Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry | AHK Malaysia

🏭 Where would you invest next? This was the question at the centre of today’s Tuesday Club session “Beyond China+1: ASEAN's Rise as a Sustainable Construction Investment Destination”. What an eye-opening morning that has brought together sharp minds for a thought-provoking deep-dive into one of the most pressing strategic questions in business today. A huge thank you to our guest speaker, Germain THOMAS, Founder of Asiance Sdn Bhd, for sharing over two decades of on-the-ground ASEAN experience. Germain didn't just talk theory, he brought real stories, real deals, and real market intelligence that left the room energised and thinking differently. 💡 Here's what stood out: 🔄China+1 is not about leaving China - it's about building resilience and diversifying smartly 🌏ASEAN is no longer a Plan B - it's a strategic pillar, with Vietnam leading manufacturing relocation and Malaysia attracting higher-value industries 🏗️Sustainable construction is booming - urbanisation, infrastructure growth, and green building demand are creating massive opportunities across the region 🤝European tech + ASEAN execution = long-term competitive advantage, delivering cost savings and new export markets 🏭The future is multipolar - companies that build multi-hub manufacturing ecosystems will lead the next decade To our participants: your questions, real-world experiences, and lively discussions on everything from Johor's special economic zone to Taiwan semiconductor risks made this truly an exchange of expertise. 🙌 See you at the next Tuesday Club! 👋 #TuesdayClub #MGCC #ASEAN 

A skilled workforce starts with strong partnerships. MGCC was pleased to participate in the EU Global Gateway Project Identification Mission on Industry-Driven Skills Development, organised by the EU-Malaysia Cooperation Facility (GOPA Worldwide Consultants). Representing MGCC, Kumaran Nair Shanmugam, Head of Vocational Education & Training, and Melanie Chalil, Senior Manager, PR & Communications, joined stakeholders from government, industry associations, EU Member State Missions, and European chambers of commerce in a scenario-building workshop aimed at co-designing a future skills development programme between public and private institutions. During the discussions, MGCC shared insights into the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) system, highlighting how strong public-private partnerships can drive workforce development and create industry-ready talent. A key focus was trainer development, recognising that skilled trainers are fundamental to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant training and building sustainable TVET ecosystems. As discussions explored the foundations of a future skills development framework, MGCC also emphasised the importance of: ✅ Strengthening the perception of TVET as a viable and respected career pathway. ✅ Improving English proficiency to support AI adoption, digital readiness, and access to global knowledge. ✅ Giving equal importance to soft skills alongside technical competencies, ensuring graduates are equipped to communicate, collaborate, and adapt in an evolving workplace. The German dual system continues to demonstrate that meaningful collaboration between industry, education providers, and government is key to developing a future-ready workforce. Thank you to the EU-Malaysia Cooperation Facility (EMCF) and all participants for the valuable exchange of ideas. We look forward to seeing these discussions shape future collaboration in Malaysia's skills development landscape.

How can businesses better protect vulnerable groups in their supply chains?   This question guided yesterday's roundtable dialogue hosted by MGCC and facilitated by Infineon Technologies, bringing together stakeholders from Continental Tyre Malaysia, Schaeffler Malaysia, IOM and UKM.   The discussion highlighted the need for stronger stakeholder engagement, increased awareness, and collective action to address risks faced by migrant workers and other vulnerable groups.   Thank you to all participants for sharing valuable insights and experiences. We look forward to deeper discussion on this important topic.   #ResponsibleBusiness #HumanRightsDueDiligence #StakeholderEngagement #SupplyChains #MGCC

From Frankfurt and Fulda to Stuttgart: strengthening Germany-Malaysia business connections. 🇩🇪🤝🇲🇾 Over the past weeks, MGCC had the opportunity to engage with companies, institutions and partners across Germany through the Hesse Foreign Trade Day, the Asia-Pacific Dialogue in Stuttgart, AHK network exchanges, and regional visits such as Fulda during Hessentag. Key topics included: ✅ Business opportunities in Malaysia and ASEAN ✅ Discussions with German companies exploring market expansion ✅ Strengthening collaboration within the AHK network and with key regional stakeholders A sincere thank you to our hosts, partners, and colleagues for the valuable exchanges and continued collaboration. Special thanks to IHK Hessen International, IHK Frankfurt am Main, IHK Region Stuttgart, Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Handwerk und Tourismus Baden-Württemberg, IHK Hessen, VDMA, German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK), Tara Méité, Michael Konow, Veronique Dunai, Felix Kalkowsky, Björn Koslowski, Dr. Lucas Witoslawski, Günther Schmid and many others who contributed to these conversations. We look forward to turning these exchanges into new opportunities for German companies in Malaysia and across ASEAN. #MGCC #AHKMalaysia #GermanyMalaysia #ASEAN #InternationalBusiness #Mittelstand #ForeignTrade

What makes an engaging meeting? Sometimes, it's not the agenda. It's the format.   Last week we were honoured to welcome H.E. MOHAMAD RAZDAN JAMIL (KLN), Ambassador of Malaysia to Germany, to the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) for an engaging exchange on Malaysia-Germany economic cooperation. During the meeting, we introduced MGCC's work, from business support and market entry services to delegation programmes, and discussed how to further strengthen the economic ties between our two countries. One topic that stood out was talent development. The Ambassador highlighted the importance of TVET, student exchange in both directions, and of qualifying young people as bridge-builders between Malaysia and Germany, a priority we fully share and actively work on.   We were also pleased to welcome members of our Board of Directors, Tsu-shien Teoh, President of Henkel Malaysia, and Trina Sim, Country Representative Malaysia & Brunei at Lufthansa Group, whose insights further enriched the discussion.   Sometimes, however, what makes a meaningful meeting is not only the agenda, but also the format. Instead of a traditional presentation, we chose a town hall-style discussion. Every department had the opportunity to introduce its work, share ideas, ask questions, and engage directly in the conversation. The format gave our guest not only an overview of what MGCC does, but also a genuine impression of how we work as an organisation.   And more importantly, it allowed for conversations that felt personal, authentic, and far more meaningful than a traditional meeting. We sincerely thank H.E. Mohamad Razdan Jamil for his visit and look forward to continuing to strengthen the partnership between Malaysia and Germany.   And a small side note: Berlin was the Ambassador's first diplomatic posting many years ago, making this visit a fitting reflection on the long-standing ties between our two countries.

Who Will Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing? The answer begins with the next generation of skilled technical talent. The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is proud to welcome the 2026 German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) Mechatronics Intake, comprising 30 participants from four leading industry partners: B. Braun Group (12), Bosch Malaysia (12), CIBA Vision Alcon(3), and Körber Technologies (3). This year's cohort brings together a diverse group of aspiring talents, including SPM school leavers taking their first step into the industry and current employees committed to enhancing their technical competencies. Their participation reflects the GDVT programme's commitment to nurturing future talent while supporting lifelong learning and workforce upskilling. Based on the renowned German Dual Vocational Training model, the GDVT Mechatronics programme combines structured classroom learning with extensive workplace training. Throughout the programme, apprentices will develop industry-relevant technical expertise, practical skills, and professional competencies that prepare them to thrive in today's advanced manufacturing environment. More than just a training programme, GDVT represents a strong partnership between industry, training institutions, and government agencies, working together to build a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled technical talent for Malaysia's manufacturing sector. We warmly welcome all 30 participants to the GDVT family and congratulate them on embarking on this exciting journey. We wish them every success as they grow, learn, and become the future workforce driving innovation and excellence in the industry. #Vocationaltraining #Ausbildung #GermanyEducation #MGCC #TVET #JPK #GDVT #Mechatronics

Some traditions are worth travelling for. This October, you won't have to. MGCC's Oktoberfest is back for two days of Bavarian tradition, ice-cold Paulaner and, genuine Gemütlichkeit — that untranslatable German feeling of warmth and good cheer — right here in Kuala Lumpur. And this year it's a milestone: 35 years of bringing German and Malaysian business together, celebrated the best way we know how, around a long table, stein in hand. Expect proper German food, live music, games, and a room full of the people worth knowing. New this year: bring the family. 🥨 To mark 35 years, we're opening the doors in daylight too. Saturday's Bavarian Family Brunch is the daytime side of Gemütlichkeit — a proper spread of sausages, sweet mustard and warm Brezn, Paulaner for the grown-ups, and plenty of games to keep younger guests happy. Relaxed, sunlit and made for all ages. And keeping an eye on it all? Bunbun, our Bundes Hornbill, MGCC's mascot! More details below: 📅 Oktoberfest | Friday 16 & Saturday 17 October 2026, 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm 📅 Bavarian Family Brunch | Saturday 17 October 2026, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm 📍 Venue: Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown 🎟 Tickets now open → https://lnkd.in/gDt3_qeB #PartnerForOktoberfest #Oktoberfest2026 #MGCC #35YearsOfBilateralSuccess #GermanMalaysianBusiness #Bunbun #BundesHornbill

🌍 Happy, angry, sad. Basic emotions are the same all over the world. But does that mean people all over the world the same? So why do we sometimes leave an international business meeting feeling like we were speaking different languages, even though everyone spoke perfect English? Our Tuesday Club session with Lars Bechler on "Soft Skills: The Global Currency of the Future“ explored this feeling. Yes, human basic emotions are universal. But how we express them depends a lot on our cultural norms. Whether it is something as simple as finishing everything on your plate at dinner, interpreting silence in a meeting, or giving direct feedback, every culture has its own unwritten rules. Understanding this is crucial for developing strong soft skills in an international context. After all, how can you truly „read the room“ if your interpretation of the room is shaped by a different cultural lens than that your business partner or colleague? Here's what shifted for us: ✨ Don't try to assimilate. There is no need to completely adopt to a different communication style or mirror someone else’s culture. Instead, try to to understand. Feel different cultures. Stay authentic. ✨ The real currency isn't what you know. It's who you can genuinely connect with. ✨ Soft skills is the ability of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through the lens of context and culture. This is especially important for us at AHK Malaysia. As an international workplace, where colleagues, members, and business partners come from diverse cultural backgrounds, it is worth pausing every now and then to reflect: Are we all reading the same room? What assumptions are we bringing into a conversation? What might be creating misunderstandings, and what connects us despite our differences? A sincere thank you to Mr. Bechler and everyone who joined the discussion and shared their perspective. Because in a globalized world, technical expertise may open doors, but communication, empathy, and self-reflection are what build lasting relationships.

🌏 We're Hiring: Intern – Events Management 🌏 The Malaysian German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) is looking for a motivated intern to join our Membership Events team! This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in event planning, project coordination, market research, and member engagement while supporting the Malaysian-German business community. 🔹What You'll Do - Assist in conducting market research related to event planning and industry trends. - Support the planning and execution of events and projects by assisting with preparations and event coordination. - Perform basic data mining and analysis to support the Memberships department and event planning activities. - Attend meetings and prepare accurate meeting minutes and documentation. - Provide general administrative and operational support to the Events team. - Undertake any other tasks assigned by the Supervisor to support the successful delivery of events and projects. 🔹What We're Looking For - Currently pursuing a degree or equivalent qualification. - Available to commit to a full-time internship for 4–6 months. - Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion. - Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. - Self-motivated, collaborative, and committed to delivering quality and efficient work. - Well-organized with strong time management skills. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). - Familiarity with AI-powered productivity tools is an advantage. 🔹What You'll Gain - Hands-on experience in planning and delivering corporate events and business initiatives. - Exposure to the operations of one of Malaysia's leading bilateral chambers of commerce. - Mentorship from experienced events and membership professionals. - Opportunities to network with German and Malaysian businesses across various industries. - Experience working in a dynamic, international business environment. 📍 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🗓️ Duration: 4–6 months 💼 Type: Full-time internship Interested candidates may send their CV and preferred internship duration to internship@malaysia.ahk.de with the subject line "Intern – Events Management."   Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.

📍Did you know? MGCC's Vocational Education & Training (VET) team has a presence in Penang!   Our Penang office is represented by Nazreen Nazwani, Manager, Vocational Education & Training Services (Penang), who serves as MGCC's dedicated contact point for vocational education and training initiatives in the northern region. Through her role, MGCC is able to provide closer support to industry partners, training providers, and companies across Northern Malaysia.   Recently, our Executive Director, Hannes Farlock 范珞康, together with Kumaran Nair Shanmugam, Head of Vocational Education & Training, visited one of our valued training partners, Smith+Nephew, alongside Nazreen Nazwani. They were warmly welcomed by Frederic Rebetez, Managing Director, Smith+Nephew Malaysia.   Smith+Nephew has been a strong supporter and firm believer in the German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT) programme. The company currently has 15 apprentices enrolled in the Precision Machining GDVT programme, following a jointly developed training plan tailored to the company's operational requirements. This collaboration demonstrates how industry-driven vocational training equips apprentices with practical, future-ready skills while supporting the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing.   We extend our sincere appreciation to Frederic Rebetez and the entire Smith+Nephew Malaysia team for their continued trust, commitment, and partnership. Together, we are strengthening Malaysia's skilled talent pipeline and advancing the nation's TVET ecosystem through meaningful industry collaboration.   With our presence in Penang, Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry | AHK Malaysia VET remains committed to supporting companies across the northern region in developing future-ready talent through high-quality, industry-led vocational education and training.   #MGCC #AHKMalaysia #GDVT #TVET #PrecisionMachining #Apprenticeship #SkillsDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #IndustryPartnership #Penang #GermanDualVocationalTraining