Chinese guilds to look at other markets
‘The time has come to step out of our comfort zone and tap overseas potential’
PETALING JAYA: Branding is important for all businesses and the Federation of Malaysia Chinese Guilds Association (FEMACGA) must look at other markets, its secretary-general Kenneth Chew said.
“The time has come for us to get out of our comfort zone and tap into the overseas market,” he said during a visit to Menara Star.
“Our visit here is just the beginning. We hope our members will take this opportunity to learn more about the group, its various platforms to promote our products and to explore more opportunities,” he said, adding that the FEMACGA also looked forward to forging a long-term relationship with Star Media Group.
“Working with more platforms will definitely add value to our businesses for us to gain more exposure in various markets.”
FEMACGA vice-president Tham Ah Wah said the media could act as a bridge between the government and the guilds.
“The media should serve as a platform for constructive discussions on various issues including government policies,” he said.
Another vice-president, Chan Kiam Ming, said the visit provided the opportunity for the leaders and members to learn more about the media and have a better understanding of the English media landscape.
“We usually get important information about businesses and about our industries from the media. It also serves as a platform for us to voice our views,” he said.
Founded in 1920, FEMACGA started with 18 guilds and businesses with mostly traditional Chinese guilds such as tailor associations and laundry associations.
The FEMACGCA consists of 111 affiliate member associations, with representatives from new industries including Malaysia Fintech Chamber of Commerce and Malaysia Mobile Content Providers Association.
Its officials came with a 40-member delegation, and were received by Star Media Group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai who shared the group’s direction and experiences in expanding its footprint in the region.
“We work closely with other media partners in Asean and even Hong Kong. We have to be quick to adapt to the fast-changing environment,” he said.
The visitors were also briefed on The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA), which is back for the ninth year.
SOBA is open to all local enterprises that are not part of a multinational group or listed group, incorporated in Malaysia with foreign equity not exceeding 50%.
Those who wish to participate may obtain the awards submission pack from The Star
or download the forms from the microsite at
www.soba.com.my. The deadline for entries is Oct 26.
SOBA 2018 is organised by Star Media Group with Digi, PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd as main sponsors, Credit Guarantee Corporation as co-sponsor, Matrade as official trade promotion partner and New World Petaling Jaya Hotel as official venue.
It is endorsed by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, supported by Bursa Malaysia and audited by BDO with 988, SuriaFM and dimsum as official media partners.
For details on SOBA 2018, call The Star
Events Business Unit at 03-7967 1388 ext 1233 (Christine) or 1857 (Pei Wen) or visit
www.soba.com.my