Mark Matlaszek, Director, Bluestar AMG

Bluestar AMG was established in 2009 and has offices in China, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2019, we expanded our operations to Malaysia, where we have steadily built a strong presence in the financial services sector. Based in Kuala Lumpur, we provide a comprehensive range of wealth management solutions tailored to both local and international clients. Our dedicated local team plays a vital role in driving our growth strategy across Southeast Asia. With a commitment to delivering exceptional financial expertise, Bluestar AMG continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in wealth management within the Malaysian market.

What are some of your organisation’s proudest moments/milestones in Malaysia?

At Bluestar AMG, we are deeply committed to giving back to the community and supporting local charities in the countries we operate. In Malaysia, our proudest milestones are tied to our extensive fundraising efforts, including sponsoring numerous community events each year. A particularly memorable moment came earlier this year when we were honoured with a star on the Ad Astra wall at the Alice Smith School. This recognition celebrated our contributions to the Alice Smith Foundation Fundraiser, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact and supporting meaningful causes within the local community.

Briefly share the reasons for choosing Malaysia.

Malaysia serves as a strategic gateway to ASEAN, offering access to a dynamic regional market. Its strong economic fundamentals, including a stable GDP and diversified economy, create a solid foundation for growth. The country boasts a skilled and multilingual workforce, supported by world-class infrastructure and connectivity. These factors, combined with its geographical advantage and vibrant culture, made Malaysia the perfect choice for establishing our headquarters in Southeast Asia, allowing us to connect with regional markets while benefiting from a progressive and supportive business environment.

Based on your overall experience of doing business in Malaysia, name the advantages and challenges of doing business in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides excellent access to regional markets, making it an ideal hub for operations. The country also offers a well-educated, multilingual, and tech-savvy workforce, which supports diverse business needs. Additionally, the government’s pro-business policies, attractive incentives for foreign investors, and robust infrastructure create a highly business-friendly environment. Malaysia’s growing middle class and evolving consumer preferences present significant long-term growth opportunities in its expanding consumer market.

Navigating the regulatory environment can be complex, especially with frequent policy changes that require businesses to remain adaptable. While Malaysia has a skilled workforce, intense competition for top talent makes recruitment and retention a challenge. Moreover, understanding the country’s diverse cultural landscape and building strong relationships across its varied communities requires time and dedicated effort.

Based on your experience in operating in Malaysia, what are the 3 most important criteria for achieving business success in Malaysia?

Localised strategy: Adapting products and services to align with local tastes and preferences is essential. Approaches that succeed in other markets may require customisation to resonate with Malaysian consumers.

Strong local partnerships: Building alliances with reliable local partners is key to establishing credibility. These partnerships provide valuable market insights and help navigate the complexities of the local business landscape.

Talent development and retention: Fostering local talent by offering competitive compensation, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment is crucial for attracting and retaining top performers, which are fundamental to long-term success.

How has your business evolved during this pandemic, especially in terms of optimisation of human and technology resources?

The pandemic accelerated our digital transformation, driving a shift to online operations across key areas such as customer service and sales. We embraced remote work tools and collaborative software, ensuring our team could stay productive and connected despite lockdowns.

We also invested in enhancing our online platforms and digital marketing strategies to engage with a customer base that was increasingly shifting online. On the human resources side, we introduced flexible work arrangements, prioritised employee well-being with virtual team-building activities, and made health and safety a central focus.

Ultimately, the pandemic challenged us to innovate and reimagine traditional practices. We emerged more agile, tech-enabled, and well-positioned for sustained growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

How do you see your business growth and prospects in Malaysia?

We are extremely optimistic about our growth prospects in Malaysia. With a growing economy and a rising middle class, we anticipate increased demand for our products and services. The government’s support for foreign businesses and Malaysia’s growing emphasis on innovation and technology align perfectly with our strategic goals.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our operations by growing our workforce, broadening our product offerings, and entering new regions within Malaysia. Additionally, we are committed to investing further in technology and innovation to stay ahead of market trends and continue delivering exceptional solutions to our customers.

What are the top 3 reasons for your organisation joining the BMCC?

We joined the BMCC to enhance our presence in the UK-Malaysia business community, gain insights into the latest business trends and expand our professional network, which is crucial for collaboration and growth.

Additionally, the BMCC’s advocacy and support for foreign businesses in Malaysia provide an important platform for navigating local challenges and accessing new opportunities.

What is the top value you see for yourself or your organisation in being a member of the BMCC?

The greatest value of being a BMCC member lies in the access it provides to a dynamic network of like-minded businesses and potential partners. This network fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for strategic partnerships.

Additionally, the BMCC organises events and forums that offer valuable insights into key market trends and developments in both Malaysia and the UK. These resources help us stay informed, connected, and well-positioned to adapt to changes in the business landscape. Membership enhances our ability to build relationships and gain market knowledge, which are essential for long-term growth and success.

In one sentence, how would you describe your own experience or your organisation’s experience as a member of the BMCC?

Our experience with the BMCC has been highly rewarding, providing us with valuable business connections, insights, and a platform to engage with key stakeholders in both the Malaysian and UK markets.