China's Strong Industry-driven Ecosystem Draws Malaysian Businesses Seeking Expansion

By Anas Abu Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- A strong industry-driven ecosystem in China is one of the key factors attracting Malaysian businesses to enter the Chinese market as part of their expansion strategy.

Aerodyne Group co-founder and group chief executive officer Datuk Kamarul A Muhamed described China as a country that can be considered as both the manufacturing hub and innovation centre of the world, with many emerging technologies coming from the region.

"Malaysia is a friendly and neutral nation, so we maintain good relations with everyone. Collaborating with Chinese companies can significantly enhance the technology transfer between our two countries.

"Currently, we are collaborating with various Chinese companies including investors and operational partners from Shenzhen, and we have an office in Shanghai.

"We are also co-developing some new drone technologies to explore ways in which we can add value to one another," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview ahead of the upcoming Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) 2024.

The event will be held on Dec 17-19, 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

According to Kamarul, Aerodyne is looking forward to building new relationships with companies from China during the MCS 2024, as well as strengthening the existing collaborations.

In the meantime, Julie’s Biscuits director Sai Tzy Horng highlighted that bridging cultural gaps between Malaysian and Chinese consumers as well as continuous evolution to meet the diverse needs of both markets are among key strategic areas for the Malaysian-owned company to expand its business in China.

Sai noted that during the upcoming MCS 2024, the company will showcase Julie’s brand transformation by emphasising its journey of innovation, market adaptation, and commitment to quality.  

"We will demonstrate how Julie’s has evolved to meet the diverse needs of both Malaysian and international consumers, focusing particularly on our success in China, where we have tailored our products to align with local preferences while maintaining our core values.

"Our goal is to engage with industry leaders, share our vision for the future, and highlight the positive role that mid-tier companies like Julie’s play in enhancing Malaysia’s presence on the global stage," he added.

The MCS 2024 is organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd in association with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), official airline partner AirAsia, and corporate sponsors Petronas and DSR Taiko, among other strategic partners.

Themed "Prosperity Beyond 50", the summit reflects a strategic initiative to ensure continuous economic growth, societal advancement, and overall well-being, as well as sustained cooperation and synergy between Malaysia and China.

Around 500 exhibitors from Malaysia, China and ASEAN countries are expected to participate in the summit, which aims to attract 10,000 trade visitors and delegates, along with a projected RM2 billion in potential trade and investments.

-- BERNAMA