Vol 3 2012: December PP 8307/12/2012(032066)

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Prime Minister YAB Dato Sri Mohd Najib and ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh at the launching of the FBN UK in the House of Lords, London.

The Crown Prince of Perak HRH Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah with The Chairman of the World Muslim Leadership Forum Dato Seri Mohd Iqbal and Joint Secretaries General Dr. Husna Ahmad and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

ASLI Director Puan Sri Susan Cheah presenting memento to President of the Czech Republic HE Vaclav Klaus whilst Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam looks on.

WCEF Patron Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew presenting a memento to the Governor of Victoria, Australia H.E. Alex Chernov at the World Chinese Economic Forum in Melbourne whilst the Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, WCEF Chairman Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and WCEF Adviser Dato Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek look on.

ASLI Chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah making a point to MCA President Dato Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek.

Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah Chairman of ASLI presenting a memento to YAB Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Turkey Dr. Ali Babacan with ASLI President Mirzan Mahathir.

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4TH WORLD CHINESE ECONOMIC FORUM

SP Setia CEO Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin receiving the WCEF Lifetime Achievement Award from the Deputy Prime Minister and Governor of Victoria.

WCEF Patron Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew stressing a point to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Governor of Victoria HE Alex Chernov and Premier Ted Baillieu.

The Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (right) with First Vice Chairman China Council for Promotion of International Trade Zhang Wei and ASLI Senior Vice President Max Say.

Chairman Global Movement of Moderates Foundation Tan Sri Razali Ismail receiving a memento from the Deputy Prime Minister.

The 4th World Chinese Economic Forum was successfully held in

Melbourne, Australia in November 2012. Over 400 participants from

20 countries attended this two-day Forum.

The Governor of Victoria H.E. Alex Chernov and WCEF Chairman

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh who is ASLI CEO gave Welcoming Speeches

at the Forum Opening. The Premier of Victoria The Hon Ted Baillieu

delivered the Opening Speech with Deputy Prime Minister Tan

Sri Muhyiddin Yassin delivering the Keynote Address. The Former

Governor General of Australia and Chairman of Global Foundation

Mr. Michael Jeffreys and the First Vice Chairman of the China

Council for Promotion of International Trade H.E. Zhang Wei also

delivered speeches at the Opening.

4TH WORLD CHINESE ECONOMIC FORUM

Among the 55 distinguished speakers who spoke included

Australia’s Trade and Competitiveness Minister Dr. Craig Emerson,

Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Australia Ken Henry,

Monash University Vice Chancellor Prof Edward Byrne, Executive

Vice Chairman China National Committee for Pacific Economic

Cooperation Ambassador Zou Mingrong, Deputy Secretary General

China Mayors Association Chen Xin, Former Philippines Foreign

Minister Delia Albert, Chairman Sunwah Group and Honorary

President Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Dr.

Jonathan Choi, Singapore Member of Parliament Penny Low, Thai

Member of Parliament Prof Kriengsak Charoenwongsak, Special

Adviser to Swiss Asia Chamber of Commerce Mr. Low Tuck Seng

and Chairman Chinese Information and Advice Centre London Mr.

Edmond Yeo.

Australia’s Minister of Trade and Competitiveness Dr. Craig Emerson speaking at the Forum.

The Lord Mayor of Melbourne and the former Governor General of Australia.

Dato Jebasingham Issace John, Prof Tony Milner, Ambassador Delia Albert and Mr. Ian Buchanan.

The Governor, Premier and Trade Minister of Australia highlighted

the importance of the Asian Century and its economic and

culture significance on the world. The Deputy Prime Minister Tan

Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also spoke about the potential from unity

and highlighted the growing partnership between China, Asean

and Australia. The interesting topics that were discussed at the

Forum included Partnerships with the Rising Dragon, Global

Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness, Connecting Diasporas,

Building Linkages, Global Corporate Citizenship, Business

Collaboration, Education Partnership and the Digital Economy and

many more.

The WCEF has served as a useful platform for sharing of ideas and

information and for new business linkages to be forged. Several key

delegations went to Melbourne to participate in the Forum. It was

appropriate that Melbourne was chosen to be the 1st City outside

Malaysia to host the Forum. Without doubt the WCEF is the premier

international event of its kind in Melbourne. The Forum’s Patron

Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew and Adviser Dato Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek also

participated in the Forum.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato Sri Mohd Najib in his Special

Message to the Forum extended a warm welcome to delegates to

attend the 5th WCEF in Malaysia in November 2013. The Forum also

saw the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards on several

prominent personalities who include Mr. Vincent Lo Chairman of

Shui On Group Hongkong, World renown Shoe Maker Prof Jimmy

Choo, Former MCA President Tan Koon Swan, Founder and Vice

Chairman of Hour Glass Dr. Jannie Chan and several others.

The Education Panel. Tan Sri Khoo Kay Peng Chairman WCEF Global Business Advisory Council and MUI Group with Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Chairman of the Shui On Group Hong Kong Mr. Vincent Lo receiving his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governor of Victoria.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Datuk Eddy Chen and Mr. Chen Xin Deputy Secretary General China Mayors Association.

Mr. Rajiv Biswas, Ambassador Zou Mingrong, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Mr. Cylde Prestowitz President Economic Strategy Institute, USA.

Dr. Guo Wanda Vice President China Development Institute, Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Dr. Ken Henry, Mr. Terry Moran and Prof Edward Byrne.

Mr. Alex Thursby CEO ANZ Bank Asia Pacific, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Ms Grace Lim of The Asian Executive.

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The Czech President with Malaysian VIPs before the lunch.

Malaysian and Czech Ministers at the Forum with the President.The Czech President arriving at the Forum accompanied by Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and ASLI Senior Vice President Max Say.

ASLI HOSTS PRESIDENT OF CZECH REPUBLIC

ASLI hosted a Luncheon for the Visiting President of the Czech Republic H.E. Vaclav Klaus. Several Ambassadors, Academic and Think Tank Leaders joined prominent businessmen at the Luncheon in honour of the Czech Republic President.

The President H.E. Vaclav Klaus shared his thoughts on Europe and the European crisis. In his speech, he argued that the Eurozone debt crisis is only the tip of a much bigger iceberg. The long lasting problems in Europe have been widely underestimated. The President shared his diagnosis of the European debt crisis and what he called “a democratic deficit or lack of democratic accountability with large-scale centralization, bureaucratic regulation, standardization and harmonization of the whole continent”. He also spoke about what he argued was the inefficiency of the European economic and social system.

The President suggested the way out of the current European crisis needs a fundamental systemic change. He also argued that Europe should accept that the economic adjustment processes take time and that the impatient politicians and governments make things worse. He also suggested that Europe should start making comprehensive reductions of government expeditions and get rid of centralization,

harmonization and standardization and countries should start decentralizing, deregulating and desubsidizing our society and economy. He also felt that Europe should make it possible for countries which are victims of the European Monetary Union to leave it and to return to their own monetary arrangements.

A robust debate followed the President’s remarks. Many participants were impressed with the President’s candour. A Malaysia-Czech Business Forum was also held where Ministers from Malaysia and the Czech Republic spoke about business and investment opportunities and prospects for business collaboration.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam moderating a Question and Answar Session with the President of the Czech Republic Vaclav Klaus.

Tan Sri Dr. Munir Majid and Puan Sri Susan Cheah greeting President Vaclav Klaus.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato Wan Junaidi Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Senate Tan Sri Abu Zahar, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Mr. Max Say.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, President Klaus, Environment and Natural Resource Minister Dato Douglas Uggah Embas.

The wife of the President with Mr. Max Say, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

Dato Sri Nazir Razak, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Lord Charles Powell and Dato Tiffanie Lim.The Prime Minister with Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Committee Members of FBN UK.

Chairman of Cardiff Football Club Dato Chua and Datin Chua at the lunch.Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Bill Cash MP, Ms. Arumugam and Tan Sri A. P. Arumugam.

Dato Neville Green and Mr. David Wong.

PRIME MINISTER LAUNCHES FBN UK

The Prime Minister officially launched the Friends of BN, United Kingdom (FBN-UK) at the House of Lords in London. ASLI assisted with the Official Launching Ceremony.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh is the President of the Friends of BN UK. The Vice Presidents include Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing, Dato’ Radzi Latif, Mr. S.K.

The Prime Minister receiving a memento from FBN UK Vice President Mr. P. K. Chou.

Dato Justin Leong Managing Director, Genting International and AirAsia CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes at the Launching lunch.

ASLI CEO JOINS MYCC DELEGATIONTO AUSTRALIA COMPETITION COMMISSION

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh who is member of the Malaysia Competition Commission joined a delegation from the MYCC to visit the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission in Canberra, ACT, Australia to learn about the ACCC programmes and strategies.

Mr. Aidil Turpari, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Dato Saripuddin Kassim, Tan Sri Siti Norma, Mr. Malek and Ms. Shila Dorai at the office of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in Canberra.

Lingham and Mr. Chou Peng Kiong. The Launching Ceremony was attended by British Cabinet Minister Baroness Warsi and Foreign Office Minister Lord Howell, several members of the British House of Lords and CEO’s of British and Malaysian companies. One of the objectives of the FBN UK is to promote closer relations between Malaysia and UK.

The Prime Minister sitting on the chair presented to him by Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson whilst FBN UK President and ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh looks on.

CEO ATTENDS WORLD POLICY CONFERENCE, ASEAN INDIA THINK TANK SUMMIT AND AUSTRALIA SUMMITASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh was invited to attend the World Policy Conference in Cannes, France in Dec 2012. He was the only Malaysian Delegate at this Conference which heard messages from the President of France, The Sovereign of Monaco Prince Albert and a Special Address by the Prime Minister of Italy Mario Monti.The World Policy Conference focussed on Global Governance.

In August Tan Sri Yeoh attended the Asean India Think Tank Summit in New Delhi and spoke on Asean India Connectivity.

In June he was in Melbourne to attend and speak at the Australia Summit organised by the Global Foundation and met the Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Dr. Michael Yeoh with the Prime Minister of Australia The Rt. Hon Julia Gillard at the Australia Summit in Melbourne.

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ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUMROYAL PATRONFOR WORLD MUSLIM LEADERSHIP FORUM

Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria having a chat with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Dr. Noeleen Heyzer and Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC) Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther.

From left: Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Deputy Secretary-General, OECD Ambassador Richard A. Boucher and Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC) Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther.

Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Mr. Chote Sophonpanich, Executive Chairman of the Greenspot (Thailand) Ltd, Mr. Ian Buchanan, Senior Executive Advisor of the Booz & Company (Australia) Ltd, Ambassador Muhamad Noor Yacob, Executive Director of the APEC Singapore, Mr. Ramesh Subramaniam, Senior Director of the Office of Regional Economic Integration, Asian Development Bank and Ms. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of the Toshiba Thailand Co. Ltd at the Roundtable Discussion session on “United Asia-Pacific: What it means for businesses?”

Distinguished panel of “Skills Development for Productive Business”: Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman, Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice Chancellor of the Sunway University and Mr. Phairush Burapachaisri, Deputy Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Chote Sophonpanich, Executive Chairman of the Greenspot (Thailand) Ltd makes the conclusion of his moderated session at the session on “Outcomes and Recommendations by Sessions/Conferences/Side-Events Moderators” with Mr. Peter Charlton, Chairman of the First Charlton Communications and Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council.

Dato Seri Mohd Iqbal Chairman WMCF moderating a session. At extreme right is Lord Sheikh, Chairman Conservative Muslim Forum and on his left is Dato Vijay Eswaran, Chairman QI Groups.

The Crown Prince of Perak HRH Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah with WMCF Secretary General Dr. Husna Ahmad.

The Asia-Pacific Business Forum held its ninth session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 15 and 16 October 2012. The Forum was co-organized by ESCAP, the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of the Government of Malaysia were strategic partners. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the SIRIM Berhad, the SME Corp, the Greater Mekong Subregion Business Forum (GMS-BF), the Mekong Institute (MI), the ASEAN CSR Network and the SS-GATE also provided support to the Forum.

At the Official Opening Ceremony, Dr. Ravi Ratnayake, Director, Trade and Investment Division, ESCAP delivered the welcoming remarks; Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC) delivered the introductory address; Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP delivered the welcoming address; Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD delivered the opening address; Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Government of Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “Transforming Countries - the Malaysian Experience”; and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael O.K. Yeoh, CEO/Director, ASLI and co-organizers of the APBF 2012 delivered the vote of thanks.

Mr. Larry C. Farrell, Chairman and Founder of the Farrell Company delivered a special address from business on “The Role and Power of Entrepreneurship in Promoting Prosperity”. Following the above mentioned opening remarks, a roundtable discussion was organized consisting of representatives from APEC Singapore, the Government of Malaysia, Booz and Company Ltd, Greenspot Ltd, the Asian Development Bank and Toshiba Thailand.

The overarching theme of APBF 2012, “Advancing Regional Economic Integration: Connecting Business, Strengthening Partnerships” was discussed in two plenary sessions, four parallel sessions and three side-events in two days. Specific

topics of APBF 2012 included: economic integration and its impact on business; enhancing business competition through trade and investment liberalization; challenges and opportunities arising from the ASEAN Economic Community 2015; responsible and sustainable business; non-traditional opportunities for business and investment; trade facilitation measures for enhancing competitiveness and skills development for productive business. The Forum also officially launched the ESCAP Policy Guidebook for Small and Medium Enterprise Development in Asia and the Pacific.

APBF 2012 also included the second OCEO/ESCAP regional conference on International Corporate Responsibility (CR) Instruments. Three sessions were held over one and a half days covering the following topics: the new landscape of international CR instruments; tools for integrating international CR instruments in company management and implementing social dialogue and problem-solving in Asia and the Pacific.

In the concluding session, session moderators summarized the outcomes of the sessions, presenting recommendations to both public and private sectors.

The two pre-Forum events were organized on Sunday 14 October 2012 at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. The first was a UNDP Regional Workshop on SME Development in ASEAN and the Growth of Free Trade Agreements. The second event was the fourth session of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC).

Y AB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, sent a special message to the Forum welcoming the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, international speakers and participants to Malaysia. He outlined the progress Malaysia had made under the Government Transformation Programme and Economic Transformation Programme in improving the livelihoods of the population and national competitiveness. He also highlighted that as the fulcrum of the global economy, policymakers in the Asia-Pacific region must continue to adopt open; competitive and market-friendly policies which were also inclusive and sustainable. He wished the Forum well and congratulated the organizers for arranging this timely event.

The Crown Prince of Perak HRH Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah has kindly consented to be Royal Patron of The World Muslim Leadership Forum International Advisory Panel. The 2nd World Muslim Leadership Forum was held in London to discuss issues concerning leadership of the Muslim World and Muslim societies in European countries. The Forum concluded with a session in the House of Commons, British Parliament where a roundtable discussion was held with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Faith in the British Parliament chaired by the Rt Hon Stephen Timms.

The Forum also heard speeches from younger Muslim leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Bosnia, Turkey, Britain. The Chairman of the Global Movement of Moderates Foundation Tan Sri Razali Ismail also addressed the Forum together with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Law, Mr. Rauf Hakeem. The other keynote speaker was Mr. Chowdhury, Director of the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Forum dinner heard an address fromLauren Booth a British journalist and sister of Cherie Booth wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The topics discussed at the Forum included the Leadership Role of Muslims in the UK, Leadership Role of Youth in Islam, Accountable Government through Youth Empowerment, The New Hope: The Next Generation, Youth Leadership in the Middle East, Empowering Youth, Sustainable Development and Youth Activism. Among the speakers were Mr. Khalek Awang, CEO Global Movement of Moderates Foundation; Mr. Mohamad Hikman, Bay & AI Hikma, Iraq; Mr. Hayu Prabono, Ulama Council, Indonesia; Mr. Ali Gumusan, Chairman, Zahrander Network; Ms. Nahida Rahman, Executive Director, Channel 9, Bengali TV; Dato’ Vijay Eswaran, Chairman, QI Group; and Lord Sheikh of Cornhill, Chairman of the Conservative Muslim Forum.

The World Muslim Leadership Forum delegates also visited Lambeth Palace for a discussion on Interfaith work with the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Secretary for International Development Rev. Rachel Carnegie. The Forum ended with a lunch hosted by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation.

H.E. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia with Mr. Kamal Malhotra, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia and UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, ASLI President and EBAC Committee Member and Ms. Miho Shirotori, Economic Affairs Officer of the Trade Analysis Branch, Division on International Trade, UNCTAD at the session on “Towards and Beyond the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015”.

Dato’ Hafsah Hashi, Chief Executive Officer of the SME Corp Malaysia officiating the launching of the policy guidebook for SME Development in Asia and the Pacific.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Dr. Michael Yeoh, Mr. Chote Sophonpanich and Mr. Ian Buchanan at the Welcome Dinner for EBAC Members, Speakers and Special Guests. Tan Sri Razali Ismail speaking with Dato Seri Mohd Iqbal and

Dr. Husna Ahmad.The Young Leaders session. Dato Seri Mohd Iqbal with Ms Lauren Booth at the Forum dinner.

The closing session at the Forum.The Forum’s Blacktie dinner.

(Cont. to page 8)

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ASLI SUPPORTS ASEAN BUSINESS & INVESTMENT SUMMIT

ASLI was a Supporting Organization of the 2012 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in November 2012, held in conjunction with the ASEAN and related Summits. The Prime Minister of Cambodia H.E. Samdech Hun Sen officiated the Opening of the Summit organized by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Cambodia Ministry of Commerce and the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce.

Among the distinguished speakers were Cambodia’s Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce H.E. Cham Prasidh; Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Undersecretary General and Executive Secretary of UNESCAP; ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan; ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Dr. Lim Hong Hin; OECD Deputy Secretary General Dr. Rintaro Tamaki and business leaders from the region.

An ASLI delegation led by CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh attended the Summit.

ASLI CONDUCTS RESEARCH STUDY FOR HONG KONG

The Hong Kong General Chinese Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) appointed ASLI to carry out a research study on the feasibility of Hong Kong joining the ASEAN China FTA. The study covered a GTAP analysis and various sectoral studies.

The outcomes of the study were announced at the Conference on promoting regional economic cooperation held in Hong Kong recently. ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh was invited to address the conference.

A Press conference was also held in Hong Kong to announce the results of the study.

Cambodia Senior Minister Cham Prasidh, ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and ABAC Chairman Okhna Kith Meng.

ASLI Senior Vice President with Dr. Jonathan Choi Honorary President Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Tan Sri Michael Yeoh with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan.

Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Hun Sen opening the Summit.

Executive Director of ERIA, MU, Nishimura.

Cambodian Senior Minister Cham Prasidh having a word with Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Dr. Lim Hong Hin.

POLITICAL DEBATE 2.0

DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng having a light moment with Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh and Tan Sri Navaratnam.

Dato Seri Tan Chai Ho, Ms Fui Soong, Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Dato Dr. Hou Kok Choon and Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock.

Tan Sri Tan Kay Hock, Dato Dr. Wee Ka Siong, Dato Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Dato Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnan and Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.

ASLI organised the second political debate between the President of MCA Dato Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek and DAP Secretary General Lim Guan Eng who is also Penang Chief Minister. The debate was on the topic ‘Whose policies benefit the country more’. It was moderated by ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh with three panelists asking questions to the debaters. The Panellists are Wan Hamidi Hamid Editor RoketKini from DAP, Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung MCA Vice President and Housing and Local Government and Prof James Chin, Head of School of Social Sciences, Monash University.

The Debate started with the Moderator’s opening remarks and the introduction of the two Panellists. Mr Lim Guan Eng was the first speaker and spoke about DAP’s Policies and he supported Anwar Ibrahim as the next Prime Minister. He also spoke of the PKFZ matter and rising corruption. He called for the abolishing of highway tolls.

In his opening remarks Dato Seri Dr Chua stated that the BN has lived up to its promises. He stressed MCA has been involved in nation building since day 1. MCA has been involved in fighting for independence and building

new villages and laid down the foundation of all races living together. MCA established TAR College which has trained 200,000 students.

More than 1,000 participants attended the Debate held at the Sunway Convention Centre. It was broadcasted over TV and had wide media coverage.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh moderating the debate.

ASLI Chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah presenting a memento to Mr. Lim Guan Eng.

DAP Leaders cheering their Secretary General. Senior Pastor Danial Ho, Datuk Denison Jayasooria, Jean Wong, Ng Yeen Seen and Max Say.

Dato Chua Tee Yong, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and Dato Dr. Ng Yen Yen.

ASIA PACIFIC BUSINESS FORUM (Cont. from page 6)

The Asia-Pacific Business Forum held its ninth session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 15 and 16 October 2012. The Forum was co-organized by ESCAP, the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) of the Government of Malaysia were strategic partners. The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the SIRIM Berhad, the SME Corp, the Greater Mekong Subregion Business Forum (GMS-BF), the Mekong Institute (MI), the ASEAN CSR Network and the SS-GATE also provided support to the Forum.

At the Official Opening Ceremony, Dr. Ravi Ratnayake, Director, Trade and

Investment Division, ESCAP delivered the welcoming remarks; Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC) delivered the introductory address; Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP delivered the welcoming address; Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD delivered the opening address; Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Secretary-General of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Government of Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “Transforming Countries - the Malaysian Experience”; and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael O.K. Yeoh, CEO/Director, ASLI and co-organizers of the APBF 2012 delivered the vote of thanks.

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16th MALAYSIAN BANKING SUMMIT SHELL ECO-MARATHON

Dato Seri Idris Jala at the opening. The ASLI team and speakers. Dato Wong Sai Wan and Mr. Edward Clayton.

The Shell Eco-marathon challenges student teams from around the world to design, build and test ultra energy-efficient vehicles. Held annually in the Americas, Europe and Asia, the winners are the teams that go the furthest using the least amount of energy. The events provide a platform for energy-concerned citizens to debate about the future of energy while inspiring young engineers to push the boundaries of energy efficiency.

Alongside the track event, Shell and the Asian Strategic & Leadership Institute (ASLI) hosted the FUTURE ENERGY, SMARTER MOBILITY Forum. Panelists discussed on matters pertaining to smarter mobility, sustainable transportation and city planning in Asia.

Mr Simon Henry, Chief Financial Officer of the Royal Dutch Shell welcomed everyone to the forum and highlighted that the event provided a perfect opportunity to discuss urbanization and sustainability. Over 100 teams had registered to be part of the Eco-Marathon. He observed that the world is rapidly changing, with its population increasing from 7 to 9 billion. Additionally, rising prosperity is fueling unprecedented demands for mobility. This means there is a need for cleaner transport in urban centers. In 2010, China had a total of 14 million car units. By 2035, the demand for cars in China will be 55 million units. Passenger numbers are set to double in the near future. The challenge for policy makers is thus to make transport more sustainable. The Eco-Marathon gives us a taste of what is possible - last year’s winner managed to develop a car capable of travelling 2200 km on 1 litre of fuel. He observed that businesses must learn to harness this innovation. For instance, Shell too is looking at developing more efficient and sustainable fuels. It is also assisting governments on plans for smarter urbanization. New forms of partnership and collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society are moving away from mere technical innovation. Success depends on looking at the bigger picture and commercial expertise with regulatory expertise. The challenge is making these things happen in practice. He ended by saying that the Eco-Marathon was one critical initiative to making that happen.

YB Senator Dato Sri Idris Jala, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and CEO of PEMANDU Datuk Sri Idris Jala delivered the Official Opening Keynote Address and began by applauding the Shell Eco-Marathon, an event which he equated with painting a new future. It is imperative, he said, for the young to stand in that new future, to manage the present from that future. He made reference to last year’s winner, who looked at boosting fuel efficiency through the use of lighter material.

He then proceeded to discuss the future of Malaysia in 2020. In KL alone, there will be 10 million residents up from the current 7 million residents. Therefore, the mode of transport must be equipped to handle those numbers. Part of the process is gearing the city to be more livable based on the current pace of urbanization. Datuk Sri Idris Jala then moved on initiatives to green the city. One of these is to plant 100,000 trees by 2020. As part of this program, 30,000 trees were planted last year. We can also explore the idea of vertical gardens. There must be initiatives to clean up the rivers.

On the subject of public transport, the LRT is being upgraded to move 50% of people from cars to public transport. Currently, only 17% of Malaysians use public transport. One of PEMANDU’s initiatives is a business competition for students, the winners of which will win money to execute their ideas. He also emphasized the need for more roads, noting that 1700 km of rural roads were built last year.

The panel discussion featured Asfaazam Kasbani; Assistant Resident Representative (Environment & Energy Cluster), United Nations Development Programme, Malaysia; Edward Clayton; Director, Booz & Company (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd; Mark Gainsborough,

EVP Global Commercial, Shell and was moderated by Datuk Wong Sai Wan, Executive Editor of The Star Publications.

Mr. Kasbani began by providing a brief summary of the discussions at Rio 20+, highlighting the need for humans to survive in light of climate change and various environmental threats. He highlighted that UN specialists thus far agree that the 700 commitments made at Rio hopefully signify changes to come. One of the key issues is sustainable energy for all, which includes: universal access to energy, promoting the Dublin use of renewable energy, and ensuring use of sustainable energy to double by 2050. 70% of the population is now in cities. The focus should be on the mobility of people and not solely in terms of transport. Rio has adopted a 3-fold approach to sustainability: economic, social and environmental sustainability. He then highlighted the factors for mobility - transport plans must be integrated and comprehensive, investment must discourage use of personal vehicles and there must be strong political commitments. Good governance will ensure the successful implementation of smart mobility.

Edward Clayton, Director, Booz & Company (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd stated that mobility in Southeast Asia is seen as a right, something which other parts of the world have enjoyed. Increasing mobility will however, cause increasing problems in Asia such as haze and congestion. On the topic of congestion, he remarked that in Malaysia, many new roads were built to deal with this problem. There is now no need to take trains - reflected in the fact that less than 1% of all travelers use the rail as a mode of transport. Trains have become irrelevant. This will soon be rectified as Malaysia expects to spend 160 billion on rail infrastructure. This will have an impact on fuel use as trains are much more fuel efficient. He commented that Asia grew in the age of the motor vehicle, with many cities going from water-, animal- based transport to motor- based. Town planning takes place around cars, creating a very energy intensive society. Currently, there is a whole spectrum of solutions. i.e., electrical vehicles and increased fuel efficiency in internal combustion vehicles. These solutions, he remarked, were encouraged by a number of factors - smaller engines, prices of fuel going down in OECD countries, knowledge sharing and tax incentives for hybrid cars.

Mark Gainsborough, EVP Global Commercial, Shell highlighted the huge global challenge in meeting energy demands. He remarked that it was necessary to explore how to make businesses work with governments and civil society to meet energy needs. Internal combustion engine is not going away although new technologies will come up. There is a mosaic of new technologies which form a solution to sustainability issues, there is no one silver bullet that will solve everything. He mentioned his worry about the time needed for penetration of new vehicles such as hydrogen powered vehicles. Shell’s perspective is to make existing fuels more environmentally friendly by increasing the quality of fuels i.e. low sulfur fuels, special formulation fuels and biofuels. To this end, governments have been offering incentives to create new biofuels. Shell is currently looking into biofuels that do not compete with existing food sources. Shell is also becoming more of a gas company. With the increase of gas resources, there is enough gas to keep the economy running for the next 250-300 years. Fuel is therefore moving from coal to gas. He spoke of the GTL project in Middle East which produces clean diesel and potentially jet fuel. There is also increasing use of liquified natural gas (LNG) in personal transport in the marine and in long distance trucking. The engine technology must therefore be there to support these alternative fuels. Shell is also looking at lubricants. It is currently the largest lubricant supplier, seeing it as a big contribution again to fuel efficiency. Additionally, Shell is looking at IT solutions i.e. the shell fuel save partner which allows people to plan their routes better. He ended by saying that it is about doing things now to make a difference and making solutions affordable and acceptable to consumers.

YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II with the Organiser and Sponsors.

From left: Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Director of ASLI & Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Studies;Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, President of ASLI; and YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II.

Mr Max Say, Senior Vice President of ASLI introducing some of the guests at the Summit to YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II.

From left: Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, President of ASLI; YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II; and Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI.

YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II presenting a memento to one of the Sponsors – (hv to check with Max). On the far right is Datuk Kamaruddin Taib, Chairman of Alkhair International Islamic Bank Bhd.

ASLI organised its 16th Malaysian Banking Summit with the theme “Charting the Future Direction of Banking and Finance in a New Era” on 26 & 27 July 2012 at the Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur.

Our banking and financial services sector is reaping the benefits of a decade long reform which has aided its recovery and subsequent transition into an industry with healthy capitalisation, improved risk management and corporate governance practices, as well as a greater regional presence. With this solid foundation, the sector is poised to move into a new era in tandem with its role as a key driver and catalyst of economic growth.

The newly launched Financial Sector Blueprint gallantly charts this course of action as Malaysia transitions into a high value-added, high-income economy. It envisions a sector that would be more competitive, dynamic, inclusive, diversified and integrated, with the ability to offer world class financial services to serve the needs of Malaysia. The overall landscape will be of an expanded and internationally integrated industry defined by increased importance of existing institutions and the emergence of new ones.

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Haji Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II delivered the Summit Keynote Address. In his address, YB Minister said that our financial system is expected to grow at an annual rate of 8% to 11% over the next decade, increasing the depth of the financial system to six times of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 from 4.3 times of GDP in 2010. The financial sector contribution to GDP is also expected to increase from 8.6% in 2010 to between 10% and 12% in 2020. These are the desired outcomes for the financial services industry as laid out in the Financial Sector Blueprint 2011-2020 by Bank Negara Malaysia.

He also added that with the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, the growth of China and India, and with Indonesia at our door step, will present Malaysia with opportunities that cannot be ignored. These advantages in many areas must be capitalized.

“And I strongly believe the targeted outcomes in the Blueprint are well within reach of our financial services industry. The key towards ensuring these goals are met is to have in place a robust monitoring framework to monitor the progress of the Blueprint implementation”, said YB Minister before concluding his speech.

This was followed by panel discussions centred on key banking and finance issues with topics such as Financial Sector Blueprint - Meeting the Challenges

of a New Era; Responsible Lending - Promoting a Transition in Retail and Consumer Banking; Technology and Its Strategic Role in Banking and Financial Services; Banks and SMEs - A Partnership Approach to SME and Micro-Financing; Raising the Bar for Risk Management in an Era of Financial Integration and Innovation; Nurturing Human Capital and Talent Development in Banks; Internationalisation of Islamic Finance - Malaysia’s Leadership Role; and Promoting Electronic Payment for Greater Efficiency.

Among the distinguished role-players sharing their views at this two-day Summit were:-

Mr. Sanjeev Nanavati, Chief Executive Officer, Citibank Malaysia; Mr. Michael Foong, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Maybank; Mr. Leon Koay, Country Head & MD of Global Markets, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad; Tan Sri Ramon V. Navaratnam, Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Studies and Former Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Ashok Ramamurthy, Group Managing Director, AmBank Group Mr. Ronnie Lim, Head, Consumer Banking, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad; Mdm. Koid Swee Lian, Chief Executive Officer, Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK); Mr. Goh Peng Ooi, Chairman, Silverlake; Mr. Rama Nathan, Managing Director, IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Mr. Pierre-Francois Vilquin, Chief Technology Officer, CA Technologies Asia South; En. Fitri Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Head of Maxis Business Services, Maxis Berhad; Mr. Chu Hong Keong, Chief Information Officer, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad; Mr. Vishal Shah, General Manager, SME Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad; Mr. Wong Chee Seng, Head, Emerging Business, OCBC Bank (M) Berhad; Mr. Khoo Kim Ho, Senior General Manager, Operations, Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia Berhad; Mr. Promod Dass, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, RAM Rating Services Berhad; Mr. Jeroen P.M.M. Thijs; Chief Risk Officer, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad; Mr. Justin Soong, Group Chief Risk Officer, Hong Leong Bank Group Mr. Anthony Raja Devadoss, Vice President, KellyOCG APAC; Mr. Tay Kay Luan, Chief Executive Officer, Institut Bank-Bank Malaysia; Mr Ranjit Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Asian Institute of Finance; En. Johan Mahmood Merican, Chief Executive Officer, Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd; En. Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad; YM Raja Teh Maimunah, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad; En. Muzaffar Hisham, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Islamic Berhad; Mr. Daud Vicary Abdullah, President & CEO, INCEIF; Mr. T. Kugan, Vice President Head of Products, Devices & Innovation (PDI) & Roaming, Maxis Berhad; Mr. Terry KS Vee, Vice President of Business Development, MOLPay Sdn Bhd; and Mr. Peter England, Head - Retail Banking, CIMB Bank Berhad.

Some of the panellists for Session 3 on “Technology and Its Strategic Role in Banking and Financial Services”. From left: Mr. Goh Peng Ooi, Chairman, Silverlake; Mr. Rama Nathan, Managing Director, IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and Session Moderator, Mr. Chu Hong Keong, Chief Information Officer, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad.

The panellists for Session 2 on “Responsible Lending – Promoting a Transition in Retail and Consumer Banking”. From left: Mdm. Koid Swee Lian, Chief Executive Officer, Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK); Mr. Ashok Ramamurthy, Group Managing Director, AmBank Group; and Mr. Ronnie Lim, Head, Consumer Banking, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad.

The Moderator for Session 1: “CEO’s ROUNDTABLE: Financial Sector Blueprint – Meeting the Challenges of a New Era”, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman, Centre for Public Policy Studies and Former Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Finance addressing the audience. On his left are Mr. Michael Foong, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer, Maybank; and Mr. Leon Koay, Country Head & MD of Global Markets, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad.

16th MALAYSIAN BANKING SUMMIT (continued)

Mr. Sanjeev Nanavati, Chief Executive Officer, Citibank Malaysia who is the panelist on Session 1: “CEO’s ROUNDTABLE: Financial Sector Blueprint – Meeting the Challenges of a New Era” sharing his views at the Summit.

Encik Mirzan Mahathir, President of ASLI and YB Dato’ Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohamad Hanadzlah, Minister of Finance II greeting the guests at the Summit.

The Moderator and Panellists for Session 7 posed together after sharing their views on “Internationalisation of Islamic Finance – Malaysia’s Leadership Role”. From left: En. Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad; Mr. Daud Vicary Abdullah, President & CEO, INCEIF; YM Raja Teh Maimunah, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad; and En. Muzaffar Hisham, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Islamic Berhad.

Mr Peter England Head of Retail Banking CIMB Bank speaking at the conference. Mr Anthony Devadoss Vice Presidnt KellyOCG APAC and Mr Johan Merican CEO Talent Corp.

12 13

ASLI HIGHLIGHTS WCEF HIGHLIGHTS

Mr. S.K. Lingham, Baroness Warsi, Dato Sri Mohd Najib and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh in the House of Lords, London.

Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Ahmad Husni meeting guests at the Banking Summit.

Panelists at the Political Debate: Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung, Prof James Chin, Wan Hamidi Hamid.

VIP Guests and Ambassadors at an ASLI Luncheon.

YB Betty Chew, YAB Lim Guan Eng, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah, Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and YB Fong Kui Lin.

ASLI Chairman Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah with the Housing and Local Government Minister, Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung.

Group photograph at the Housing and Property Summit.

PKNS General Manager Mr. Omar Othman and IOI Group Executive Director, Dato Lee Yeow Chor.

Mr. Larry C. Farrell and his wife with the ASLI team.

From left: Dr. Josef T. Yap, President of Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Ambassador Zou Mingrong, Executive Vice Chairman of China National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and ASLI Senior Vice President Ms. Ng Yeen Seen.

SP Setia CEO Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin shaking hands with Mr. Edmond Yeo JP, Former Councillor, London Borough of Ealing and Chair, Chinese Information and Advice Centre, London and ASLI Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say.

The Deputy Prime Minister speaking at the Dinner in his honour at Government House Melbourne hosted by the Governor of Victoria H.E. Alex Chernov.

Former President of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Mr. Tan Koon Swan receiving the WCEF Lifetime Achievement Award for Business and Political Leadership from the Deputy Prime Minister and Governor of Victoria.

Founder and CEO of the Asialink Centre in the University of Melbourne Ms. Jenny McGregor receiving the WCEF Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Asian Studies from the Deputy Prime Minister and Governor of Victoria.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Dr. Jonathan Choi Koon Shum receiving the WCEF Lifetime Achievement Award for Business and Community Leadership from the Governor of Victoria, H. E. Alex Chernov.

Ms. Jenny McGregor, Founder and CEO of the Asialink Centre in the University of Melbourne, ASLI CEO Tan SriDr. Michael Yeoh, The Hon. Mark Dreyfus, QC, MP, Cabinet Secretary/Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency/Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Innovation/Federal Member for Isaacs, ASLI Senior Vice President Ms. Ng Yeen Seen and Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman, Centre For Public Policy Studies (CPPS) and Corporate Adviser, Sunway Group.

Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn moderating a session with Mr. John So JP, Mr. Edmond Yeo and Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak.

Distinguished role-player at the concluding session on “The Global Chinese Diaspora – Creating Wealth, Contributing to National Development”: Mr. John So JP, Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Mr. Edmond Yeo JP, Former Councillor, London Borough of Ealing and Chair, Chinese Information and Advice Centre, London, Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn, Chairman of the Star Publications Malaysia and Former Minister of Human Resources Malaysia and Prof. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, Member of Parliament, Democrat Party, Thailand and Senior Fellow, Harvard University, USA & University of Oxford, UK.

Penang Chief Minister YBA Lim Guan Eng with Mr. William Deague, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Pacific Group.

Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Patron and Co-Founder of WCEF present a memento to Premier of Victoria, The Hon. Ted Baillieu, MLA.

From left: Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Khoo Kay Peng, Group Chief Executive Officer of Malayan United Industries Berhad, Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman, Centre For Public Policy Studies (CPPS) and Corporate Adviser, Sunway Group, Dato’ Jebasingam Issace John, Chief Executive Officer of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council Malaysia (ECERDC) and ASLI Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say.

ASLI CEO Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Rawther, Chairperson of the ESCAP Business Advisory Council (EBAC), Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Chote Sophonpanich, Executive Chairman of the Greenspot (Thailand) Ltd, ASLI Senior Vice President Ms. Ng Yeen Seen, Ms. Rokia Afzal Rahman, Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, Mr. Paul Hengeveld, Senior Director International Organizations of Microsoft, Ms. Barbara Meynert, Senior Advisor of Li & Fung Group and H.E. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, High Commissioner of Singapore to Malaysia at the Welcome Dinner for EBAC Members, Speakers and Special Guests.

14 15

ASLI CO-ORGANISESBIMP-EAGA FORUM WITH EPU MALAYSIAN - TURKISH BUSINESS COUNCIL

VIP Guests at the Dinner.Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yaacob Minister in the Prime Minister’s Dept with Senior Officals from Brunei and Philippines.

The 1st session at the Forum.Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, the Philippines under Secretary for Agriuccture and Tan Sri Radzi Mansor.

Leaders from the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (lMT-GT) will gathered at the Melaka International Trade Center (MITC) on 30th November and 1st December 2012 for the 1st BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Conference. This regional conference will bring together distinguished speakers and expert presenters representing. governments, business and academia, to provide their personal insights, knowledge, and experience to encourage greater collaboration and partnerships in investments in the High- Value Agriculture (HVA) sector.

The conference serves as a platform for governments and the private sector to forge business partnerships in High Value Agriculture (HVA) investments while sharing ideas and learning from experts in the HVA area.

The conference, jointly organized by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) seeks to leverage the BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT region’s potential for becoming key players in the global HVA market.

Last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced that the government has allocated 3.38 billion ringgit to boost the agricultural sector by providing subsidies and introducing advanced technology and techniques to improve profitability. This is part of the country’s effort to address future food security issues, a result of the rapidly growing world population that is estimated to reach 10 billion people by the year 2050.

As a progressively larger portion of the world population have achieved and more will soon achieve a higher standard of living, the demand for higher value agricultural products such as eggs, milk, palm oil and

vegetable oils will increase accordingly. In addition, a 2007 World Bank report estimated that agriculture driven growth is at least twice as effective in reducing poverty compared to growth outside agriculture. A report by UNESCAP suggests that this is due to the involvement of a large number of intermediaries such as wholesalers within the agri-business supply chain. These reports highlight the significant benefits for the BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT regions to advance HVA investments.

Among many distinguished keynote speakers and panelists include:-

• The Hon. Kunio Senga, Director General, Asian Development Bank • The Hon. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam• HE. Luwalhati R. Antonino, Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs, Republic of the Philippines • Dato Azizi Meor Ngah, CEO, Malaysian Agrifood Corp Berhad, Director of Halallndustry Development Corporation • Mr John Perrine, Chairman/ CEO of Unifrutti Group, Philippines • Dr. Paul Sun Ming-Hsien, 21st Century Foundation, Taiwan • Tan Sri Muhammad Radzi Mansor, Chairman, Kumpulan Fima Bhd, FIMA • Dato’ Jebasingam Issace John, CEO, East Coast Economic Region Council, Malaysia • Wan Mohd Fadzmi Wan Othman, CEO, Agrobank

The inaugural BIMP-EAGA & IMT-GT Business Transformation Leaders Conference is a significant event and an opportunity to shape the future of the food basket of the region through the exchange of views, expertise and insights that will provide a foundation to boost future growth and promote intra and inter trade and investments for the region.

Brunei’s Foreign Secretary Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Dept Tan Sri Nor Mohd Yaacob.

The Opening Ceremony of the Forum.

Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister Zafer Caglayan and Mr. Nail Kurt.The signing ceremony between ASLI and DEIK witnessed by the Malaysian Trade and Industry Minister and Turkish Economy Minister.

ASLI was appointed as the Secretariat for the Turkish-Malaysian Business Council. During the 2nd Joint Meeting of the Business Council held in Istanbul, Turkey the MoU between ASLI and the DEIK, the Turkish Foreign Trade Department of the Ministry for Economy was signed. The President of ASLI Mr. Mirzan Mahathir who is also the Malaysian Co-Chair of the Business Council signed for ASLI whilst the Turkish Co-Chair signed on behalf of the Turkish side. The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Malaysian Minister of International Trade & Industry Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed and the Turkish Minister of Economy Mr. Zafer Caglayan. It was held on 10th October 2012 in Istanbul.

The Malaysian members of the Business Council also held a roundtable meeting with the Turkish Minister of Economy prior to the start of the Joint Business Council Meeting. The 2nd meeting of the Malaysian-Turkish Business Council was held concurrently with the MUSIAD International Business Forum and Trade Fair. A Welcome Dinner was held under the auspices of the President of Turkey H.E.

Abdullah Gul. The Prime Minister of Turkey H.E. Erdogan officiated the Opening of the Fair and the IBC Congress. Minister of International Trade & Industry Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed held a Business Talk for the Malaysian business delegation and Turkish investors.

At the Joint Business Council Meeting, Welcome Speeches were delivered by the Co-Chairs Mr. Nail Kurt and Mr. Mirzan Mahathir followed by Keynote Speeches by the Economy Minister of the Turkish Republic H.E. Zafer Caglayan and MITI Minister Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed. Presentations were made by Turkish officials on investing in Turkey and the business potential for collaboration between Turkish and Malaysian businessmen.

Earlier the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Turkey during a recent visit to Malaysia also met with Mr. Mirzan Mahathir and Malaysian members of the Business Council. ASLI’s Senior Vice Presidents Ms. Ng Yeen Seen and Mr. Max Say who are part of the Business Council’s Malaysia Secretariat were also present.

The members of the Malaysia-Turkey Business Council with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ali Babacan.Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Ali Babacan with ASLI Senior Vice President Mr. Max Say.

The Business Council Co-Chairs Mr. Mirzan Mahathir and Mr. Nail Kurt with Dato Seri Mustapa Mohamed.ASLI President Mr. Mirzan Mahathir greeting the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey Dr. Ali Babacan whilst ASLI Senior Vice President Ms. Ng Yeen Seen looks on.

16 17

HEALTHCARE FORUM 2012 CSR AND SOCIAL BUSINESS

Dato’ Dr Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman, Qi Group of Companies, shaking hands with Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Director of ASLI. Looking an Dato’ Sri Peter Chin, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

Puan Sri Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI presentives a memento to Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water. Looking in Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Director of ASLI.

The Minister with Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Executive Chairman, Cypark Resources and Chairman, Allianz Malaysia; Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Director of ASLI; Ms. Nurzarini Daing Abdul Rahman, CEO of MyHarapan on Minister’s left. Puan Sri Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI; Mr. Prakash Chandran, President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia; Mr. Max Say, Chief Marketing & Partnetship Officer, ASLI.

Datuk Prof. Mohd Yusof Kasim, Vice Chancellor, Asia Pacific, University College of Technology & Innovation; Mr. Gurmit Singh, Chairman, center for Environment, Technology & Development Malaysia; Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooris, Principal Research Fellow, KITA, UKM; Mr. Roshan Thiran, CEO, Leaderonomics.

Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui,Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, presenting a sponsor pleque to Mr. TG Kintanar, Director, Qi Group of Companies.

The National Conference on CSR and Social Business was held on 12 July, 2012 at the Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The opening keynote titled, “Understanding how economic indicators can affect the performance of your business” was delivered by YB Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui Minister of Energy, Water & Green Technology Malaysia. YB Senator Dato’ Ir. Donald Lim Siang Chai stressed that “CFOs also need to keep abreast of global economic performance, and not just at a national or regional level”.

The rising awareness of CSR is changing the way businesses operate around the world. Of late, there has been growing interest ln Social Enterprises and the link between CSR and Social Business. It is a driving factor that is shaping corporate strategies and business principles towards a more sustainable future. Business is no longer just about profitability, it is about the culture to create a compassionate marketplace. CSR acknowledges that companies have an impact on the society, environment and economy through their operations, products, services as well as through interactions with key stakeholders. It involves efforts to manage this impact in order to add value to the company and to improve social, environmental and economic wellbeing of the present and future. Hence, companies need to be proactive in their CSR initiatives in order to remain competitive in the industry.

The conference has brought together leading experts and practitioners of CSR and Social Enterprises as well as Corporate Managers, Entrepreneurs, NGO’s and Researchers in a meeting of minds to discuss and review the CSR Agenda. Leading the distinguished panel of speakers at the conference are Tan Sri Razali Ismail, Executive Chairman, CyPark Resources Berhad, Dato’ Dr. Vijay Eswaran, Executive Chairman, QI Group of Companies, Datin Umayal Eswaran, Chairperson, Vijayaratnam Foundation, QI Group of Companies, Datuk Prof. Mohd Yusof Kasim, Vice-Chancellor, Asia Pacific University College of Technology & Innovation, Mr. Roshan Thiran, Chief Executive Officer, Leaderonomics, Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Principal Research Fellow, KITA, UKM, Dr. Thomas S.K. Tang, Director, Corporate Sustainability, Asia, AECOM, Mr. Thomas Thomas, Executive Director, Singapore Compact for CSR, Mr. Prakash Chandran, President & Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mr. Azli Mohamed, Director of Growth Initiatives, GE Malaysia and Mr. Jan Senkyr, Representative of Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Sponsoring organisations include Siemens(Corporate Sponsor) and myHarapan (Associate Sponsor).

Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah (middle), Deputy Minister of Higher Education II with Tan Sri Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI; Datuk Prof Mohd Yusof Kasim, Vice Chancellor, Asia Pacific, University College of Technology & Innovation; Ms Nurfarini Daing Abdul Rahman, CEO, Myleavepan;(on Deputy Minister’s left); Ms. Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group & Sunway University; Mr. Joshua Purushotman, Head of Public Relations, Qi Group of Companies; Mr. Max Say, Chief Marketing & Partnership Officer, ASLI.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam with Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.

YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health shaking hands with some of the guests and sponsor of the Forum.

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Michael Yeoh, CEO of ASLI and Ms Jean Wong, ASLI Senior Advisor welcoming YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health to the Forum.

Dr. Chua Hong Teck, Director of Healthcare and Low Income Households, PEMANDU addressing the audience for the session on “Building an Efficient Healthcare System -Malaysia’s Value Propositions. On his left are Dr. David KL Quek, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Medical Association (the session Moderator) and Dato’ Dr. Zaininah Mohd Zain, Director, Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The Moderator and some of the panellists for Session 1 on “Rise of the Healthcare Consumers – Opportunities & Challenges for Malaysia”. From left: Mr. Amir Firdaus Abdullah, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Hospitals; Mr. Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director, Philips Malaysia; Dr. David KL Quek, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Medical Association (the session Moderator); and Mr. Andrew Wong, Healthcare Business Specialist, HealthPDM.

YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health presenting a memento to Mr. Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director, Philips Malaysia.

ASLI’s Healthcare Forum was held on 22 October 2012 at the Swan Convention Centre with the theme “The New World of Healthcare - Rise of Healthcare Consumers & Opportunities for Malaysia”.

Globally, the size of the middle class is projected to increase from 1.8 billion people to 4.9 billion by 2030, with Asia contributing 85% of this growth. According to a recent OECD working paper, Asia’s rising middle class will increase consumer spending from USD4.9 billion in 2009 to more than USD32.6 billion in 2030. That is, the Asian middle class spending will grow from 23% to an astounding 59% of total worldwide middle class expenditure.

On the bright side, rising affluence of the middle class has brought about a higher level of education and awareness in health matters and is consequently driving up demand for quality healthcare. However, this newfound wealth does coming with a health warning. Rapid economic development that brought us to a prosperous rise has also contributed to changing disease incidences arising from epidemiologic and demographic transitions, a growth in chronic diseases and lifestyle choices with negative medical outcomes. Positively or otherwise, growing wealth and populace will have direct impact on both public and private healthcare systems in Malaysia and the Asian region.

During the Forum, the regional healthcare professionals and stakeholders from both public and private channels including healthcare institutions, regulators and policy formulators, health insurers and supporting industries such as pharmaceutical and medical technology came together and addressed the challenges head-on.

The Forum was officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Health Malaysia. In his keynote address, the Minister updated the audience on the progress made to-date with regard to the Healthcare NKEA. There are: Enablers for Medical Devices EPPs - i) Setting up of the Medical Devices Authority (MDA); ii) Medical Device Act (Act 737); EPP 2 - Clinical Research

Malaysia; EPP 4 - Healthcare Travel; and many more.

The Minister also spoke about the Senior Living Business Opportunity where the main objective is to provide a high level care and support in the residents’ homes and promote healthy living in a lifestyle retirement setting that is different from conventional retirement homes.

This was followed by panel discussions and presentations centred around key healthcare issues with important topics such as Rise of the Healthcare Consumers, Building an Efficient Healthcare System-Malaysia’s Value Propositions, Technology for Healthcare - Successes and Challenges, Malaysia and Global Healthcare Trends - Highlights of 2011 Public Opinion Survey, and Destination Healthcare - Marching in Medical Tourists.

The panellists and moderators were made up of experienced industry players, government regulatory bodies and industry analyst and consultants. They were Mr. Amir Firdaus Abdullah, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Hospitals; Mr. Naeem Shahab Khan, Managing Director, Philips Malaysia; Mr. Andrew Wong, Healthcare Business Specialist, HealthPDM; Ms. Rhenu Buller, Vice President of Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific; Dr. David KL Quek, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Medical Association; Dato’ Dr. Zaininah Mohd Zain, Director, Hospital Kuala Lumpur; Dr. Chua Hong Teck, Director of Healthcare and Low Income Households, PEMANDU; Mr. Leon Jackson, Head of Healthcare IT, UM Specialist Centre; Dr. Mubbashir Iftikhar, Chief Information Officer, KPJ Healthcare Berhad; Ms. Natasha Gulati, Industry Analyst, Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific; Mr. Andrew Chan, Executive Director, Infrastructure Advisory PricewaterhouseCoopers Capital Sdn Bhd; Ms. Tricia Yeoh, Director - Business Development and Research, Dynamic Search Sdn. Bhd; Ms. Chin Wei Jia, Chief Executive Officer, Regency Specialist Hospital; Mr. Subramaniam Sandracasen, Head of Research & Informatics, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council; and Mr. Suresh Ponnudurai, Chief Executive Officer, MalaysiaHealthCare.Com

The panellists fro Session 5 on “Destination Healthcare – Marching in Medical Tourists”. From left Ms. Chin Wei Jia, Chief Executive Officer, Regency Specialist Hospital; Mr. Suresh Ponnudurai, Chief Executive Officer, MalaysiaHealthCare.Com; and Mr. Subramaniam Sandracasen, Head of Research & Informatics, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council.

Ms. Tricia Yeoh, Director - Business Development and Research, Dynamic Search Sdn. Bhd delivering her presentation on “Malaysia and Global Healthcare Trends – Highlights of 2011 Public Opinion Survey”.

The Moderator and Panellists for Session 3 on “Technology for Healthcare – Successes and Challenges”. From left Mr. Leon Jackson, Head of Healthcare IT, UM Specialist Centre; Dr. Mubbashir Iftikhar, Chief Information Officer, KPJ Healthcare Berhad; Mr. Andrew Chan, Executive Director, Infrastructure Advisory; and Ms. Natasha Gulati, Industry Analyst, Healthcare, Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific.

18 19

THE 15TH NATIONALHOUSING AND PROPERTY SUMMIT

THE 15TH NATIONALHOUSING AND PROPERTY SUMMIT

Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung presenting a memento to Mr. Othman Omar, General Manager of PKNS as one of the corporate sponsors. Looking on is Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah.

Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung, Minister of Housing and Local Government arriving at the opening of the conference, accompanied by Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Chairman of ASLI.

ASLI organised its 15th National Housing and Property Summit with the theme “Sustainability of the Housing & Property Industry” on 28th and 29th August 2012 at the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa.

The Minister of Housing and Local Government Dato’ Wira Chor Chee Heung delivered the Opening Keynote Address on “Transforming the Housing Sector for Sustainable Development”. The housing and property sector is an important economic sector of the country and it is linked to many other key sectors of the economy. Therefore, it is the challenge for the Government to facilitate sustainable growth in the housing sector. As the nation moves towards a high income economy by 2020, there is an urgent need for the Government to try to meet the housing needs of the population. Having a roof over one’s head is everybody’s dream and has been recognized universally as a basic human necessity.

The Minister further add that to achieve the sustainability of the housing, and property industry, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government has formulated and launched the National Housing Policy in February 2011. The National Housing Policy aims to provide the direction and basis for the planning and development of the housing sector by all the relevant ministries, departments and agencies at the federal, state and local levels as well as the private sector, as well as to ensure the sustainability of the housing sector. An action plan to ensure the implementation of the National Housing Policy has also been formulated. The implementation of all these efforts will be closely monitored by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, said the Minister.

Among the distinguished speakers who presented papers in the 2-day conference are Dato’ Fateh Iskandar Mohamed Mansor, Group Managing

Director/CEO, Glomac Berhad & Deputy President, REHDA; Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Founder, Mines Resort City / Deputy Chairman, Country Heights Group; Datuk Seri Michael Yam, CEO/Managing Director, Impetus Partnership Sdn Bhd and President, REHDA Malaysia; Mr. Othman Omar, General Manager, Selangor State Development Corporation; Datuk Lee Yeow Chor, Executive Director, IOI Group; Dato’ Jeffrey Ng, CEO, Sunway REIT Management; Dato’ Azhar Abdul Hamid, CEO, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation; Dato’ Abdul Mutalib Alias, CEO, Pr1MA; Prof. Dato’ Dr. Kamarul Rashdan, Managing Director, Syarikat Perumahan Negara; Datuk Ng Seing Liong, Past President, REHDA Malaysia; Dr. Christopher Shun, Previous Risk Management Advisor to Putrajaya and Senior Vice President, Economic Intelligence Division, Iskandar Regional Development; Mr. Stewart LaBrooy, CEO/Executive Director, Axis REIT Managers Berhad; Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat, Managing Director, Trinity Group; Datin Dian Lee, Managing Director, Clearwater Group, etc.

Topics discussed were on Build Then Sell: Pros and Cons; Update on Property NKEA - Achieving Progress, Assessing Future Trends; Affordable Housing - Whose Responsibility? Meeting the Nation’s Needs; The Residential Sector Review - Condominiums and Landed Property Market Outlook; and The Commercial Sector Outlook - Trends and Opportunities; Housing the Affluent - Lifestyle Development: Trends and Challenges.

About 200 participants attended this 2-day summit. The corporate sponsors of the summit are Sunway Group, S P Setia Berhad Group, Malton Berhad, Land & General Berhad, Ireka Development Management Sdn Bhd, PKNS, Ken Holdings Berhad and ICI Pains (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. The Associate Sponsor is Country Garden Properties (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, Chairman of ASLI delivering the Welcoming Remarks at the conference. Looking on are Dato’ Seri Chor Chee Heung and Tan Sri Michael Yeoh.

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah presenting a memento to Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung after the Opening Ceremony.

From left to right: Dr. Ernest Cheong, Principle, Ernest Cheong PTL; Senator Dato Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman, Executive Chairman, Rahim & Co; Mr. Stewart LaBrooy, CEO/Executive Director, AXIS REIT Managers and Mr. Thong Mun Wai, Head, Real Estate & Construction Ratings, RAM Rating Services.

From left to right: Datin Dian Lee, Managing Director, Clearwater Group; Dr. Christopher Shun, Previous Risk Management Advisor to Putrajaya and Senior Vice President, Economic Intelligence Division, Iskandar Regional Development Authority and Dato Neoh Soo Keat, Managing Director, Trinity Group.

Datuk David Chua (centre), Managing Director, DC & A Group Sdn Bhd with panel speakers Mr. John Ng, Executive Vice President - Strategic Marketing, Iskandar Investment Berhad (left); and Mr. Haris Fadzilah Hassan, Director of Stakeholder, Mass Rapid Transit Corp. Sdn Bhd.

Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung having a light moment with Mr. Othman Omar and Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.

Datuk Eddy Chen (with mike), Group Managing Director, MKH Group Chairing a session with panel speakers Mr. Othman Omar, General Manager of PKNS and Datuk Lee Yeow Chor, Executive Director, IOI Group.

From left to right: Dato Wan Hashimi Albakri Jaffri, Head, Development Operations I, Sime Derby Property; Mr. Ho Chin Soon, Director, Ho Chin Soon Research and Datuk Ng Seing Liong, Past President of REHDA.

Dato Ken Tan, Mr. Sam Tan and Dato Seri Chor Chee Heung.From left to right: Dato Fateh Iskandar Mohamed Mansor, Group Managing Director/CEO of Glomac Berhad; Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Faunder, Mines Resort City & Deputy Chairman, Country Heights Group and Datuk Seri Michael Yam, CEO/Managing Director, Impetus Partnership & President of REHDA Malaysia.

ASIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng officiating the Asia Economic Summit co-organised by ASLI and the Penang Institute.

Mr. Zairil Mohd Khir, CEO Penang Institute, Prof Dato Woo Wing Thye Executive Director Penang Institute, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and ASLI Director Puan Sri Susan Cheah.

President Transparency International Malaysia Datuk Paul Low emphasing a point in the session on good governance.

Prof Dato Woo Wing Thye highlighting a point at the Asia Economic Summit.

20 21

THE 17TH MALAYSIAN CAPITAL MARKET SUMMIT CFO SUMMIT 2012

Dato’ Ranjit Ajit Singh, Chairman of Securities Commission presenting a sponsor plaque to Datuk Kamaruddin Taib, Chairman of Alkhair International Islamic Bank Berhad. Looking on is Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, President of ASLI.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman ASLI CPPS with Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, Chairman Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group, Dato’ Ranjit Ajit Singh, Chairman of Securities Commission and Mr. Mirzan Mahathir, President of ASLI.

Dato Steve Ong (with Mike), CEO, Private Pension Administrator Malaysia; Mrs. Zaiton Mohd Hassan, Chairman, Private Pension Administrator Malaysia and Mr. Norhisham Abd. Bahrin, Senior Associate 1, Azmi & Associates.

Mr. Adil Ahmad (with Mike), former CEO, Kuwait International Bank chairing a session with speakers Mr. Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Executive Director/CEO, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad and Mr Yeoh Teik Leng, Head of Capital Markets Malaysia, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad.

From left to right: Dato Jaffar Indot, Founding President & CEO, Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors; Mr. Philip Koh, Senior Partner, Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh; Dato Abdul Wahab Jaafar Sidek, Senior Advisor, Azman, Wong Salleh & Co; and Mrs. Lya Rahman, General Manager, Corporate Services, Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group.

ASLI organized its 17th Malaysian Capital Market Summit with the theme “Malaysia The Rising Star - Geared for Growth” on 29th October 2012 at The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur. This Annual Series of Malaysian Capital Market Summits, a landmark programme of the Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) aims to provide timely and reliable information and analysis to investors and market players. It is a high-level gathering of industry players, fund managers, investment analysts and research houses to feel the pulse of the Malaysian market, as well as to assess future strategic challenges and opportunities. It will enable participants to feel the tempo of development and take stock of the market.

The Chairman of Securities Commission Dato’ Ranjit Ajit Singh delivered the Opening Keynote Address. Securities Commission believes that the quality of the market and the high standards of conduct of its participants cannot be compromised. The growth of our market must not be fuelled by a loosening of standards but instead by an increase in value propositions. After all, thee is no market if there are no investors. The deep liquidity in our markets is a product of both high savings rates and the strengthening of our investment institutions. The capital market has been able to draw on the liquidity because of the confidence it engenders. This has led to more diverse sources of financing for the domestic economy and has reduced reliance on external financing. Investor confidence comes with faith that the system will protect investors and uphold their rights coupled with trust in the stewards of their investments.

Dato’ Ranjit further add that in the 2013 edition of the World Bank’s “Doing Business Report”, Malaysia was ranked the 12th most competitive economy in the world for doing business, up from 18th place last year. However, when it comes to investor protection, Malaysia ranks even higher, at 4th place. The report also places us amongst the top ten reformers in the APEC grouping with regard to regulatory practices. Malaysia also shares 4th place with Japan in the Asian Corporate Governance Association’s Corporate Governance Watch 2012 Report, up two positions from its 2010 placing.

Among the distinguished speakers are Datuk Nicholas Zefferys, Past President, American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Nazri Khan Adam Khan, Head of Retail Research, Affin Investment Bank Berhad; Mr. P.K. Basu, Managing Director/Regional Head of Research & Economics, Maybank Kim Eng Securities, Singapore; Mr. Alan Tan, Chief Economist, Affin Investment Bank Berhad; Dato’ Jaffar Indot, Founding President & CEO, Malaysian Alliance of Corporate Directors; Mr. Philip Koh, Senior Partner, Mah-Kamariyah & Philip Koh; Mr. Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Executive Director/CEO, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad; Mr. Jeffrey Tan, General Manager, Product and Market Development, Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad; Mr. Yeoh Teik Leng, Head of Capital Markets Malaysia, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad; Mr. Edward Ooi, CEO, Manulife Asset Management Services Berhad; Data’ Steve Ong, CEO, private Pension Administrator Malaysia, etc.

Topics discussed were on The Rising Star - Malaysia Becoming the Market of Choice, Global Economic Challenges - How These Will Impact On Malaysia and The Region, the Corporate Governance Debate - Is the New CG Blueprint Adequate and Effective?, Deepening the Bond and Derivatives Market - Challenges and New Opportunities; and Private Retirement Schemes - How PRS Can Impact on the Market and Wealth Management.

About 150 participants attended the Summit which was sponsored by Alkhair International Islamic Bank, CIMB Islamic Bank and Inter-Pacific Securities Sdn Bhd.

The Summit was supported by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Securities Commission, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and the Oxford Business Group.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Chairman ASLI Centre for Public Policy Studies/Group Advisor, Sunway Group chairing a session with Mr. P. K. Basu, Managing Director/Regional Head of Research & Economics, Maybank Kim Eng Securities Singapore; and Mr. Alan Tan, Chief Economist, Affin Investment Bank Berhad.

Tan Sri Dr. Mohamed Munir Abdul Majid, Chairman, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad chairing a session with speaker Datuk Nicholas Zeffreys (on his right), Past President, American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Nazri Khan Adam Khan, Head of Retail Research, Affin Investment Bank Berhad.

Dato Donald Lim Siang Chai, Deputy Minister of Finance receiving a memento from Mr. Max Say, Chief Marketing and Partnership Officer.

Puan Seri Datin Seri Dr. Susan S. C. Cheah, Director of ASLI presenting a special memento to Y.B. Senator Dato Donald Lim Siam Chai, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia during the official opening ceremony of the CFO Summit 2012.

Y.B. Senator Dato Donald Lim accompanied by H.E. Ong Kean Yang, Singapore High Commissionar, with some of the special guests attending the opening ceremony.

Ms. Mandy Simpson, CFO of AmBank Berhad, Mr. Alex Ooi, Partner and Exco of the BDO Malaysia and Ms. Toh Beng Sew, Head of Accounting, IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd during the Panel Discussion on Leadership in Finance - Meeting the Demands of an Expanded Role.

The CFO Summit 2012 was held on 12 September, 2012 at the Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Themed “NextGen CFO: Meeting future challenges with best practices in cash, credit, risk and change manaqernent”, the conference has attracted participants from both the private and public sectors.

There has never been a more exciting and challenging time to be a CFO. With post-crisis, businesses undergoing tremendous shift, increased complexity, competition, regulation, liberalization, scrutiny from stakeholders and volatility all in the mix. The CFO Summit 2012 shed lights on which approaches and strategies to use to cement the CFO’s place at the helm of the company as they steer their businesses and teams forward in this challenging time.

The opening keynote titled, “Understanding how economic indicators can affect the performance of your business” was delivered by YB Senator Dato’ Ir. Donald Lim Siang Chai Deputy Minister of Finance I, Malaysia. YB Senator Dato’ Ir. Donald Lim Siang Chai stressed that “CFOs also need to keep abreast of global economic performance, and not just at a national or regional level”.

This conference then proceeded with impactful presentations addressing topics and providing inspirational guidance on how CFOs

should respond to the unique set of challenges under the broad spectrum of the finance function. Highlights of the conference include risk management, leadership in Finance, M&A, crisis management, managing change, improving processes through information technology and maximising shareholder value and enhancing credit rating.

Leading the distinguished panel of speakers at the Summit are Y.B. Senator Dato’ Ir. Donald Lim Siang Chai Deputy Finance Minister, Ministry of Finance Malaysia, Mr. Low Teng Lum, Director, ValueMap Consultancy, Mr. Alex Ooi, FCPA, Partner and EXCO member, BDO Malaysia, Ms. Mandy Simpson, Chief Financial Officer, Am Bank, Ms. Toh Beng Siew, FCPA, Head of Accounting, Asia Pacific Accounting Center, IBM Malaysia, Mr. David Chan, Head of Finance, Heath Lambert Asia Pacific, Mr. Mahendran Kapuppial, Finance Director, Guiness Anchor, Mr. Chari TVT, Chief Financial Officer, Celcom Axiata, Mr. Hyder Hassan, Customer Development Finance Controller Malaysia - Singapore, Mr. Faizal Mansor, Chief Financial Officer, Malaysia Airports Holdings, Mr. Ravi Navaratnam, FCPA, Executive Vice President, Minconsult, and Dr Ng Boon Beng, Finance Director for Malaysia and Indonesia, Oracle.

STRATEGIC ISSUES FORUM

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam and the Canadian Deputy Minister. Participarts at the Forum.

ASLI’s Strategic Issues Forum held a Roundtable Discussion with Canada’s Associate Secretary to the Cabinet and Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. The Deputy Minister shared Canada’s experience in enhancing national competitiveness.

She shared how Canada is improving income growth by focussing on productivity growth and labour force participation. She also

emphasised the need for improvements in education and skills, business investment, innovation and policy framework. She also stressed the importance of supporting entrepreneurs, innovation and world class research and to have sustainable social programmes. Canada has also focused on controlling cost of government and the way it does business. The aim is to have a high performing civil service. Canada is taking steps to modernize its public service.

22 23

ASEAN INDIA CONNECTIVITY SUMMIT

Syamal Gupta, Member, Malaysia-India CEOs Forum and Special Advisor, Tata International Ltd, delivering a welcoming address at the Summit.

Puan Sri Datin Seri (Dr) Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI, together with B. Dato’ Jacob Dungau Sagan, Deputy Minister (Industry), Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Mr Sathyanarayana Sarvey, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, India before the conference.

Y.B. Dato’ Jacob Dungau Sagan, Deputy Minister (Industry), Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia; H.E. Mr Sathyanarayana Sarvey, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, India and H.E. Vijay Gokhale, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia during opening ceremony.

SINGAPORE MALAYSIA BUSINESS UPDATE

MALAYSIAN RAILWAYS & MRT

ASLI together with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian High Commission to Malaysia organised the ASEAN - India Connectivity Summit on 29 November 2012 in Sunway Hotel Resort & Spa. The event was attended by top players from private sector, eager to understand the intricacy trade & business development in multiple industries such as Construction, Infrastructure, Transportation, Energy, Information Technology, Telecommunication, Education, Vocational Training, Tourism and Air connectivity. The panel of presenters were both leading industry businessmen from both India & Malaysia. To cap the event finale, a CEO roundtable took place to engage future opportunities and mitigation of current challenges.

Trade and investment flows between Malaysia and India have increased in recent years. Malaysia is fast becoming a gateway to the combined ASEAN market 550 million with the coming into effect of the ASEAN Free Trade Area. Malaysia’s Iskandar Development Region offers abundant investment opportunities for Indian investors. Similarly, the Greater KL/Klang Valley will also create new opportunities for investors. Likewise, India is an attractive investment destination for Malaysian businessmen and investors globally, who see the

growth potential drawing in more investor interest. With the ASEAN-India FTA in place, Malaysia is seeing the potential for increasing trade and investment ties with India that hope to continue flourish. The long term and strategic partnership between Malaysia and India could be developed based on historical, cultural and social links, pluralism, open society, shared commitment to democracy and development and high degree of political and economic interests.

Tan Sri Dato Dr Micheal Yeoh, CEO of ASLI & Mr Syamal Gupta, Member of Malaysia-India CEOs Forum and Special Advisor, Tata International Ltd welcomed the audience, followed by short introductionary remarks by H.E. Vijay Gokhale, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia.

We were graced by two senior officials representing both the Government of India & Malaysia, presenting a joint keynote presentation, H.E. Mr. Sathyanarayana Sarvey, Hon’ble Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, India and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Jacob Dungau Sagan, Deputy Minister (Industry), Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

Tan Sri Dato Dr. Micheal Yeoh, CEO of ASLI together with Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam Director ASLI, Puan Sri Datin Seri (Dr) Susan Cheah, Director of ASLI together with Y.B. Datuk Abd Rahim bin Bakri Deputy Minister II of Transport, Malaysia for the Opening Ceremony.

Dato’ Ahmad Suhaili Idrus Director - Urban Public Transport & NKEA Director - Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley, Performance Management & Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) together with Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam Director of ASLI and Dato’ Azhar Abdul Hamid Chief Executive Officer, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT).

Mr Chelvam Rengasamy, Senior Manager of Business Development, Rail Systems & Services for Siemens Malaysia, Mr Thomas Baake CEO of ERL Maintenance Support Sdn. Bhd. (E-MAS) and Mr Bhavesh Shah,Sales & Business Development Manager - Southeast Asia, Ansaldo STS (M) Sdn. Bhd. Together with Mr Prabhu Menon, Programme Director of ASLI.

Increased urban population, combined with environmental & monetary consideration with added effort for Kuala Lumpur to reinvent the polycentric business & residential areas, the future is definitely looking forward for rail transportation to accommodate current and future growth of Malaysia. Advocates from world’s major cities agree that mass transportation in the form of rail can act as catalyst for economic development while ensuring pollution reduction, auto congestions, fixed users cost for middle/lower income level as well as the invalids and the overlooked community of migrant workers and expatriates. There many factors could reveal the nuances and cons which exhibits as potential pitfalls for the projects such as environmental degradation, space and land wastage, cost of construction and so on. However the benefits such as city wide optimized transit networks for the ease of commute for the immobile populations, the creation of new jobs, increase of property values and the makings vibrant economic and activity center are far too great to ignore. Furthermore, Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) has reported that an accumulated rail investment was totaled RM 118.7 billion in a period of 1995 to 2011. The local rail industry also brought up issues on the economic spin off and limited opportunities serve by the huge investment made by the Government.

With that note, ASU for the very first time organised the Malaysian Railways & MRT 2012 conference, with the theme “Journey Forward for National Connectivity”, which took place on 21 November 2012 in Sunway Putra Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

It is given that many modernization efforts are often scrutinized and regularly disputed. The answer is yes, if the question is whether or not rail transportation will be cost effective, economically beneficial and an important component in many 1st world countries. According to Frost & Sullivan (2009), the rail industry in Asia is

being viewed globally as a multi-million dollar industry with tremendous untapped potential. It is expected to be one of the high growth and high potential markets in the world.

During this one day conference Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Ramon V. Navaratnam Director, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) & Group Corporate Advisor, Sunway Group of Companies welcomed the executive delegates and Y.B. Datuk Abd Rahim bin Bakri Deputy Minister II of Transport, Malaysia addressed the delegation on the expansions of railway projects for connectivity & urban sustainability.

Among the role-players that presented at the conference included Dato’ Azhar Abdul Hamid Chief Executive Officer, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MRT), Dato’ Ahmad Suhaili Idrus Director - Urban Public Transport & NKEA Director - Greater Kuala Lumpur / Klang Valley, Performance Management & Delivery Unit (PEMANDU), Prime Minister’s Department, Encik Suhaimi Yaacob, President of Rail, SCOMI Group Berhad / Country President, SCOMI India, Puan Noormah Mohd Noor Chief Executive Officer, Express Rail Link Sdn. Bhd. Mr Thomas BaakeChief Executive Officer, ERL Maintenance Support Sdn. Bhd. (E-MAS), Mr Chelvam Rengasamy, Senior Manager - Business Development, Rail Systems & Services, Siemens Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Mr Bhavesh Shah, Sales & Business Development Manager - Southeast Asia, Ansaldo STS (M) Sdn. Bhd., Mr Ng Yiek Seng, Principal, VERITAS Architects Sdn. Bhd. / Managing Director, VERITAS Planning Sdn. Bhd and Mr C.K. Tang Partner, Veritas Environment Sdn. Bhd.

The event was attended by 90 delegates from public and private sectors, each of them left with a note that event such as this is worth repeated and be done for 2 days on international scale in Malaysia.

Mr. Ku Kok Ping Pemandu Director, Mr. Daniel Lim and Mr. Rajiv Biswas at the forum.Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng addressing the forum.

Zaid Ibrahim & Co-Managing Partner Mr. Chew Seng Kok moderating a session with Dato Bill Ch’ng Chairman of Malaysia Pacific Corporation on far right.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng with the ASLI team. The Political session with Mr. Fui Soong, Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Mr. Karim Raslan and Dr. Ooi Kee Beng.

ASLI together with Institute of Southeast Asia Studies (ISEAS) & PACAL Singapore organized the Malaysia Singapore : Developing a Strong Business Partnership through Enhanced Relationship on 26 November 2012 in Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The discussions that took place provided strategic and timely update on the latest economic and political developments in Malaysia as well as business prospects and investment opportunities for Singaporean investors.

The event itself was phased into 4 different segments covering areas of business & local political climate. The X-factor of Economic Transformation Programme session covered The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) which up to date recorded RM170.28 billion in investment, RM220.15 billion in GNI and 362,396 new jobs. With the Strategic Reform Initiative clusters, or SRls: Public Service Delivery, public finance, human capital development, international standards and liberalisation, government’s role in business and narrowing disparities in place, the framework of Malaysia’s economic transformation agenda is now in place that enables Malaysia to achieve its high-income nation target in an inclusive and sustainable manner by 2020, taking Malaysia into the club of developed nations. The session was moderated by Mr Daniel Lin, Executive Director of Blue Ocean Capital Partners Pte.Ltd and exclusive presentation by panellist Mr Ku Kok Peng Director, ETP Investment, Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU and Mr Rajiv Biswas Senior Director & Chief Economist, Asia Pacific, IHS Group, Singapore. The mapping of the economical value that is stood to gain and how PEMANDU is driving the concept through ETP was eye opening for the Singaporean audience.

We were privileged to have Special Address on Enhancing Healthcare between Singapore - Malaysia by Ms Chin Wei Jia, CEO Regency Specialist Hospital & Group General Manager of Health Management International Ltd. Her confident nature and excellent research into the growth of health management and health tourism as well as the placement of the hospitals in several key locations such as Iskandar, Kuala Lumpur & Singapore shows that healthcare is a thriving industry.

Due to conflicting schedule, the Chief Minister of Penang, Honorable Mr Lim Guan Eng had to arrive later to present his speech on business updates & investment opportunities in Penang. As they say, better late than never, this goes ahead and shows the dedication of the Chief Minister to ensure that the audience were not left disappointed. His speech was candid, covering multiple availability for investment purposes as well as preservation of the Penang Island’s history. His tongue-in-cheek answer captivated the Singaporean delegates and his answers to politically charged questions were apt and appropriate.

The following session covered on Greater Klang Valley transformation agenda towards Smart city and to become world class metropolis.The Greater KL/Klang Valley project is a vision to attain the status of the world’s top 20 cities enjoying sustainable economic growth. The projects around the area are foreseen to be a

magnet to attract more dynamic multinational companies to establish their global or regional headquarters in the Greater KL/Klang Valley. It is Prime Minister Najib’s vision to develop a first class transportation network by implementing the high capacity Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), upgrading and improving the liveability of the people and at the same time boosting the tourism industry into the Greater KL/Klang Valley sector. Speakers were Dato’ Ahmad Suhaili Idrus Director,Urban Public Transport NKRA Greater KL KV NKEA, Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) ,Dr Robert Yap Chairman & CEO, YCH Group, Singapore, Mr Karthik Rajan Head, Public Sector Consulting Practice, Asia Pacific, Frost & Sullivan and was moderated by Ms Fui K. Soong Director, Centre for Strategic Engagement (CENSE). The session was well received by the audience as Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley was previously noted as prime investment spot but slowly fading. Datuk Suhaili proved an example through the demonstration of the free buses, integrating all the rail systems, expansion of the infrastructure to name a few while Mr Karthik explained the models of smart cities and world class metropolis and how close is both countries to achieve it. Dr Robert Yap was focused on the on the transportation and connectivity standpoint. The very next session was looking at the investment in Iskandar Malaysia, practically the neighbor of Singapore. Iskandar Malaysia has attracted the largest amount of committed investment so far, with RM73.2 billion as of March 2011 according to the corridor authority. Located adjacent to Singapore, Iskandar Malaysia is a natural touchstone for economic development and not to mentioned on one of the most strategic trade routes in the world. The joint development of a wellness project by Temasek and Khazanah Nasional is an iconic project that will further strengthen bilateral ties. On the speakers panel, we were lucky to have Mr Khairuddin Hong Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Iskandar Investment Bhd, Mr Keith Martin Chief Executive Officer, Medini Iskandar Malaysia ,Prof. Malek Pourzanjani President, Raffles University Iskandar,Dato’ Bill Ch’ng,Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific Trade & Expo City Sdn Bhd (APTEC), Iskandar Malaysia and was moderated by Mr Chew Seng Kok Regional Managing Partner, ZICOlaw. The session covered several industries from healthcare, education, entertainment, movie industry (capping the term Jollywood), real estate and economic trade centers. The session was timed longer as it drew interest from the crowd of the exact investment points in Iskandar Malaysia.

Our last session, which resonated throughout the conference was on Malaysian political update. We were honored to have Dr Ei Sun OH, former political secretary of Malaysia Prime Minister and speakers were Mr Karim Raslan Chief Executive Officer, KRA Group, Dr Ooi Kee Beng Deputy Director of Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore and Ms Fui K. Soong Director, Centre for Strategic Engagement (CENSE). The session was presented to enable participants evaluate possible outcomes of the 13th General Elections and how these political trends could impact on business and economic development. The “diagnosis” was positive yet as they have always say, you could never know what will happen until it happens.

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Ramon V. Navaratnam, Director, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (ASLI) Chairman of Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS) was the respected moderator for the event, engaging the presenters and audience alike on the many ventures that could be made. The sessions were divided into 3 segments; Physical Connectivity, People to People Connectivity and CEO forum. The impressive listing of speakers, notably Y.Bhg Datuk Ir. Ahmad Fauzi Bin Hasan, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission, Mr Kavan Mukhtar, Partner at Frost & Sullivan, Mr Shailesh Pathak, President, Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd, Mr Shallesh Pathak, President, Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd,Mr Vish Iyer, President - Asia Pacific, Tata Consultancy Services Dato’ Iskandar Mizal bin Mahmood, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Manipal Education Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Mr Ninad Karpe, Vice Chairman, CII Maharashtra

and CEO & Managing Director, Aptech Ltd and Mr Ravi Bhoothalingam, Founder & Chairman, Manas Advisory.

The CEO forum panel was moderated by Tan Sri Ajit Singh, Former ASEAN Secretary General with impressive panelist such as H.E. Ong Keng Yong, Singapore High Commissioner & Former ASEAN Secretary General ,Tan Sri Krishnan Tan Boon Seng, Executive Deputy Chairman, IJM Corporation Berhad, Malaysia and Mr Syamal Gupta, Member, Malaysia-India CEOs Forum and Special Advisor, Tata International Ltd. The event was well received and was done in conjuction of the ASEAN INDIA Car rally which took place a day before on 28th November 2012 in Putrajaya.

ASEAN INDIA CONNECTIVITY SUMMIT (Cont. from page 22)

(Cont. to next page 23)

Panelist at the CEO Discussion H.E Ong Keng Yong, High Commissioner Singapore to Malaysia & Former Secretary General ASEAN, Tan Sri Ajit Singh Former Secretary-General ASEAN and Tan Sri Krishnan Executive Deputy Chairman, IJM Corporation Berhad.

24

SUMMARY REPORT: CPPSROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON POLICY

AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES IN MALAYSIA

As the General Elections looms around the corner, the Centre For Public Policy Studies (CPPS) had organized a series of roundtable discussions throughout 2012 on policy and socio-economic issues in Malaysia. Key leaders and representatives from the government, private sector, academic and civil societies participated and shared critical viewpoints on matters that affect the Malaysian society.

For each of the roundtable, a report was documented and policy recommendations were drafted and sent out. The roundtable discussions held were on Vernacular Schools in Malaysia Roundtable (27 February), Education Reform and the Process of Consultation Roundtable (16 April), Rio Agenda Roundtable on green economy, poverty eradication and sustainable development (4 June), Post-Rio Agenda Roundtable on Lesson Learnt and Implication for Malaysia (9 July), Fast Tracking Low Income Families towards High Income and Better Quality of Life (16 August), National Education Blueprint Focus Group (13 September), and National Conversations on Community Concerns from a Malaysian Perspectlve (8 October). There are four main areas of policy and socio-economic issues that CPPS focused: education, sustainability, poverty and community concerns.

The deterioration in standards of our education system is a major concern, the recent National Education Blueprint sparked several criticisms and feedback among educationists and leaders in the education field. Other important issues such as the legal status of Vernacular Schools, the need for PPSMI (teaching English for Math and Science), and the poor quality of teachers were deliberated. Education reform on all levels is important to reinstate the core philosophy of our Malaysian education system that reflect the diversity of our cultural heritage and a quality education that prepares the future generation for challenges of the 21th Century.

On the other hand, sustainability has been an important agenda throughout the globe especially with the recent Rio Agenda 20 plus held

in Brazil. There is a need to institutionalize a holistic, inter-connected and comprehensive framework that encompasses areas on green economy, poverty eradication and sustainable development in Malaysia. Hence, it is imperative for the Malaysian government to formulate a National Policy on Sustainable Development.

On the area of poverty, overcoming the issue on low income families is vital as Malaysia prepares itself towards a high income nation. Among the concerns highlighted is the rising income inequality across ethnic groups and the widening gap between the urban and rural communities. The government should address urban poverty through neighbourhood based inter agency, multidisciplinary, multi ethnic delivery teams, as well as establish a ministry to focus on the needs of the bottom 40 percent with social inclusion as the priority base.

The open conversations among Chinese, Indian and Bumiputra community has resulted a more frank engagement on the different realities and challenges among different community groups. Therefore while we want to adopt national and holistic approaches, we must recognise the needs and concerns of each sub group or community is still necessary. The outcome of the discussions were cross-analysed, similar occurrence of issues such as social injustice, insecurities, poverty and marginalization were recognized. It is vital that the government forms a Social lnclusion Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office to address the deep seated community and sub-ethnic feelings of distrust.

The CPPS roundtable series was a success as a few lights were shed on the core concerns ofthe nation. Through more of such open and cross-sectional discussions between all levels of society, we hope to contribute towards strengthening the policy making and reform in the government and create a more holistic approach from the bottom up to address the challenges of today’s Malaysia.

ASLI HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE

Mr. Mirzan Mahathir greeting Tan Sri Dr. Mustafa Babjee. Mr. Max Say speaking with the Laotian and Vietnamese Ambassadors.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, Mr. Mirzan Mahathir and Tan Sri Robert Phang.

The Team ASLI. Ms Ng Yeen Seen welcoming the New Zealand High Commissioner. Dato Aziz Bakar (right) CEO Malaysian Director Academy (MINDA).

President of the Senate (left) Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang arriving at the Open House.

Mr. Mirzan Mahathir greeting the Pakistan High Commissioner. General Tan Sri Hashim Mohd Ali and Mr. Max Say.