KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau said that amid the rapidly changing business environment driven by technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) and the digital economy, businesses must proactively expand their networks and strengthen cross-industry, cross-chamber and cross-border engagement.
By connecting people, resources and markets, businesses can enhance their competitiveness and create greater room for growth.
Speaking at a networking dinner held last night in conjunction with the first anniversary of the Sabah Business Development Association (SBDA), Datuk Dexter Lau said that although different chambers have their own membership bases and business networks, they share a common goal and “DNA” — to create more opportunities for businesses through communication, collaboration and resource sharing.
“We should not confine ourselves to one network or one business circle. I always tell our members and committee members to meet more people and participate in different social circles, business platforms and chambers of commerce.”
Datuk Dexter Lau said entrepreneurs join chambers of commerce not to engage in “politics”, but to build wider networks, identify potential business partners and gain access to more business opportunities.
He said that as AI, the Internet and technology continue to transform business models, companies will face greater challenges in the future. The capabilities of a single company are increasingly limited, making it essential for businesses to strengthen connections and cooperation in order to sustain growth in their operations, development and expansion.
“If we do not grow and expand, we will simply remain where we are. Therefore, the purpose of us gathering today is very simple. First, let’s have a good time and enjoy the evening together. Second, and more importantly, let’s get to know one another and explore whether we can do business together, cooperate and strive together.”
Datuk Dexter Lau also welcomed the approximately one-year-old SBDA as a new partner of MCCC Sabah within the local business community, and congratulated the association on its establishment, which has added a new platform for business networking and cooperation in Sabah.
He said that for a newly established chamber, what matters is not how large it is at the beginning, but how far it can go in the future and how much practical value it can create for its members.
“Tonight’s networking is a very good beginning. We can start by getting to know one another, start with communication, and gradually move towards cooperation.”
He stressed that chambers of commerce should not necessarily view one another as competitors. Instead, they can leverage their respective strengths, support one another, and connect the networks, resources and experience of different chambers to help Sabah businesses expand into external markets while attracting more businesses from outside Sabah and international markets into the state.
Earlier, SBDA President Lie Chun Vui said the networking dinner was not merely a dinner, but also an important platform to strengthen mutual understanding, friendship and connections.
Representing SBDA and both teams, he expressed his appreciation to MCCC Sabah for the warm hospitality and expressed hope that both organisations could further strengthen cooperation in the future, creating more opportunities for business exchange and mutual development among their members.
Meanwhile, H.E. Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, who was invited to attend the dinner, introduced Bangladesh’s business and investment potential to the attending entrepreneurs and called on Malaysian and Chinese businesses to broaden their horizons and explore the Bangladeshi market.
He said Bangladesh has a population of approximately 180 million, including around 40 million middle-class consumers with considerable purchasing power, representing a significant market opportunity. At the same time, around 65% of the country’s population is below the age of 35, giving Bangladesh a young population and a competitive labour force.
He said Bangladesh could serve not only as a destination for businesses seeking to expand their markets, but also as an important sourcing base for manufacturing and procurement. With relatively lower production costs and a growing industrial base, Bangladesh could offer long-term opportunities for labour-intensive industries.
He also encouraged Sabah and Malaysian businesses not to focus solely on traditional regional markets such as China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, but to broaden their business horizons and proactively explore new opportunities in Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh is waiting for you to explore.”
He also invited entrepreneurs to visit Bangladesh personally, adding that the High Commission of Bangladesh in Kuala Lumpur and its officials could assist in arranging business matching sessions and meetings with local chambers and potential business partners.
The networking dinner brought together representatives from MCCC Sabah, SBDA and the wider business community. Through an informal and open platform for interaction, the event further strengthened ties within Sabah’s business community and laid the groundwork for future business cooperation, corporate exchanges and international market expansion.
Also in attendance were MCCC Sabah Honorary President cum SBDA Honorary Life Advisor Datuk Michael Chin; MCCC Sabah Honorary Advisor and SBDA Honorary Life Adviser Datuk Dr Tan Kai Teck; MCCC Honorary Advisor Datuk Susan Wong; SBDA Honorary Life Adviser Datuk Foo Ngee Kee; MCCC Sabah Deputy President Kapitan Dr. Callee Tan Kai Lee, Vice Presidents Jacky Chin and Louis Su, Secretary Lam Lee Chin, Treasurer Shawn Tan, Deputy Treasurer Tommy Lo, Director of Business Affairs Brian Ho, Deputy Director of Business Affairs Dr. Brian Wong, Public Relations Director Edmund Goh, Deputy Director of Public Relations Yong Wei Hau, and Council Member Benny Hon.
Also present from the Women Entrepreneurs Committee (WEC) were Chairperson Yong Hui Sun, Deputy Chairperson Yee Tsai Yiew, JP, Vice Chairperson Janice Tan, Secretary-General Winnie Liu, Deputy Treasurer Fannie Chai, and Committee Members Fanny Khoo, Joanna Ling, Angelina Zhang, Lanice Ng, Jerry Foo and Sherley Wong.
Cooperative Directors Celine Teah, Delonia Chong, Ronnie Chong, Robert Tang, Kent Yong and Chua Kee Nyang; Next Generation Entrepreneur Organisation (NGEO) Chairperson Charlene Chea and Treasurer Aerith Lee; MCCC Sabah members; and representatives from the High Commission of Bangladesh in Malaysia, including Pranab Kumar Bhattacharjee, Counsellor (Political Affairs) and Head of Chancery, and Pranab Kumar Ghosh, First Secretary (Commercial).
