NO matter where we are, Malaysians remain closely connected to our homeland. Even when we are far from Malaysia, our sense of belonging and identity never changes.
That was the message Malaysians in Myanmar conveyed during a recent National Day dinner in Yangon, attended by some 500 Malaysians and their families living, working and doing business there.
They gathered to mingle, reminisce about their hometowns, and share what they miss most – especially the food and the people.
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah president Datuk Dexter Lau, who was invited by the Malaysian embassy in Yangon to attend the Sept 1 dinner, said National Day is an important occasion to commemorate the country’s independence.
It is also an opportunity to strengthen bonds among Malaysians at home and abroad while fostering a stronger sense of community, he notes.
For him, the event was not just celebratory but also a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of fellow Malaysians living, working and building their careers and businesses in Myanmar.
Lau says Malaysians in Myanmar come from diverse professional and business backgrounds.
While pursuing their careers and businesses locally, many also play a role in facilitating exchanges and building closer links between Malaysia and Myanmar.
The relationships and networks developed by Malaysians overseas, he added, serve as an important bridge for people-to-people and commercial exchanges between the two countries.
Malaysian entrepreneurs and professionals, Lau said, can leverage their expertise and networks to connect businesses and create new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
“Although we are living overseas, each of us represents Malaysia. Our words and actions, the way we conduct our businesses and our interactions with the local community all reflect the professionalism, friendliness and unity of Malaysians,” he said.
On the Myanmar market, Lau observed that the country’s large population and diverse consumer demand continue to present potential in areas like agriculture, food, consumer products, manufacturing and services.
Malaysian companies looking to expand overseas should not focus solely on traditional markets, but also explore emerging markets within Asean, he added.
Given Myanmar’s links to the wider Asean economic landscape, Malaysian companies can leverage their strengths in products, services, management and business experience to identify areas of mutual complementarity and cooperation, he said.
For those wanting to expand or explore business opportunities, Lau advised experiencing the market firsthand rather than relying solely on information or hearsay, so they can better assess the opportunities available.
With regional economic ties becoming increasingly interconnected, Lau believes there is still considerable room for Malaysia and Myanmar to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and other areas.
He encouraged businesses from both countries to strengthen engagement and explore new opportunities through business visits, networking sessions, trade activities and other platforms.
He also stressed that chambers of commerce should go beyond serving their members and businesses by actively providing platforms for networking, strengthening business linkages and opening doors for companies seeking to explore overseas markets.
Also present at the dinner was Malaysian Association of Myanmar president Choy Wai Kwong.
