Dear BMCC members,
I am writing to inform you that I have been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs in No 10. While I feel privileged to take on this role, it means that I must sadly end my tenure as British High Commissioner to Malaysia earlier than expected.
Unfortunately, this move means I have to step down as Co-Patron of the BMCC, which I do with real regret. I was delighted and honoured to be joined by Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah KBE earlier this year as my Co-Patron, and I know his leadership and wisdom will be invaluable, especially during this period of transition.
It has been a great honour to serve as High Commissioner to Malaysia, working together with you on our shared priorities and advancing the deep and growing partnership in trade and investment, energy transition, new emerging technologies, education, and the people-to-people ties that bind our countries so strongly together. I have been honoured to serve as Co-Patron and I have seen first-hand all the great work that you do. I have attended so many new office openings, MOU signings, and business deal announcements during my time here. The engagement has really demonstrated the vibrancy, dynamism and potential of the bilateral trade relationship.
My family and I leave Malaysia with fond memories as we reflect on the beauty, dynamism, and diversity of this country and its people, and bid farewell to the many friends that have touched our lives.
In an uncertain world, I am convinced that it is more important than ever for Malaysia and the UK to continue to work together on shared international priorities, from enhancing our economic prosperity and meeting net-zero goals to tackling the global challenges of today and the future such as energy security, climate change and biodiversity loss. The coming into force of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) for the UK later this year means the work of the Chamber and all of you will be even more critical in helping to boost bilateral trade as the UK and Malaysia gain their first free trade agreement.
I am certain that this spirit of partnership and collaboration between our two countries will continue to grow and flourish under my successor.
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly and I wish you every success for the future. We are lucky to have such a dynamic and professional Chamber here in Malaysia, and I will always be a supporter of the BMCC.
Best wishes,
Ailsa
