Diary of Events (August 2025 Issue)
The Ambassador of Kazakhstan, H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev paid a Courtesy Call on Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA on 21 April 2025.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim (right), President, MASSA and H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev (left), Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia
H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev was accompanied by Mr Amir Aldazhanov, First Secretary (Economy & Investments), and Ms Akmaral Belgibekova, Second Secretary (Communications, Culture, Tourism, Education) from the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Malaysia.
Exchange of gifts between Tan Sri Azman Hashim (right), President, MASSA and H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev (left), Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia.
(from left-to-right) Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MASSA, H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Ms Akmaral Belgibekova, Second Secretary (Communications, Culture, Tourism, Education), Embassy of Kazakhstan, and Mr Amir Aldazhanov, First Secretary (Economy & Investments), Embassy of Kazakhstan.
The meeting noted the current global geoeconomic conditions, and discussed the emerging & potential areas of collaboration and cooperation between Malaysia and Kazakhstan vis-à-vis ASEAN and Central Asia as middle power nations who are growing more connected through transport & logistics routes and trade diversification. The meeting also discussed the Astana International Forum, and other areas for joint collaboration between MASSA and the Embassy to highlight and avail MASSA members and Malaysian businesses to business networking, insights and opportunities in and with Kazakhstan.
(from left-to-right) Dato’ Lee Chun Fai, Executive Committee Member of MASSA, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary, H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, and Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MASSA.
MASSA, represented by Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive met with the Centre for Industrial Relation and Network (CIRNET) of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on 3 June 2025.
Prof Shamsul Bahri, Director, Mr Zaidi Tajuddin, Head of the Industrial Relation and Network Section, Agriculture Officer (Industry Relation and Extension) and Mr Amir Heiqal, Executive Officer 3 represented UPM CIRNET at the meeting.
The meeting was an introduction to UPM CIRNET, and the meeting discussed modalities and programmes MASSA could organise with the resources & talents available within the academic ecosystem to encourage & promote business linkages with the business private sector.
From left-to-right:
Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive, MASSA, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Prof Shamsul Bahri, Director, CIRNET, UPM, Mr Zaidi Tajuddin, Head of the Industrial Relation and Network Section, Agriculture Officer (Industry Relation and Extension), CIRNET, UPM, and Mr Amir Heiqal, Executive Officer 3, CIRNET, UPM.
From left-to-right:
Ms Nur Syuhaida, MASSA, Mr Nazirul Iman, Manager, ASEAN & Oceania Section, MATRADE, Mr Suresh Kumar, MATRADE Trade Commissioner for Indonesia & Timor-Leste, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Hon. Assistant Secretary, MASSA, Mr Mazlan Harun, Director, China & Northeast Asia Section, Exports Promotion and Market Access Division, MATRADE, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, MASSA, Ms Nurdiana Ismail, Manager, ASEAN & Oceania Section, MATRADE and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman, thanked Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members for their service, and congratulated the newly-elected Office Bearers and Executive Committee members on their appointment for the new term 2025 – 2027.
A Joint Courtesy Call was led by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) & Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) and Chairman of Malaysian South-South Corporation Berhad (MASSCORP) on YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed on 21 July 2025 on the occasion of YABhg Tun’s 100th Birthday at Perdana Leadership Foundation, Putrajaya.
From left-to-right:
Front Row: Dato’ Sri Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Kenali, EXCO Member, MASSA, Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng, JP, Hon. Treasurer, MASSA, Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Lodin bin Wok Kamaruddin, Vice-President, MAJECA, Mr Gary Tang, Hon. Secretary, MAJECA, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, EXCO Member, MAJECA, Mr Isrami Ismail, EXCO Member, MAJECA.
Back Row: Ms Phoon Thye Ling, Secretariat, Ms Ng Su Fun, Executive Secretary, Mr Atasha bin Alias, Member, MAJECA, Mr Rosyd Ali, Mr Johan bin Julis, Member, MAJECA, Mr Mohd Aiemaan bin Mhd Noor, Member, MAJECA, Ms Ann Khoo Kooi, Member, MASSA, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham, EXCO, MAJECA & MASSA, Ms Nur Syuhaida, Secretariat and Mr Samuel Loh, Programme Executive.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim,
President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad
delivered his remarks to begin the session.
Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA
read a Citation from MAJECA to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA read a Citation from
MASSA & MASSCORP to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad delivering his Responding Statement.
Presentation of the Photographic Tribute Booklets from MAJECA and MASSA to YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. (from left-to-right) Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal, Vice-President, MAJECA, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President, MAJECA & MASSA and Chairman, MASSCORP Berhad, and Datuk Merlyn Kasimir, Vice-President, MASSA.
The Tribute Booklet can be viewed here:
Photo Gallery:
2025 August Issue
‣ Country Feature: Republic of Namibia
‣ Diary of Events
‣ 21 April 2025
Courtesy Call by H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan
‣ 21 May 2025
Meeting with MDEC and MATRADE at MDEC Bangsar South Office
‣ 3 June 2025
Meeting with UPM CIRNET
‣ 11 June 2025
MASSA-Kolaxus-MAJECA iDeas Xchange #3
‣ 12 June 2025
Meeting with MATRADE Trade Commissioner for Indonesia & Timor-Leste
‣ 19 June 2025
MASSA-MDEC Discussion on Market Overview & Trade Opportunities in Timor-Leste at MDEC Bangsar South
‣ 25 June 2025
34th Annual General Meeting of MASSA
‣ 21 July 2025
MASSA-MASSCORP-MAJECA Joint Courtesy Call on YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed at Perdana Leadership Foundation, Putrajaya
Editorial
Greetings from MASSA !
In this August newsletter, our Country Feature is the Republic of Namibia. We thank the good office of High Commission of Namibia to Malaysia and the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB) for this Country Feature. The Country Feature highlights the strategic market access & geographic location of Namibia, which is complemented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), access to raw materials and diverse opportunities which include, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, minerals (exploration, processing etc.) and energy.
MASSA had organised a Discussion on 19 June 2025 with MDEC at MDEC Bangsar South on the Market Overview & Trade Opportunities in Timor-Leste which was well attended. The webinar was graced by the Ambassador of Malaysia and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste, who both delivered the Opening Remarks. Strong interests were shown towards doing business in / with Timor-Leste, who is expected to be a full member of ASEAN.
MASSA was also pleased to jointly organise the 3rd edition of the iDeas Xchange at Bangunan AmBank Group on 11 June 2025, with Kolaxus and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) – www.majeca.org. The 3rd edition of iDeas Xchange was graced by Tan Sri Azman Hashim, President of MASSA & MAJECA, Dato’ Lawrence Lim Swee Lin, Hon. Secretary, MASSA and Mr Koichi Takano, Managing Director of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Kuala Lumpur, and was well-attended by over 100 corporate luminaries, startup entrepreneurs and businesspeople.
MASSA’s 34th Annual General Meeting convened on 25 June 2025. It was hosted by MASSA President, YBhg Tan Sri Azman Hashim, at Bangunan AmBank Group. The MASSA 2024/2025 Annual Report can be read here: https://www.massa.net.my/massa-2024-2025-annual-report/.
MASSA had a Courtesy Call from H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan on 21 April 2025. MASSA had also met with MDEC, MATRADE, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) respectively.
MASSA led by our President called on YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Founder Patron of MASSA on 21 July 2025 at Perdana Leadership Foundation. Happy 100th Birthday and many happy returns, YABhg Tun!
We want to thank our members, ex-officio, contributors, and partners for your support to date. MASSA remains committed to present to members, trade and investment leads from the South-South countries, as well as keep members appraised of the current and future-forward developments in Malaysia, and the region.
In view of this, several events to keep an eye out for are in the works, which include the next edition of MASSA-Kolaxus-MAJECA’s startup sharing and meetup series, iDeas Xchange.
Do look for our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my. We look forward to meet readers & members at MASSA’s upcoming events.
Thank you.
Ng Su Fun
Editorial MASSA
President’s Message
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA
As businesses navigate the complex and volatile geoeconomic environment in the second half of 2025, indicators have suggested continued, albeit softer global expansion underpinned by resilient consumer spending, some advance purchasing, positive labour markets, and fiscal stimulus.
However, this outlook faces significant risks from sustained tariff & policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, illustrated by the Trump administration’s rollout of the Liberation Day tariffs, which have dealt a blow to global markets, restricted exports, and stymied investments. The announced tariffs have affected numerous countries, including Japan, South Korea and ASEAN member countries. Malaysia is seeing a 25% tariff (a further one percent increase from the April announcement) levied by the administration.
Amidst these conditions, Asia and ASEAN are called to cooperate, coordinate and collaborate trade to strengthen internal & regional foundations to weather global uncertainty and complexity. Inter-regional trade, investment and integration across all sectors, that include green economy, human capital, digital technologies, are crucial and should be encouraged to stand against unilateralism and protectionism, to achieve resilient growth and to drive value creation.
Further to this, the international, regional and bilateral FTAs such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), whose signatories have been hit by the tariffs, should be leveraged as platforms for deepening and strengthening cooperation and trade liberalisation.
I am pleased to note that Timor-Leste’s application for accession into ASEAN has made great strides under Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN, following the decision at the 46th ASEAN Summit to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October this year.
MASSA’s 34th Annual General Meeting of the Association was held on 25 June 2025. The Executive Committee for the new term 2025/2027 is pleased to onboard Datuk Merlyn Kasimir as Vice-President, Mr Chang Yii Tan as Hon. Assistant Secretary, and Datuk Nurbayu Kasim Chang, Mr Sivavenayakam Velayutham & Dr Jeremiah Chan Kin Meng as Executive Committee Members. I congratulate them on their appointment and would like to thank the Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members who will continue to serve the Association for the new term.
I appreciate the continuing support of all Members with your involvement at our regular meetings, events and webinars. I also wish to thank article and feature contributors from across the MASSA network, who have provided valuable and insightful articles for our readers and not forgetting the sponsors of our website.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of MASSA, allow me to place on record our warmest congratulations to MASSA’s Founder Patron, YABhg Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his 100th Birthday. YABhg Tun’s foresight in establishing the Malaysia-South America Association (MASA), then Malaysia Latin America Association (MALAM), and culminating in the Malaysia South-South Association (MASSA) to champion South-South Cooperation under the guiding principle of “Prosper Thy Neighbour” has been transformative.
YABhg Tun’s encouragement in pioneering collaboration among Malaysian businesses to mutually explore, expand, and cooperate with emerging economies had catalyzed many opportunities for shared growth and mutual advancement. Since its inception in 1992, our Association remains committed to pursuing this mission, to bridge South-South cooperation through business partnerships.
Through YABhg Tun’s support, MASSA’s sister organization, the Malaysian South-South Cooperation Berhad (MASSCORP Berhad) was founded comprising shareholders who were MASSA’s founding members. This vehicle undertook viable and bankable investment projects jointly in these countries. These investment activities include: Latin America (Edificio Malasia, Las Flores Residence, CIDEC Leather Tannery, San Bernado), ASEAN (Binh An Water Treatment Plant, Danang Industrial Park, Fortune Park Residences, MiCasa Hotel Project), as well as facilitating and supporting fact-finding and business missions into Africa, Indochina, West Asia and the Pacific Islands amongst others.
MASSCORP with an initial capital of RM53 million, now has shareholders’ funds of RM72 million and have paid dividends of RM40 million to date to its shareholders.
On this joyous occasion, the members of MASSA and MASSCORP Berhad join me in wishing YABhg Tun continued good health, happiness and the warmth of loved ones. May YABhg Tun’s centennial year be filled with the same grace, wisdom, and dignity that has defined his unparalleled journey.
Thank you.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
1 August 2025
Country Feature: Namibia
COUNTRY FEATURE
REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
Article by:
High Commission of the Republic of Namibia
The feature can also be accessed via by clicking here.
MASSA 2024 – 2025 Annual Report
The MASSA 2024 – 2025 Annual Report can be read here:
2025 April Issue
‣ Country Feature: Republic of Kazakhstan
‣ Kazakhstan Introduces New Visa Options for Skilled Professionals and Digital Nomads
‣ Astana International Forum 2025: Bridging Divides in a Polarized World
‣ Article: BIO BREAKTHROUGHS: UNLOCKING WEALTH WITH BIO-BASED & BIOTECH IN MALAYSIA
‣ Diary of Events
‣ 20 December 2024
Namibia – Malaysia Business Forum
‣ 15 January 2025
MASSA Webinar on Timor-Leste & ASEAN
‣ 5 February 2025
Uzbekistan – Malaysia Business Forum
‣7 February 2025
Meeting with H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan
‣ 14 February 2025
Meeting with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Digital Exports Team
‣ 5 March 2025
Meeting with Bioeconomy Corporation
‣ 12 March 2025
Meeting with UMFCCI and MIA
‣ 19 March 2025
Country Heights Holdings Berhad (CHHB) Meeting with Tan Sri Azman Hashim
‣ 20 March 2025
MASSA-KolaXus-MAJECA iDeas Xchange #2 – Cross Border Collaboration and Market Expansion
Editorial
Greetings from MASSA !
2024 was an eventful year. 2025 is gearing up to be an interesting year for business for Malaysia.
In this April newsletter, we are most pleased to feature the Republic of Kazakhstan. This feature titled, “Kazakhstan: Working for Peace, Cooperation and Development” covers the Foreign Policy of the Republic, as well as providing a broad and detailed overview of the economy of this country. We thank H.E. Bulat Sugurbayev and the good office of the Embassy of Kazakhstan for the interesting feature.
We are also pleased to feature an article prepared by Mr Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), titled “Bio Breakthroughs: Unlocking Wealth with Bio-Based & Biotech in Malaysia” which provides an insightful introduction to the bioeconomy industry in Malaysia, and provides readers a glimpse at the strategic value of biotechnology and bio-based industries for businesses and the nation.
MASSA organised a Webinar on Timor-Leste titled “Timor-Leste & ASEAN: Overview & Business Opportunities in Timor-Leste for Malaysia” on 15 January 2025 with the Embassy of Malaysia in Timor-Leste, Embassy of Timor-Leste in Malaysia, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Cross Border Investment Division. The webinar was timely as it coincided with the start of Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN, and provided an overview of Timor Leste and the potential business opportunities in Timor-Leste, as the nation continues in its diligent efforts to fulfil the criteria and requirements for its full ASEAN membership. At the conclusion of the webinar, MASSA announced it would be leading a business mission to Timor-Leste in 2025. This business mission to Dili is tentatively slated for 28 July – 1 August (5 days 4 nights). If you are a Malaysian company interested to participate, please reach out to the Secretariat to register your interest!
This Newsletter also records MASSA’s engagements and meetings since the last issue of our Newsletter in December 2024. They include a Courtesy Call by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan on the President of MASSA on 21 April 2025, and meetings with the Embassy of Kazakhstan, Country Heights Holdings Berhad, Bioeconomy Corporation and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) respectively. We are also pleased to have reconnected with our counterparts in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (UMFCCI) and the Myanmar Industries Association (MIA) on 12 March 2025. MASSA also participated in the Namibia – Malaysia Business Forum and the Uzbekistan – Malaysia Business Forum.
Additionally, this Newsletter reports on the 2nd edition of the iDeas Xchange, a startup meetup and sharing session series jointly organised by MASSA, Kolaxus and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) with the aim to provide a platform and occasion for the meeting & convergence of startup entrepreneurs and corporates and businesspeople. Following its inaugural session on 5 December 2024, the 2nd edition of iDeas Xchange held on 20 March 2025, featured presentations by Cradle Fund and four growth-stage startups who shared their insights and solutions under the theme of “Cross-Border Collaboration and Market Expansion”.
Finally, we want to thank our members, ex-officio, contributors, and partners for your support to date. MASSA aims to continue to present to members, trade and investment leads on, for and from the South-South developing countries and emerging markets, as well as discussions on emerging trends and topics that may be of interest to business.
To that end, more events & networking opportunities in the form of visits, sharing sessions, seminars and iDeas Xchange sessions are in the works. Do keep an eye out for our weekly Circulars and postings in our website www.massa.net.my.
We look forward to meet members at MASSA’s upcoming events.
Thank you.
Ng Su Fun
Editorial MASSA
President’s Message
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA
In 2024, the global economy grew moderately at 3.2%, supported by easing inflation and cautious monetary policies. However, challenges like geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and climate change continued to weigh on global trade and investment. Looking ahead, global growth is projected by the IMF to be at 3.3% in 2025, with emerging & developing markets expected to drive expansion (4.2%) whilst advanced economies face slower progress (1.9%). The World Bank anticipates global growth at 2.7%. Stabilizing inflation and monetary adjustments offer some optimism, but downside risks from policy uncertainties and trade barriers & disruptions persist.
Malaysia’s economy expanded in 2024, achieving a commendable GDP growth of 5.1%. This was driven by robust private consumption, catalytic initiatives under national master plans, realisation of projects & investments, and growth in exports, particularly in the electrical and electronics sector. Inflation in 2024 declined to 1.8%, and the labor market showed resilience with steady employment growth.
For 2025, Malaysia’s economy is forecasted to grow between 4.5% and 5.5%, supported by domestic demand, diversified exports, expansion in investments, and government initiatives that aim to boost high-value industries, attract investments, and promote sustainable growth which include the MADANI Economic Framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the National Semiconductor Strategy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). Malaysia’s diversified economy and strategic initiatives has positioned itself as a regional standout, complemented by the regional tech upcycle and tourism rebound, despite external risks which include trade restrictions and geopolitical tensions.
Cognisant of the burgeoning domestic startup ecosystem, to introduce & highlight new, innovative and transformative homegrown solutions & ideas, MASSA is pleased to rollout its series, the iDeas Xchange 2025, a startup meetup and sharing session series, which had its inaugural session in December last year, and its 2nd session in March 2025. This platform was formulated for MASSA members to meet, network and connect with various innovators, entrepreneurs & founders for collaborative prospects in these startups’ expansionary phase, and to ultimately connect scale up and grow in the markets of the South-South developing countries.
These economies have the potential to leapfrog development through engaging innovation & tech-forward solutions and this is an opportunity for Malaysia to be part of this growth phase. As Chairman of MASSA’s sister company, the Malaysian South-South Corporation Berhad (MASSCORP), I am pleased to inform that MASSCORP Berhad has set aside an initial fund of RM 10 million for catalytic venture investment into suitable growth-stage Malaysian to expand, en route to South-South developing countries MASSCORP has three decades of investment experience. Coupled with its networks and linkages, MASSCORP can facilitate and catalyse the investment growth and expansion of these potential local startups into developing & emerging markets of the South-South.
MASSA will also be organising a mission to Timor-Leste this year. I urge Malaysian businesses to take this opportunity to explore and engage with the nascent 11th member of ASEAN, of which Malaysia is Chairman this year.
I am grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration of all our members, particularly my colleagues on the Executive Committee, for your attendance, active participation, and meaningful contributions at our regular meetings & programmes.
I would also like to extend my thanks to all our supporters who have shared their expertise through insightful articles, as well as to our generous sponsors who have made the 2024 Newsletters possible.
I wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2025 and ‘Selamat Hari Raya’.
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
4 April 2025