Greetings from MASSA !

As we approach the end of 2025, MASSA extends its appreciation to all members, contributors and collaborators for their support and active participation in our programmes throughout the year. MASSA remains committed to promoting business linkages, trade and investment opportunities, and cross-border partnerships across the South-South region, in line with our long-standing mission to connect Malaysian businesses with emerging markets of the Global South.

In this issue, we are pleased to feature an article contributed by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC), on “Sarawak’s Pathway to a Bio-Based Future.” The article provides an overview of the role of SBC in commercialisation activities, SBC’s integrated R&D ecosystem, which include spanning ethnobiological research, natural product libraries, microbial and algal collections, plant tissue culture facilities, analytical chemistry capabilities and product development laboratories, and highlights Sarawak’s concerted efforts to advance a science-driven, sustainable and commercially relevant bio-based economy. This article will be of interest to firms exploring opportunities in natural products, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, sustainability-driven supply chains and collaborative R&D ventures.

During this quarter, MASSA participated in several engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and fostering innovation-led industry linkages. On 12 August 2025, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) convened a seminar on “Investment Opportunities between Bangladesh and Malaysia” in conjunction with the official visit of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, H.E. Dr Muhammad Yunus, to Malaysia at the invitation of the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. MASSA was represented by Vice-President, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, and Executive Secretary, Ms Ng Su Fun. The seminar presented the latest developments and investment prospects under “Bangladesh 2.0: Gateway to Growth”, offering Malaysian businesses current insights into the country’s reform trajectory and expanding economic landscape.

On 27 August 2025, the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA), together with the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Kolaxus, organised the fourth session of the iDeas Xchange Series at Finexus Towers, Cyberjaya, with support from Finexus Group and Cyberview Sdn Bhd. The session brought together 110 participants comprising corporate representatives, government agencies and members of Malaysia’s startup community. The Series continues to serve as a platform to facilitate meaningful interactions between corporates and startups, enabling collaboration, innovation sharing and partnership development in support of Malaysia’s broader innovation and digital economy ambitions.

MASSA also supported a Trade Opportunities Seminar organised by the Embassy of Chile in Malaysia in conjunction with the inaugural visit of Mr Ignacio Fernández Ruiz, General Director of ProChile to Malaysia on 16 October 2025. The Seminar, titled “Chile & Malaysia: Opportunities for Stronger Trade – Connecting Markets, Creating Value” brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and trade professionals for an exchange of ideas, networking, and identification of opportunities in Chile, highlighting how ProChile can support international business partnerships.

As we move into 2026, MASSA will continue to work closely with partners, government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop programmes that will enhance members’ access to emerging markets, new sectors and strategic collaborations. Upcoming events to look forward to include the iDeas Xchange series, Visits, greater engagement on Timor-Leste to complement the membership of the country in ASEAN, will be announced through our Circulars to members. We welcome the participation, ideas and initiatives of our members to co-create programmes that support the Malaysian business community.

MASSA extends warm season’s greetings and best wishes for a healthy, safe and fulfilling year ahead.

Thank you.

Ng Su Fun

Editorial MASSA