I am proud of our Chamber is publishing its second issue of the directory. As a relatively new chamber, we have tried our best to make our presence felt in Thailand and offer whatever assistance possible to the Malaysian business interest in Thailand.
Some of key events organized by the Chamber include a networking dinner with H.E. Dato Seri Rafidah Aziz the Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry on 17th June 2004, and a farewell dinner for our patron, the Ambassador of Malaysia Dato’ Syed Norulzaman on 1st December 2004. The Board of Directors were kept busy the whole of last year carrying out the various activities within their portfolio. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the directors for their dedication, time and effort in supporting me and also in organizing the many activities of the Chamber.
Whilst the Asian economy, especially Thailand, has been strong, several significant events such as the bird flu and the more recent "Tsunami" impacted negatively on the whole region and the growth rate. It is unfortunate that such events occurred thereby causing hardships and miseries to those affected including loss of many lives.
In Malaysia, we see a new leader H.E. Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi as the Prime Minister of Malaysia receiving the baton from our well-known former Prime Minister of Malaysia and Statesman Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. H.E. Datuk Seri Abdullah has taken over the role in his stride and positioned Malaysia to higher level of political stability, global recognition and steady economic growth. Malaysia is blessed to have such a smooth hand over of power, which is again good for the ASEAN region as a whole.
A country can only be as good as its people. Similarly a chamber is only good as its members. Hence, I hope that all members of MTCC will support the chamber by being more active by participating in its activities and recruiting new members.
Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan
Chairman of the Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce
