine and greatly believes that an illness or disease must be viewed in its entirety in order to provide the best possible care to patients. 

EZ 65 - Cover Story

Transforming Affin Bank

Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah

President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Affin Bank Berhad

Affin Bank Berhad (AFFIN BANK) caught attention in 2020 when it revamped the company’s logo – projecting a more progressive, vibrant and modern image. The transformation at AFFIN BANK during the past two years, go beyond its corporate rebranding. The personnel of the Bank are feeling energised and have a fresh sense of belief in the direction of the organisation.

These changes are being spearheaded by none other than 51-year-old Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, who assumed the Bank’s top job as its President & Group Chief Executive Officer in April 2020 – right at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Wan Razly has notched up more than 24 years’ experience in corporate strategy, investment banking, consumer banking, accounting and audit services. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in London in 1995 and joined Aseambankers Malaysia (now known as Maybank Investment Bank Bhd) in 2002 before joining CIMB Investment Bank in 2004.

Remarkably, Wan Razly was the Chief Financial Officer at CIMB Group Holdings Bhd’s Indonesian bank – PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk – for a decade before returning to Malaysia in 2019 and assuming the position of Regional Head of Consumer Strategic Business Management at CIMB.

Driving transformation is no easy task – it is even more difficult when you are faced with unprecedented economic challenges due to COVID-19. Wan Razly took it in stride and got on with the task immediately. He kick-started the first phase of AFFIN BANK’s metamorphosis journey through Affinity in Motion (AIM22) and these efforts are showing the desired results.

“As the Bank focuses more towards promoting innovation technological advancement, its financial products and services continue to be improved to cater to the ever-changing market demands.”

“Sharing a renewed sense of belief in the organisation’s direction.”


Receiving the CHT Excellence Award for Asset Security AI at the CHT International Awards 2022 from Guest of Honour, Y.A.M. Tengku Sulaiman Shah Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Tengku Laksamana of Selangor (2nd from right) and Dato’ Chng Huck Theng (far right).

In 2021, the Group’s profit before tax jumped 82% year on year to almost RM704 million, while net profit grew by 129% close to RM527 million – its highest in five years. The performance puts it on course to reaching a key AIM22 target of RM1 billion in PBT in financial year 2022, when the three-year plan concludes.

The rapid rise of AFFIN BANK certainly did not go unnoticed with its products and solutions receiving various accolades over the years. Additionally, Brand Finance which is the world’s leading independent brand valuation and strategy consultancy has named the Bank as one the top three fastest growing Malaysian brands for 2022.

With the conclusion of AIM22 this year, AFFIN BANK’S transformation journey will continue with its second phase, under the A25 strategic plan, that aims to position the Bank as the most creative financial industry in Malaysia. Wan Razly is committed to further improve the Bank’s profitability and growth, provide value-based banking for its customers and leapfrog the Bank towards providing unrivalled customer service by 2025. 

EZ 65 - Captains & Legends

The ESG Champion

Dr. Ch’ng Huck Khoon

Director of CHK Consultancy Sdn Bhd

“My aim is to share my knowledge on corporate compliance, sustainability strategies, cases and solutions on ESG to as many as possible.”

“Corporate compliance issues are becoming increasingly important to regulatory authorities.”

After obtaining a PhD in Finance from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Ch’ng devoted himself to the financial and capital industry and has been working in this field for the last 30 years. In addition to establishing his own corporate consulting company, he has also been invited by five public listed companies to serve as an independent director, and he has held important positions such as the Chairman of the Board, Chairman of Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee.

He often publishes current issues and financial-related topics in major newspapers and magazines, invited to speak on radio and television shows, and online media. He is also the author of the book “How to Select a Winning Stock”.

“He has been invited to conduct more than 1,000 seminars including public listed company director training to more than 20,000 local and foreign financial and capital services professionals in the last 20 years.”

Dr. Ch’ng also provides consulting services to large corporations. He has extensive expertise in corporate compliance, especially in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Anti-Corruption, Money Laundering and Digital Economy issues that are becoming a grave concern for regulatory authorities and corporations in our country.

As he foresees the increasing importance of ESG, Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering procedures, he will be conducting more public seminars in these areas, sharing sustainability strategies, cases and solutions.

EZ 65 - Captains & Legends

Reshaping The Face Of Hospitality Through Digitalisation

Alex Castaldi

Senior General Manager, Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels

“Sunway Resort underwent a US$60 million transformation recently, further entrenching the resort as a Kuala Lumpur icon and raising the bar for international hospitality”

“Alex Castaldi, the Senior General Manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels shares with EZ the vision behind the transformation”

A multimillion-dollar transformation of Sunway Resort has created a unique destination in Kuala Lumpur with a focus on gastronomy. The resort took the lead to introduce a new signature dining destination, the Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill, as the Michelin-starred chef’s debut in Malaysia. According to Alex, this brings the style and sophistication of London to Sunway City. If that was not enough, in the pipeline is yet another famous restaurant chain, this time a New York-based chain. The Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes will be introducing its craft burgers and world-famous CrazyShake® milkshakes to Sunway Resort by the end of 2022.

“Sunway Resort’s transformation is a bold drive to seal Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination.”

He said the next phases of Sunway Resort’s dramatic transformation will be progressively revealed next year, including the launch of more themed suites, dedicated family spaces and leisure facilities. “We will also be launching more exciting new world-class dining outlets soon,” he adds.


At the CHT International Awards 2022: Striking a pose with Y.A.M. Tengku Sulaiman Shah Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Tengku Laksamana of Selangor (centre) and Dato’ Chng Huck Theng (right).  Alex was honoured with the CHT Excellence Award: Expatriate for his outstanding achievements and contributions to Malaysian society.

The resort has also adopted technological solutions so that it stays on trend in the face of digitalisation. “Gen Z, millennials, and digital natives make up an ever-greater proportion of travellers; as they’ve grown up with modern technology,” Alex notes. Therefore, the resort has a selection of themed suites enhanced by state-of-the-art solutions such as keyless room entry, motion sensor night lights, IPTV and “iButlers”, who are on hand to deliver gadgets and set up devices. 

Alex is optimistic that the hospitality industry in Malaysia will bounce back. “The future seems upbeat,” he says. He believes Malaysia could be a quality tourism destination that offers unique and diverse experiences to the discerning traveller of this post-pandemic era.

EZ 64 - Cover Story

A Man With A Mission

Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz

Chief Executive Officer, MATRADE

Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz is currently the chief executive officer of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation or known to many as MATRADE. He is a man with a mission who successfully leads MATRADE to a new height by transforming the national trade promotion agency into a thinking organisation under all circumstances through boom or bust.

The visionary leader began his 32-year career in the civil service starting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, followed by the Economic Planning Unit, and Prime Minister’s Department, before joining MATRADE in June 1994. Despite having a wealth of experience, Datuk Mohd Mustafa has always been striving for the best and passionate about leading change to produce extraordinary outcomes be it for the organisation itself, business community or the country as a whole.

Staying firm to the phrase “rain or shine, the show must go on”, he leads his comrades by making the impossible possible. The reputable CEO keeps echoing the undertaken transformation initiatives that are aligned with MATRADE’s three main agendas: Digitalisation, Sustainability and the National Trade Blueprints (NTBp). He strongly believes that solid and powerful storytelling about MATRADErs hard work should be conveyed accurately. “Make no more mistakes!” – The compassionate leader advises fellow MATRADErs to encourage them to deliver excellent jobs always.

“It is not easy to put where we are now, all aspects must be well-thought-out in championing MATRADE’s ongoing duty to be an organisation of excellence which is achievable through having the right attitude, good values, distinctive cultures and work ethics (AVC) in our organisation. I am hopeful that the new characteristics of MATRADE will have a spillover effect on our relationship with Malaysian companies as well as our counterparts in other Ministries and Agencies. It has been our aspiration to place Malaysia as a major trading nation and the centre of reference when it comes to international trade”, the Kaizen believer reiterated.

Furthermore, the foresighted leader has always been contributing massively to Malaysian export activities. Among major responsibilities he was held accountable, proving his remarkable leadership quality were:

1. Established the Malaysia Trade Centre in Dubai, UAE in 2001;

2. Reopened the MATRADE office in Osaka, Japan in 2005 after being closed due to economic crisis that hit Asia in 1998; and

3. Established the Malaysia Trade Centre in Doha, Qatar in 2013. 

Inculcating the spirit of working together as a team, he was also involved in the nation’s capacity building component together with the consulting team of the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements as follows:

1. Malaysia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement;

2. Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement; and 

3. ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement.

According to the MATRADE’s CEO, all sorts of careers need a good self-leadership trait to be at the top in order to run any operations effectively. The chief acknowledges good talents and steers MATRADE’s transformation and restructures exercise by doing the needful to put the right people at the right place. The perfectionist leader often emphasises on personal brand image among his colleagues, in empowering MATRADE’s brand reputation. Moreover, he fosters spring-cleaning practices among MATRADErs to maintain a clean and decent working environment which leads to better productivity. Datuk Mohd Mustafa has made this very clear to all MATRADErs in understanding that their roles as civil servants inter alia, are also about labouring love for the country, passion, discipline, and right mindset. 

As the business trends keep evolving, the zealous MATRADEr regards that it is pertinent for both the public and private sectors to join forces in promoting trade enhancement between Malaysia and other trading countries. The TPO needs to be fast and versatile to deliver the best in serving the business community. Good synchronisation be it trade strategy or smart networking can possibly overcome export challenges.

Alongside Malaysia’s stellar trade performance, MATRADE bagged the “Best Use of Information Technology” award at the 13th World Trade Promotion Organizations (WTPO) Conference and Awards organised by the International Trade Centre on 17 May 2022.

The TPO was recognised for its initiative in organising the first fully virtual edition of the 17th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in 2021. Adding another feather to its cap, MIHAS 2021 was also recognised at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2021, clinching the Gold Award in the Best “Pandemic Pivot” or “COVID-19 Communications” campaign category. This shows that under Datuk Mohd Mustafa’s leadership, impactful working culture is adapted and MATRADErs give their best with enthusiasm, ensuring that the TPO excels on the global stage and making it known as one of distinguished Malaysian’s Government Agencies. 

MIHAS 2022 which will take place from 7 to 10 September 2022 in a hybrid format will be bigger and better! The MATRADE’s flagship event will showcase a total of 1,196 booths in 13 leading clusters. “Apart from the exhibition, we will also organise the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) which anticipated 400 foreign buyers; from over 50 countries including from the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, ASEAN, Oceania and African region, who will engage in business meetings either virtually or physically with Malaysian exporters. Besides that, the prestigious MIHAS Awards is back again. It seeks to celebrate outstanding exhibitors in booth design creativity, innovation in products and services as well as inventions that are making lasting impacts in the global Halal industry”, he revealed.

The recent slew of cost-cutting measures by the government due to the pressure of global inflation and the rising cost of goods have moved MATRADE to embrace sustainable avenues such as the public private partnership (PPP) and private finance initiative (PFI) in forging collaborations with strategic partners in carrying its mandate. This includes the recently launched MATRADE Digital Trade Platform, powered by Fusionex Group – a business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) trade platform aimed to reduce trade complexities, foster business interconnectivity and promote Malaysia-made products and services to buyers and partners across the globe.

An addition to his endless efforts, the top-notch MATRADE’s Iron Man, strives to transform MATRADE into a self-sustaining organisation. Datuk Mohd Mustafa is determined in finding solution for the organisation’s operating and development budget at all cost. For instance, one of the revenue streams include Menara MATRADE, a conducive building strategically located next to MITEC – the Malaysia’s largest trade exhibition and conference centre, which is also within the proximity of Solaris Mont Kiara, and Publika – well known residential and shopping addresses for foreign expatriates. The inclusivity building offers world-class facilities along with high-speed internet. For viewing and further details kindly contact Revenue Generation Unit at 03 – 6207 7901 / 7903 or email halim@matrade.gov.my / snazreen@matrade.gov.my.