ISSUE 1, MAY 2020

MFTC BULLETIN

The official e-newsletter of Malaysian Friendship and Centre in

Message from MFTC President

At the outset of 2020, every country has worked tirelessly to mitigate and contain the widespread of COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 is indeed alarming. No countries including are spared from the impact of COVID- 19. Demand for various economic sectors declined significantly amid various prevention measures and

restricted movements. Similarly, GDP of every country are Aerial view of Putrajaya expected to deteriorate with disruptions in global supply and plummeted demand. While this global pandemic has put many countries in a state of dilemma, challenges endured during this period of COVID-19 also allows us and every industry to have a full reflection and assessment of our business outlook from the past and present experiences as well as for future gains. Putrajaya is Malaysia's third and latest . Built on an expansive marshland and former oil palm estate in Despite these challenges, Malaysia is committed to maintain a business-friendly , the city spans an area of environment for both our domestic and foreign investors. We strive to improve and almost 5,000 hectares and lies 25 km create conducive environment for investment and businesses growth. To bolster from . Putrajaya takes over the administrative functions of the capital domestic economy and assist businesses during COVID-19, Malaysia announced a city Kuala Lumpur and is part of the comprehensive stimulus package valued at USD 58 billion (18 percent of Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor project of the GDP) including RM 100 billion to support business and small and medium enterprises Malaysian government. in Malaysia.

I would like to assure all our investors from that Malaysia remains an investor friendly and strategic location for long term businesses and investment growth. Taiwan remains as Malaysia’s important source of foreign direct investment. Malaysia In this E-Newsletter recognizes the crucial role played by Taiwan investors in transferring cutting edge skills and technologies to Malaysia. In 2019, Taiwan was ranked as Malaysia’s 6th largest trading partner, while Malaysia was ranked as Taiwan’s 7th largest trading partner. The total trade between Malaysia and Taiwan was recorded at USD 22.68 billion. Total export to Taiwan was valued at USD 8.91 billion, while total import from Taiwan  Message from MFTC amounted to USD 13.77 billion. President I sincerely welcome Taiwan’s interest and desire to pursue investments and businesses  Malaysia’s Economic in Malaysia. We note the importance and benefits of the continued engagement Stimulus Package between Malaysia and Taiwan through Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy. MFTC would continue to work closely with all stakeholders in promoting trade and investment  APEC Trade Ministers: cooperation in areas which are mutually beneficial to both Malaysia and Taiwan. Fight Against COVID-19

 National Automative I hope our current edition can provide you a quick information on the latest Policy 2020 development in Malaysia. Lastly, stay safe and healthy.

 Selected News Link and Articles Yours sincerely,

 Activities and Photos Sharon Ho President/Representative  Consular Services offered by MFTC

Dream Now, Travel Later Malaysia’s Economic Stimulus Package

Lost World of Tambun is Malaysia's premiere action and The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on world economic adventure family holiday destination. A wholesome family development. To mitigate the widespread of pandemic, Malaysia implemented the experience awaits everyone Movement Control Order throughout the country, starting 18 Mac until 9 June 2020. behind its majestic walls with Given the uncertainties surrounding the economic impact of COVID-19, Malaysia everything you could possibly introduced a comprehensive stimulus economic package to shore up domestic want from amusement park rides economy. This package encompasses provisions of economic relief/assistance to to eco-adventure thrills! That's not all, Lost World of Tambun is affected income groups, sectors and industries including airlines, transportation, travel, also located in one of Malaysia's retail and SMEs. most historic city, rich with culture and heritage. More than For more details on Malaysia’s Economic Stimulus Package, kindly download the just a themepark, Lost World of Booklet at https://www.treasury.gov.my/pdf/Booklet-PRIHATIN-EN.pdf Tambun is a destination to be visited.

Source: Ministry of Finance, Malaysia

APEC Trade Ministers: Fight Against COVID-19

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade reaffirmed the importance of collaboration at all levels and across the region to hasten fight against COVID-19 and committed to work closely to defeat the pandemic with urgency. APEC Ministers further pledged to facilitate the flow of essential goods and services needed to fight the pandemic, including medicines, medical supplies and Source: Tourism Malaysia equipment, agriculture and food products, and other supplies across borders, and minimize disruptions to the global supply chains.

Full Statement on COVID-19 by APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 5 May 2020 is available at Apec.org

National Automotive Policy

The automotive industry plays a significant role in transforming Malaysia into an industrialised nation, which translate into high-value economic activities, improving standards of living as well as creating higher-paying jobs. The sector creates an important impact on the development of upstream industries, such as steel and chemicals, as well as downstream industries, including IT and maintenance services. More detail is available at MITI website

Art and Culture Selected News Link and Articles

Wau Bulan is an intricately Ports to allow import export activities designed Malaysian moon-kite (normally with floral motifs) that is MIDA HQ Opens Doors on 6 May 2020 to Better Serve Investors and Businesses traditionally flown by men in the BERNAMA - Malaysia’s moves up in latest global talent competitiveness index 2020 Malaysian state of . It is one of Malaysia's national Conditional MCO would help nation, smallholders symbols, some other being the kris and hibiscus. The reverse side of attracts largest FDI in manufacturing sector the fifty-cent coin of Malaysia (1989 series) features an MIDA e-Newsletter: Sailing Together in Rough Weather intricately decorated wau bulan BERNAMA - MOTAC to offer free online course for tourist guides with a hummer on top. The logo of

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is based ONLINE SUMMIT LEVEL MEETING OF THE NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) CONTACT GROUP IN on the wau kucing (cat kite). RESPONSE TO COVID-19 - Press Releases - Portal

There are many types of wau in

Malaysia, each with its own specialty. Wau kucing (cat kite) Some activities organised and attended in January until and wau merak (peacock kite) are May 2020 some of the variants.  January-March, VM2020 Instagram Challenge  9 January, Interview by UFO Radio Station with MFTC President, and Tourism Division, Marketing Executive, Ms. Jarna Lee to promote Visit Malaysia 2020.  23 January, Attended the ceremony of Starlux airlines from Taoyuan International Airport to Penang.  3 , Attended the Welcoming Dinner of Taiwan International Science Fair. A student from Ayer Itam, Paul is participating in this year fair.  18-19 February, Presiden MFTC, Cik Sharon Ho merasmikan Persidangan Antarabangsa Pengajian Alam Melayu (PAPAM) 2020 yang berlangsung di Universiti Feng Chia di Taiwan.  18 February, Visit to Intelligent Manufacturing Pilot Production Site.

 19 February, Engagement with Malaysian Students’ Association for Talent Keris Making in Kelantan Programme in 2020.  20 February, MFTC’s participation in the 2020 New Southbound Market Traditionally, the Keris held such a Economic and Trade Trends Forum. unique bond with its owner that,  24 February, Deliver speech during #MM2H Experience Fair. amazingly, it is said that a  10 March, The Director of Investment’s meeting with representatives from marriage could have been Asia-Pacific Industry Collaboration Office, CNFI, TTRI, IIII, TEEMA, BPIPO and solemnised with the Keris as proxy TIER. in place of its owner. A sultan could  10 March, Meeting with Mr. Richard Lee Tsu-Chin, the Chairman of Taiwan even have sent his Keris along with Electrical and Electronic Manufacturer’s Association (TEEMA). his emissaries as a symbol of  19 March, Meeting with Representative of Telekom Malaysia in Taipei, Ms himself, ensuring respect and that Shelley Wang. his wishes were carried out. Given  23 March, Meeting with Mr. Charles Chai, Gano Excel Biotech International. this incredible bond it was vital  25 March, Meeting with Mr. Joseph Lau, MD of Multi Franchise Group HK, that the carver of the Keris spent a & Taiwan, Ms. Zeline, Head of Finance & Ms. Diana Liang, Head of HR & great amount of time designing it Admin. to specifically match the character  17 April, Courtesy call by Institute for Information Industry (III). of its owner. To create such an  20 April, Courtesy call by Nadi Bumi Director, Dato Jack Koh. item requires immerse skill and  21 April, Visiting to Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI). understandably is said to be the  22 April, Courtesy call by the newly appointed Director of Food and Fertilizer pinnacle item for a Malay carver to Technology Center for the Asian and Pacific Region, Dr. Su-San Chang. produce.  24 April, Participated in the ONLINE - Webinars on the Response to COVID 19 in Taiwan and Smart Healthcare Technology.  30 April, The Director of Investment participated in the webinar session concerning the economic impact of COVID-19 on Global and Countries  1 May, Had a get together with Malaysian students in Taiwan.

Source: Tourism Malaysia

Some photos of the activities and events Handicrafts

Agriculture

Source: Tourism Malaysia

Bridging to the Past: Revisiting Malaysia’s Land of Myths and Legends

Legends and myths exist for a reason. Some may say, it’s just a way for our ancestors to entertain themselves, or it might just be a prank. But there are professionals out there who went all out to bare the secrets of tales and legends. Thanks to them, tourism based on legends, myths and histories emerge. For all I know, myths and legends are here to teach us lessons. Now, I want to revisit the past, the realm that fancy neither gold or silver. Join me in my adventure to uncover the truth. Now, take my hand and let’s cross the bridge to yesterday! Full article is available at Tourism Malaysia Official Blog

Consular Services offered by MFTC

The Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei (Consular Section), provides the following services: • Authentication of documents; • Registration of birth; • Renunciation of Malaysian Citizenship; • Registration of Marriage; • Renunciation of Malaysian Citizenship; • Issuance of letter of good conduct; • Attestation for the signing documents; • Assisting Malaysians involved in sudden situations in Taiwan and deal with Source: Tourism Malaysia Official Blog problems of the general public; • Provide assistance to Malaysians who are detained in detention centers or prisons.

CONTACT DETAILS

Main Office of Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre (MFTC) (President’s Office and Consular & Administrative Affairs) MFTC TEAM Address: 8th Floor, San Ho Plastic Bldg GMT: + 8 hrs Ms. Sharon Ho No.102, Dunhua N. Rd. Working Days: Monday - Friday President/Representative Songshan 10595 Working Hours: 9.00 a.m-5.00 p.m Taipei City Public Holidays: Saturday & Mr. Al Fadil Adam Telephone: +886-2-2713 2626 Sunday Deputy President Fax: +886-2-2514 9864 Email: [email protected] Mrs. Azimah Aziz Website: Director of Tourism https://www.kln.gov.my/web/twn_taipei

Mrs. Syakella Zakaria Director of Investment DIVISIONS UNDER MFTC Trade Division Investment Division Mrs. Saudah Mat Isa (also known as MATRADE Taipei) (also known as MIDA Taipei) Director of Trade Address: Room D, 10F Hung Kuo Building Address: 12F, Suite A, Hung Kuo

167 Dunhua North Road Building Mr. Amirrulamri Yahaya Taipei, Taiwan No. 167, Dunhua North Road Director of General Affairs Telephone : +886-2-2545 2260 Taipei, 105, Taiwan Fax : +886-2-2718 1877 Telephone : +886-2-2713 5020 / Mr. Azmir Suzli Ibrahim E-mail : [email protected] 2718 6094 Manager Fax : +886-2-2514 7581 E-mail: [email protected] Ms. Ling Ling Boon Long Assist. Director of Visa I Tourism Division Visa Division (also known as Tourism Malaysia Taipei) Mrs. Haslinna Abdul Karim Address: 12F, Bank Tower Assist. Director of Visa II Address: Suite C, 8th Floor No. 205, Room 1208 Hung Tai Centre Dunhua North Road No. 170, Dunhua North Road Taipei, Taiwan Taipei, Taiwan Telephone : +886-2-2716 7580/ Telephone: +886-2-2514 9704/ 2716 7075 2514 9734 Fax : +886-2-2716 7490 Fax : +886-2-2514 9973 E-mail:[email protected] E-mail : [email protected] Malaysia Visa One Stop Centre Room H, 5 Floor No. 168, Dunhua North Road Taipei, Taiwan Email: [email protected] Helpline: +886-2-8770 6160

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