High-potential MD Companies Are Exactly The Partners The UK Needs, Says Gobind
SUBANG JAYA, Nov 20 (Bernama) — Malaysia’s growing pool of high-potential companies, awarded the prestigious Malaysia Digital (MD) status and focused on high-value digital services, are exactly the partners that the United Kingdom is looking to work with, said Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo.
He said the partnership between Malaysia and the UK is a solid step for Malaysia to be “in the thick of artificial intelligence (AI) reality”, noting that it is no longer about merely talking about AI, but about adopting and adapting it in every way possible.
Gobind added that such collaborations can extend beyond ASEAN.
“Our government is pushing for Made in Malaysia and Made for Malaysians. With your partnership, we can extend it to Made in Malaysia, Made for ASEAN. Let us be the bridge as you expand your presence in this digitally thriving region,” he said in his speech at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) 6th Business Excellence Awards here today.
The UK, meanwhile, is ready to work closely with Malaysia to strengthen digital trade between the two countries.
The UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei, George Freeman, said both nations must take full advantage of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which marks the first free trade agreement between the UK and Malaysia.
He emphasised that it is vital to deepen strategic alliances with allies amidst unpredictable times.
“If you had told me back then that the early days of globalisation would come to an end, and we would find ourselves in a time where the United States was imposing tariffs, Europe was in conflict with Russia, and the South China Sea was becoming a zone of hostility, I would have been surprised,” he said in his speech.
Freeman added that the British High Commission and the Chamber stand ready to assist the UK and Malaysian organisations in forming partnerships.
“Take the opportunity to tell us anything you need to see, or want us to do more of… do let us know how we can help take advantage of CPTPP, build deeper partnerships, drive mutual growth, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” he said.
Citing data from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Freeman said that total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Malaysia stood at £6.4 billion in the four quarters to the end of 2Q 2025, an increase of 11.7 per cent, or £669 million in current prices from the four quarters to the end of 2Q 2024 (£1=RM5.43).
Meanwhile, the BMCC’s Business Excellence Awards honour the best of the UK and Malaysia's companies across eight achievement categories.
Through these annual awards, the BMCC marks itself as the pinnacle of recognition for companies that have excelled in the business landscapes of both countries.
These awards shine a light on the accomplishments of companies that have demonstrated exemplary performance, innovation, and dedication to boosting bilateral trade and investment.
-- BERNAMA