Chan says ready to assist MBKS after stepping down
KUCHING: In expressing his gratitude to those who have assisted him in transforming Kuching, Datuk James Chan said he is ever willing to offer his assistance again when the needs arise after stepping down as Kuching South mayor.
Chan said he was heartened and grateful that his tireless efforts and hard work for the past 11 years and two months as mayor in making Kuching South a better city for the people to call it their home had been recognised by the public.
“There is always pressure to meet people’s expectations and but I thank God, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and cabinet ministers for giving me this opportunity for a post that I never expected and dreamt of,” said Chan.
Chan added he was ready to relinquish his role to his successor as he had accomplished whatever goals he had set out to achieve since he took charge of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) in June 1, 2008.
The second non-politician mayor to hold the post, Chan’s tenure will expire on Aug 31.
“I think it is not easy to serve as mayor but whatever it is, one must have the heart that you really want to serve the people.
“You must have the patience,” he said after officiating at ‘ Mayor’s Cup’ Badminton Team Competition 2019 in conjunction with Kuching Festival at Sarawak Sports Village, Jalan Utama here yesterday.
Chan said he had no plans to stop serving the city after stepping down and the public could always approach him for any assistance or advice that he could offer.
“I am happy to leave but of course, I can still contribute from the outside if there is something I feel is not right and maybe I can communicate back to the management (of MBKS) itself,” said Chan.
Chan pointed out that MBKS is part and parcel of the state government and the public should always support the government in its policies to look after the wellbeing of Kuching City and its residents.
On former Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) commission member Dato Wee Hong Seng being appointed to succeed him as Kuching South mayor, Chan said Wee is well-versed in administrating Kuching City and he will leave it to Wee’s wisdom to manage the city.
Meanwhile, Lung Lung Hin won the badminton competition while Club Ace ( A) was the first runner-up and Sarawak Energy Berhad and Team 9 were both the second runners-up. KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs ( KPDNHEP) is keen to assist more franchises from Malaysia to penetrate China’s market.
According to deputy minister Chong Chieng Jen, to date only 12 Malaysian franchise brands have successfully entered China and they include Global Art, Poney and Marrybrown.
On the other hand, there are 19 China-based franchises that are in operations in Malaysia, he adds.
“The ministry takes a very serious view on the development of the franchise business of the country. In 2018, the franchise business contributed RM30.3 billion to Malaysia’s GDP – the government targets RM35 billion for year 2020.
“As such, allocation is granted to assist local franchises to participate in overseas trade exhibitions,” he said in the statement.
On Saturday, Chong chaired
business-matching meeting
abetween representatives of Malaysia Franchise Association (MFA) and Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (Maycham) Shanghai branch.
The session was conducted in connection with the visit by the Malaysian delegation – led by Chong and included nine Malaysian franchise businesses – to participate in the China Franchise Expo ( CFE) held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, which ran from Aug 23 to 25.
Chong said the Malaysian delegation also included officials from two agencies under the KPDNHEP, the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
According to Chong, Maycham Shanghai is the only association of its kind that is officially recognised by the government of China.
Maycham Shanghai gathers the businessmen and businesswomen, their employees and also operators of business
entities who work, live and have business connections in Shanghai. The majority of them have been residing in Shanghai for more than 10 years and thus, they have the necessary experience and knowledge about doing business in China.
“The ministry sees their experience as valuable assets in helping the Malaysian franchise brands and businesses penetrate the Chinese market via Shanghai.
“As such, the business-matching meeting was held in conjunction with our participation in the CFE in Shanghai. Also present at the meeting were the Malaysia Consul-General in Shanghai and representatives of Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) in Shanghai,” said Chong.
He also said his ministry had been working closely with agencies like Matrade, MFA and Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) to help franchisors expand their businesses within and outside the country.