On the 17th January 2019, the BMCC held a Networking Dinner Reception for the British Malaysian Society (BMS) business delegation from the UK. The evening took place at the Urban Restaurant of Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, our venue sponsor, where BMCC members mingled and dined with over 20 BMS delegates, led by Chairman Ms. Mei Sim Lai OBE DL. The dinner was joined by newly appointed Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Datuk Mohamad Sadik Kethergany and his wife Datin Jakkiah.
The British Malaysia Society was founded in the early 1980’s as a bilateral friendship organisation. Based in London, it seeks to maintain and nurture valuable relationships forged between Britons and Malaysians who have lived and done business in both countries.
Ms. Mei Sim Lai along with BMCC Chairman Andrew Sill and Executive Director Jennifer Lopez gave their welcoming remarks, hailing the enduring robustness of UK-Malaysia relations and the continuous contributions of companies and individuals alike for not only preserving our trade ties but advancing it. Ms. Mei Sim who carries a long accomplished record of service in various private, governmental and welfare sectors is also Her Majesty The Queen’s Department Lieutenant for Greater London since 2006.
Former BMS Chairman, Dato’ Anthony Cooper with whom the BMCC signed an MOU with in July 2017 joined as an honorary delegate. Under this agreement, BMCC members would be extended BMS member privileges for events hosted in the UK, and likewise for BMS members visiting Malaysia. Several other BMS Executive Committee Members included Martin Barrow CBE, David Stringer-Lamarre and Robin Stevens.
The BMS Delegation to Kuala Lumpur from 14 – 18 January included a meeting with the BMCC at the start of their programme, a session on current economic development and investment opportunities in Malaysia and a lunch hosted by MIDA. They also had a programme on Trade and Investment Issues between the UK and Malaysia chaired by BMCC Board Director and Delta Gate Solutions Managing Director, Tony Collingridge OBE, a private reception by BMCC Board Director and Standard Chartered CEO Abrar Anwar and a half day visit to the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus in Semenyih. The Delegation also met with Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Zain Al-Abidin ibni Tunku Muhriz who hosted their tour of the Jalan Merdeka Exhibition, apart from a meeting at the Tourism Malaysia Office and a visit to the Shaftesbury Shopping Mall in Putrajaya.
