BMCC’s Roundtable Discussion with Charles Hay MVO, Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, UK FCDO
The BMCC had the privilege of hosting Charles Hay MVO, Director for Southeast Asia & the Pacific at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), for a briefing on the UK’s regional priorities, policy directions, and partnership opportunities with Malaysia.
UK Priorities & Approach
Malaysia remains a key focus for the UK in Asia Pacific, with the government pursuing steady, incremental growth in trade and investment. Discussions underscored the UK’s focus on strengthening both public and private sector collaboration, while addressing global challenges such as climate change and security.
Regional & Trade Developments
The conversation highlighted ASEAN’s growing geopolitical and economic importance, alongside interest in expanding frameworks such as the CPTPP. Digital trade agreements are also gaining prominence as more flexible, resource-efficient alternatives to traditional FTAs, with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam identified as key partners.
Climate Action & Sustainability
Four Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programmes are currently under development in Malaysia, with collaborations already in place with UNDP and the Securities Commission Malaysia. The UK’s Department of Net Zero continues to drive initiatives on sustainability, while energy transition opportunities—including cross-border interconnectors, solar adoption, battery storage, and even nuclear energy—were highlighted as key areas of future cooperation.
Technology & Innovation
Malaysia’s government has shown strong support for data centre expansion and digital economy growth, though long-term environmental concerns remain. The discussion also touched on AI’s rapid rise, which is reshaping economies across Southeast Asia and opening the door to deeper public-private partnerships.
Healthcare & Medical Tourism
With growing strain on healthcare systems globally, Malaysia is seen as an emerging hub for medical tourism, offering opportunities to bridge gaps in accessibility while boosting the local economy.
The Bigger Picture
From climate change and natural disaster risks to migration pressures and long-term sustainability challenges, the dialogue reinforced the urgency of balancing short-term economic benefits with long-term resilience.
The BMCC thanks Charles Hay MVO for engaging with our members and sharing valuable insights into the UK’s strategic vision for Malaysia and the wider region. We look forward to continuing our role in fostering stronger UK–Malaysia collaboration across trade, sustainability, and innovation.
