SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT AUGUST 31, 2020

design by Tim borith MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com ‘We care, we share’ our climb will be steep and we may not get there soon, but I promise you that as a team we will get there one day. We can and we will get through this! When we are facing a grave situation like Covid-19, we should support each other, and as well as our fellow , we have not forgotten local communities. It heartens me that the embassy’s “We Care, We Share” initiative has managed to reach out and help many Cambodians too. In addition, “We Care, We Share” reso- y fellow Malaysians, nates well with this year’s national day today, on August 31, we theme. are celebrating our 63rd Thus, I am pleased that many Malaysians national day and the an- have come on board and stepped in to niversary of the estab- be part of this noble programme to assist lishmentM of diplomatic relations between those in great need. and the Kingdom of Cambodia. We also continue to engage our Cambo- Let us recall that historic day when our dian friends through our Malaysian techni- first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman cal and defence cooperation programmes hailed the word – “independence” and alumni. – seven times before reading out the 1957 Such engagements have provided op- Proclamation of Independence in front of portunities for me to keep abreast of the thousands of Malaysians. alumni’s progress as they are now officially As well as celebrating our indepen- members of “Friends of Malaysia”. dence, we also commemorate those who This year has also witnessed a series of have made sacrifices to secure peace and repatriation flights managed by my team HE Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Cambodia. harmony for our beloved nation. that saw more than 500 Malaysians return We celebrate this year’s national day home safely. Even though we are not able to cel- Finally, I would also like to wish under the theme “Malaysia Prihatin” – This will not be the end of our work. ebrate this momentous event as usual, it Selamat Menyambut Hari Kebangsaan “Malaysia Cares” – and in the midst of There will be many more who will need should not be a reason for us not to enjoy, to all Malaysians in Cambodia. the Covid-19 pandemic the importance of help – and we will be there for them. embrace and further promote our society, Let’s remember how grateful we are unity has never been more And now is the moment for us to dem- our harmony and our patriotism, and to have Malaysia as our home. paramount. onstrate our undying patriotic spirit, pride uphold the agenda of nation building. Everything from its melting pot While battling this and love for Malaysia. What makes this year’s national day of cultures, multi-ethnicity, diverse common enemy, we must My team and I fly the flag of Malaysia even more special and exciting is that 63 heritage, multiple languages and continue moving forward – the Jalur Gemilang – all around Malaysians – to emphasise the 63rd birth- exciting food have become an and working together for the embassy, and I would like to day of our nation – from all walks of life integral part of our society. development based on the encourage all Malaysians in in Phnom Penh will have come together And last but by no means least, please strength of our solidarity. the Kingdom to do the on Sunday as a nation in a foreign land to stay safe, and together let’s march to We will need this unity same – let’s fly our pedal their bikes and ride their motorcycles victory in our Covid-19 battle! and solidarity more than Jalur Gemilang on a “Merdeka Ride” to pay tribute to all Thank you, God bless you, and ever. high! those who have fought for us against all may God bless our “Malaysia Prihatin” Let us strengthen our odds. initiative. resolve so that we can So I would like to take the opportunity achieve all our goals so we to thank my fellow Malaysians for their HE Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, can achieve greatness. The strong support for having made this event Ambassador of Malaysia to the road ahead will be long, so successful. Kingdom of Cambodia. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com All-weather friendship blooms

s 63 years of inde- pendence and the opening of diplomat- ic ties with the King- Adom are marked, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia HE Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim shares with The Post his views on the flourishing relations between the two nations.

Q What are the main priority areas that will be given preference to enhance bilateral relations between both nations?

One of my main priorities is of course to assist fellow Malaysians in Cambodia, including helping further their business interests here. Helping Malaysians establish a bigger business footprint in the King- dom will help enhance our ties with Cambodia. My other priority is to continue engaging closely with all cabinet ministers, senior ministers, members of parlia- ment, local authorities and key Cambodian figures to main- tain our existing cooperation, while exploring other areas of mutual interest such as tele- communications, finance and banking, cyber security, sport and tourism. In view of the Covid-19 re- strictions, I intend to keep the momentum going by utilising information technology such Eldeen (left) makes a courtesy call to Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Peace Palace on July 4, 2019. Ministry of Information as Zoom and social media, as well as organising gatherings in to better two-way ties? build further by the end of this and other possible link ups we definitely would not have developing its halal sector. We and events on a much smaller As mentioned before, our year with the ASEM [Asia-Eu- between our governments’ key come this far. Our two govern- have been working together scale. relations are already at an rope Meeting], but the Covid- people and organisations. ments did their fair share by since 2016 to realise this excellent level. I wouldn’t 19 outbreak changed that. That is why I am scheduled facilitating, promoting and aspiration. Malaysia and Cambodia say there was a need for However, I am certain to visit a number of provinces, encouraging business link-ups, Cambodia has certainly Q have enjoyed solid bilateral improvements, but rather for the world will address the such as Preah Sihanouk, Bat- but it’s our business people shown significant progress in relations. How do you rate the us to think innovatively and pandemic eventually and the tambang, Banteay Meanchey who actually got down and building up the needed SOP level of ties so far, both in terms do more to capitalise on our momentum of our two-way and Ratanakkiri, to explore made deals happen. [standard operating proce- of people-to-people ties and excellent state of relations. relations will build again. more possible link-ups. Our excellent state of trade dures] for halal certification. from trade and investment Among the things we need Another aspect that I wish to relations wouldn’t have been I am confident of Cam- perspectives? to look into is to promote more enhance are linkages between What is the current status possible without the commit- bodia’s potential as a halal Q exchanges of visits by our our key agencies. For example, of the Double Taxation ment and dedication of both hub – it has a young Muslim Having been in Cambodia senior officials and ministers. I want to engineer closer links Avoidance (DTA) agreement? our private and public sectors. demographic, it is strategi- for just over a year now, I We had built up good between military, trade and However, trade from January cally located in Indochina and would summarise our relations momentum in 2019 pursuant investment agencies, our agen- The signing of the DTA until June this year decreased Asean, and there is clear desire as Malaysia and the Kingdom to our head of government’s cies specialising in economic agreement on September 3 last 46 per cent compared to the and commitment by the Cam- having collectively built up official visit in September that transformation, our respective year, during the official visit same period in 2019. This bodian government to develop excellent bilateral ties. We now year. This had looked set to institutes on foreign relations, of the then Prime Minister year’s lower figures are due to the Kingdom’s halal sector. have a solid platform on which to the the challenges brought about to continue helping each other Kingdom was a watershed by Covid-19. The Covid-19 pandemic has Q to achieve further greatness. event. If it wasn’t for Covid, our created unprecedented I am upbeat because you It was one of those mile- trade links would probably levels of challenges – in the just need to look at the figures stones that signified an eleva- have continued on their upward cross-border movement of – we are among the top inves- tion of our bilateral ties. trajectory. That’s why I am con- people, the suspension of flights tors in the Kingdom, while The DTA agreement is one fident the numbers will increase and a slowdown of businesses. bilateral trade and other statis- of the most essential bilateral again by next year or even How have both nations been tics such as tourism numbers agreements. The provisions earlier as the pandemic clears. addressing these issues? have seen upward trajectories contained therein will go a over recent years. long way in encouraging How is bilateral tourism We should be glad and Q In terms of people linkages, greater commerce and easing progressing? thankful that our governments it is clear that our people pos- the process of conducting With regard to bilat- have been very proactive, and sess the same qualities, such business between Malaysia eral tourism, the exchange this has allowed our countries as perseverance, patience and and Cambodia. of tourist visits between our to largely halt the spread of the tendency to work hard. Regarding ratification, I two countries before Covid Covid-19. However, we must We also share some common have reminded the relevant has continued to rise, but bear in mind that the fight is history. These are some of the Malaysian authorities to ad- again this year’s figures have far from over. many reasons why Malaysians dress the issue accordingly and decreased quite substantially Resolving this requires and Cambodians interact so in an expeditious manner. because of the pandemic. a multi-pronged approach well together. The tourism sector has been by governments. There are Having our ties in an excel- Bilateral trade is on an one of the hardest hit sectors mechanisms at the Asean and Q lent state does not mean we upward trajectory. What is for many countries. However, bilateral levels, as well as pos- can now rest easy – there is driving the trade segment and is once Covid clears, I foresee a sible arrangements involving always a higher level of coop- private sector participation rise in the number of tourist two or three countries. eration to aim for and there is contributing to the growth? exchanges between Malaysia The Covid-19 situation is potential synergy in other as and Cambodia as there is a lot something that none of us has of yet unexplored areas. Plus, Malaysia-Cambodia trade of desire there. been through before. An un- with the Covid-19 outbreak, over the years has continued precedented challenge like this we must work even closer to its positive momentum. Total Can Malaysia use requires unprecedented steps. Q address this challenge and bilateral trade for last year Cambodia as a gateway to Due to the novelty of Covid- ensure our economies remain stood at $767.3 million. This export halal food into the 19, these mechanisms will on a firm footing. was a healthy 37 per cent in- European market? need to be flexible and fluid crease on the previous year. in order to stem the tide of the In which areas if any could Without the active partici- Malaysia has already com- virus while continuing to sup- Q both governments improve Ambassador Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim. pation of our private sector, mitted its support to Cambodia port our economies. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com Long haul leads to ‘the pot of gold’

resident of the Malaysian bodia. Today there are more than six. these are now headed by Cambodians. Business Chamber of Cambodia Another case in point is the banking This itself is a great example of Ma- (MBCC) Teh Sing, who arrived industry. While in 1993 there were less laysians exporting their expertise. in Phnom Penh in the early than 10 commercial banks, this has bal- 1990s,P has witnessed a firsthand the looned to 51 today. Could you share how Malaysia- Q transformation of the Kingdom – from Cambodia trade relations are a struggling post-conflict nation into a An estimated 800 Malaysian evolving, especially at the private sector Q sizzling economy in Asean. In an inter- companies, both large and small, are level? view with The Post, the veteran busi- currently operating in Cambodia, nessman shares a glimpse of the exciting supported by some 3,000 Malaysians resid- Malaysia was the largest inves- journey that is Malaysians’ contribution ing here. What is driving Malaysian tor here for more than a decade until to the Cambodian economy. companies to venture into the Kingdom? being overtaken by China. Malaysian businesses are well recognised by the How has the MBCC contributed to the It started with our former Malaysian Cambodian government as well as the Q development of the business sector Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad Cambodian business community here. in the Kingdom? who introduced the “Prosper Thy The good trade relations between us Neighbours Policy” when he led the can only improve as we currently have a The MBCC operates as a non-profit first group of Malaysian investors to very active Malaysian Ambassador [El- association and in a non-political man- Cambodia. deen Husaini], who goes the extra mile ner. Our main objective is promoting Further with the Cambodian govern- to further strengthen this relationship. and encouraging Malaysian businesses ment’s pro-business investment policies, to establish and maintain the highest many new Malaysian businesses were The “Double Taxation Avoidance” Q standards of business, management and attracted to invest in Cambodia. agreement is still on the table. When professional practice in order to upkeep do you think this will materalise and how the image of Malaysia. A new phenomenon is also visible – a important is it for the Malaysian business Q In addition, we provide a forum for new generation of young Malaysians community? monthly meetings, discussions and are entering cutting edge businesses, from interaction for Malaysian businesses fintech and digital technology to profes- It is definitely very important and government personnel in Cam- sional services. How do you view this and helpful for our Malaysian bodia. MBCC continues to encourage growing trend? business community here. However, Malaysian investment in Cambodia and Greater growth for sure! with a new Malaysian government foster good relations with the business formed in March this year, I am in no community in the Kingdom. Many Malaysians are helming top position to speculate as to when this Q positions in Cambodian and will materalise. Q How has the business landscape international companies, especially in the changed in Cambodia since the MBCC banking and finance sector. Are Malaysians Q What advice do you have for budding started operations in February 1993? exporting their expertise? Malaysian entrepreneurs on this 63rd National Day of Malaysia? The business landscape has grown ex- With regards to the banking and ponentially since 1993. A case in point finance sector, Campu Bank [Cambodian Having been here since 1992, my is that of the beer business. In 1993 Public Bank] was the first Malaysian advice is that if you come here for the Cambrew Limited, a Malaysian com- bank in Cambodia in 1992. It started with long haul, you will definitely find the pany, operated the only brewery in Cam- only one branch and today has 31, and pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia president Teh Sing. supplied MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com Close ties, thriving trade

$600 $767million million Total bilateral trade Malaysia’s exports to (2019) Cambodia (2019)

Exports to Cambodia 2019 Exports to Malaysia 2019

Petroleum products Textiles, apparel & footwear

million million $225 $80 Malaysia established diplomatic ties with Cambodia on August 31, 1957. Textiles, apparel & footwear Other manufactured products

$88 million $9 million

Processed food products Palm oil & palm oil-based products Mamak’s Corner – the oldest million million Malaysian restaurant in Cambodia – $49 $31 started delighting customers back in the 1990s. Chemicals & chemical Natural rubber products Cambodian Public Bank – the first Malaysian million million bank in the Kingdom – $36 $14 was established in 1992.

Transport equipment Other agriculture products

$31 million $31 million MBCC was set up in February 1993. Source: Multiple agencies Graphics by Tim Borith MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com Pestech powering the Kingdom ambodia’s first “More than 60 per cent of and no less than five substa- publicly listed power Pestech’s human resources are tion systems, including the key infrastructure Cambodian nationals, includ- 500kV transmission system company is rolling ing those involved in the from Sihanoukville to Bekchan Cout its transfer of technology design, engineering and ac- in Kandal province. initiatives – as well as lighting counts departments,” Pestech Some 515km of transmis- up the Kingdom. International group CEO Lim sion line have already been Malaysian-owned Pestech Pay Chuan told The Post. completed. (Cambodia) has for a decade Pestech’s technical team is “These projects are part of been powering rural areas, able to operate independently the overall national power nurturing local talent in the in transmission line-related grid development programme power industry and contribut- engineering capabilities, that aims to improve access to ing to the growing domestic particularly pertaining to de- electricity for rural and urban electricity sector. signing pylons, planning trans- requirements, including the “Since day one, Pestech has mission line routes, conductor much needed support of busi- been committed to building stringing and cross-river line ness and economic develop- up local talent and domestic engineering. ment through the enhancement technical know-how to pro- The company is currently of the living standards of the mote independent operational involved in building around rural population in particular. activities in the company. 850km of transmission lines “A good example would be the bringing of reliable and stable power supply to Kampong Cham and Kratie provinces, where more busi- ness activities have since been established, including hotels, eateries and financial institu- Pestech International Group CEO Lim Pay Chuan. tions,” Lim said. Pestech was listed on the an important role in this fast renovated schools. ever-growing demand for Cambodia Securities Exchange growing economy by providing “We have also taken part in electricity as urban house- in August, with the funds the much needed infrastructure Red Cross annual fundraising holds’ incomes rise and indus- raised to be used for the ongo- that underlies the social and campaigns and other corporate tries continue to advance. ing projects and as working economic growth of Cambodia social responsibility pro- “It is evidenced that the capital. by bringing electricity to fuel grammes in Cambodia,” Lim country is consuming increas- “The building up of reliable the growth,” Lim said. said. ing amounts of electricity power infrastructure is the Pestech has also run people- The power infrastructure in line with its stable GDP base on which to fuel the eco- centric programmes to reach builder’s net assets have grown growth over the past decade. nomic growth of Cambodia. out to local communities. from around $400,000 in 2010 “Pestech is committed as Industrial and social develop- “We have been consistently to some $14 million last year. Cambodia’s first listed power ment depend significantly on supporting the welfare of the A robust and reliable power infrastructure company to the availability of a stable communities where we work. infrastructure is vital to fuel developing such an important power supply to generate We have provided complimen- a country’s economic growth sector and the local expertise sustainable growth. tary medical camps and youth – particularly in the case of to operate and maintain it,” “The power sector is playing development programmes, and Cambodia where there is an Lim said. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com With events, Malaysia shows it cares

Demonstrating that it cares, the Embassy of Malaysia in Phnom Penh carries out numerous activities that capture the headlines. Members of the embassy have been involved in undertakings ranging from donating provisions to religious communities under the “We Care, We Share” initiative and repatriating Malaysians stranded in Cambodia during the Covid-19 outbreak, to organising sporting events and celebrating a wide range of Malaysian festivals. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020 | www.phnompenhpost.com