Global reach: (From left) Tay, Amirul Azman, Kuan, Mohd Arif and Prakash sharing on how to seek a wider market at the Export Excellence Awards 2023 Johor roadshow in Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
JOHOR BARU: Themed “Malaysia’s Export Strategies”, players from various industries in Johor were given a first-hand insight into the export opportunities and prospects in conjunction with the Export Excellence Awards (EEA) 2023.
Some 60 participants attended the EEA 2023 Johor roadshow at the Amari Johor Baru, during which they learned from experts on how local companies could expand their market presence overseas.
KJH Wood Industrial Sdn Bhd executive director Joanne Tay told the audience that the company not only sold products but also solutions to its domestic and foreign clients as well.
“The market is changing now and the only way to stay competitive in the business is to tailor-make solutions for our clients based on their needs and requirements, regardless of where they are,’’ said Tay.
PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd chief revenue officer Kuan Eu Jin said that as a logistics provider, the company always puts in the extra effort to engage with its customers by suggesting the best solutions for them.
“Customer satisfaction is important as they know what works best for them and we are here to assist them and make their business grow,’’ he said.
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Southern Region director Amirul Azman Ahmad said that with 46 global offices, it is always ready to assist local companies in penetrating the export market.
“You must know the products you are planning to export, and you must have the capacity and capability to do so. We are here to assist in your journey,’’ said Amirul Azman.
Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd executive director and Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking, Transaction Banking Sales head Mohd Arif Afifuddin said it could curate financial structures based on the products local companies are planning to export.
“We have trade financing solutions to match our clients’ risk-reward needs – whether they want to further strengthen their existing export destinations or expand towards new overseas buyers,’’ he said.
In concluding the Johor EEA 2023 roadshow, moderator Iskandar Regional Development Authority Economics and Investment vice-president Prakash Nagarajan said the global economic landscape had changed pre- and post-Covid-19 pandemic.
He said this should not hinder Malaysian companies planning to penetrate the export market, adding that they could first start with the Asean region before expanding their presence globally in the future.
The fourth edition of the EEA is organised by Star Media Group in partnership with Standard Chartered, co-sponsored by PKT Logistics Group, and with Matrade as patron and BDO as the auditor.
For more information or to submit an entry for EEA 2023, visit www.exportawards.com.my or email eea@thestar.com.my.
