The MGCC® Podcast

Digital Nomads have recently boomed due to the after-effects of the pandemic and there’s no denying that more people are looking into adapting to a more travel-centric work environment. We took this opportunity to talk to MDEC’s Arifah Sharifuddin about Malaysia's DE Rantau visa for those in the IT sector who will be able to capitalise on this current trend and help rebuild the nation's travel sector.

With the recent MGCC Annual Industry Outlook in the hydrogen industry, many of us are left wanting to know more about the future of the industry in the nation.With that, we invited the head of Clean Hydrogen for the APAC region in Linde, Qian Wen-Bin, to join us in this episode of Malaysian Business Guide to help further elaborate on hydrogen's role, security concerns as well as why it is described as the fuel of the future.

Starting a business isn't always a walk in the park, anything can happen anytime with or without warning. In this episode of the Shortcast, we reached out to some staff and members of MGCC to share their business horror stories and what they had to experience when working with businesses across and even abroad.

 Für viele Deutsche Unternehmen ist Malaysia noch immer ein unbekannter Geheimtipp im Fernen Osten. Anders als in vielen Nachbarländern macht Malaysia eine Unternehmensgründung für Ausländer jedoch relativ einfach. Neben der AHK Malaysia hilft u. a. auch die Malaysian Investment Development Agency MIDA deutschen Unternehmen bei der Ansiedlung in Malaysia und das mit zwei eigenen Büros in Frankfurt und München. Daher sprechen wir heute mit Herrn Nils Wolters, Investment Officer von MIDA in Frankfurt über die jeweiligen Schritte, die ein Unternehmen gehen muss bei der Gründung in Malaysia. Wenn Sie weitere Fragen zu Malaysia haben bzw. Interesse haben, in Malaysia zu investieren, schicken Sie bitte an Nils Wolters von MIDA nils@mida.gov.my oder an Sebastian Kirsch von der AHK Malaysia sebastian.kirsch@malaysia.ahk.de eine E-Mail. #Malaysia #AHK #MIDA #ASEAN #GründunginAsien      Here are the questions in the Podcast with time code:  Was ist ein Investment Officer und wie kommst du dazu für die Malaysische Regierung zu arbeiten? 01:31 Wo liegen die Aufgaben MIDAs? 02:48Als deutsches Unternehmen, das überlegt in Malaysia zu investieren, an wen kann ich mich wenden, um gute, zuverlässige und konkrete Informationen zu erhalten? 06:10 Kluge Unternehmen schaue nach Incentives. Viele Länder bieten Anreize, um Unternehmen in ihr Land zu holen. Bietet Malaysia die auch und wo kann ich herausfinden, ob ich dafür in Frage komme? 08:04Ok, ich habe meine Entscheidung getroffen. Ich möchte in den malaysischen Markt eintreten, bin mir aber nicht sicher, ob ich sofort ein Unternehmen gründen möchte, da dies eine monatliche Buchführung, Steuern und eine jährliche Prüfung erfordern würde. Welche Möglichkeiten habe ich? 10:30 Welche Rechtsformen gibt es in Malaysia, für welche Branchen / Unternehmen sind die geeignet und ganz wichtig – Kann ich die als Ausländer zu 100% besitzen? 12:47 Jetzt habe ich in Malaysia die Firma gegründet, aber für meine Tätigkeit benötige ich eine Geschäftslizenz. Was ist das für eine Lizenz und wie läuft das Verfahren ab? 14:28 Je nach meinem Geschäft brauch ich Fabrikgelände, Lagerhäuser und Büros. Sind diese reichlich vorhanden und kann ich als ausländisches Unternehmen Land besitzen? Wie sind hier die Kosten? 15:38 In welchen Regionen Malaysias investieren ausländische Investoren bevorzugt in Malaysia und warum? 17:55 Wie lange dauert es, alle Genehmigungen zu erhalten, wenn ich eine Fabrik von Grund auf neu bauen möchte? 19:25 Ok. Ich habe jetzt alle Lizenzen und meine Fabrik oder mein Büro wird bald fertig sein. Ich brauche Personal. Aber ich brauche einige ausländische Experten oder Manager oder auch Ingenieure. Wie schwierig ist es, eine Arbeitserlaubnis für diese zu bekommen? Wo kann MIDA Unterstützung leisten? 20:18Wie sieht es mit malaysischen Personal aus? Ich habe gehört, dass es heutzutage vor allem in Penang im Norden schwierig ist, aufgrund der hohen Nachfrage  qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte zu finden. Wie hoch ist das durchschnittliche Niveau der Fachkräfte in Malaysia, und kann ich trotzdem problemlos ausländische Arbeitskräfte einstellen, wenn ich nicht genügend einheimische Talente finde? 22:12 Ein Thema was in Asien leider ein Thema ist, ist Korruption. Kann ich Geschäfte machen, Ausschreibungen gewinnen oder mich an Verträgen beteiligen, ohne inoffizielle Zusatzgebühren zahlen zu müssen? 24:53 Und zu guter Letzt. Welche vier Tipps hat MIDA für ausländische Investoren in Malaysia? 25:53

The war in Ukraine has caused sanctions on Russia which have a great impact not only on the Russian economy but the whole world. Although geographically thousands of kilometres away, these impacts are also felt in Malaysia. Chambers of commerce monitor these impacts and in today's episode, we talk with MGCC's Executive Director Daniel Benbeck about these economic consequences here in Malaysia.  #Ukraine #Malaysia #Palmoil #RussiatradeTo support Ukraine, our colleagues from the AHK Ukraine ask for donations to:Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V.,BIC: BFSWDE33XXXIBAN: DE94 3702 0500 0433 0433 00Bank für SozialwirtschaftRefference: SupportUkraineMore information here: https://www.johanniter.de/spenden-stiften/ukraine/?utm_campaign=ukraine&utm_content=auslandshilfe&utm_medium=redirect&utm_source=otherFollow the link to also listen to the German ambassador to Malaysia talking about the Ukraine conflict on BFM Radio. https://www.bfm.my/podcast/evening-edition/evening-edition/france-and-germanys-response-to-ukraine-russia-conflict  Here are the questions in the Podcast with time code:Germany along with many other western countries has imposed sanctions on Russia for their invasion of Ukraine. Can you summarise some of the most important ones? 01:55 So far this is a European conflict but did Malaysia and other ASEAN countries also impose sanctions on Russia? 05:07 From Malaysia, Russia is far away. At first glance, there is not much that comes to mind that Russia might export to Malaysia. How are the Russian-Malaysian trade relations? 07:15 As a result of the sanctions, Oil and Gas prices are soaring. Malaysia itself is an oil and gas producing nation. Is the Malaysian Oil and Gas industry now profiting from the sanctions? 10:42 Russia, Ukraine and Malaysia are all exporters of certain commodities. Have you noticed any changes here? 14:03 Rising inflation has been a major topic in the US, Germany and other countries even before the war. How is the situation in Malaysia? 19:08 It is likely that the sanction on Russia will last long which will cause German investment to leave Russia. Is Southeast Asia an alternative for those investments? 21:03 Are there any other economic effects you’ve noticed in Malaysia so far since the war in Ukraine started? 23:56MGCC is part of the global AHK network of German chambers of commerce abroad. There are also German chambers of commerce in the Ukraine and Russia. Have you been in touch with your colleagues there? 26:01

MGCC is not only supporting German companies coming to Malaysia but also offers services for companies that are already established in the country. With its extensive memberbase and associates, MGCC provides a huge network beneficial to all its members. In this podcast episode, we discuss how the chamber life looks like. And who better to talk to than the Head of MGCC's Communications & Membership Services Department Sabine Franze. #AHK #malaysia #PartnerInMalaysia #asia #asean #ChamberofCommerceIf you are interested in a particular question please find here the questions with their time code for you to jump directly.  In Germany, most people have rudimentary knowledge about what chambers of commerce do since every business needs to be a member of a local chamber of commerce or crafts. But here in Malaysia, it’s a bit different. How would you briefly describe what a chamber of commerce is? 01:36There are two dimensions on how MGCC supports companies. One is that we support German and other foreign companies who are interested in the Malaysian market to do business here and the other dimension is that we provide a network for companies who are already in Malaysia. Can you go in into detail on what that looks like? 02:45  One benefit we offer is the opportunity of networking via our events. But not everyone fully understands the value of networking because sometimes it is hard to relate this to direct sales. But networking is a powerful business skill, right?  04:32Without mentioning names, can you name an example where our members did business together?  06:23What are the most common requests made from MGCC members? 07:12What events does MGCC offer? 08:43 In all of your almost 8 years at MGCC what are your most memorable events? 11:12 We also corporate with other bilateral chambers from time to time. Do you have some examples? 13:50There is also our Members4Members programme. What is this all about? 14:58Will we be able to help members who need advice on industries outside of Malaysia and Germany? 16:43Are there any other benefits you would like to emphasise? 17:26  From your perspective. Are there any additional services provided to members that most of the current members are not fully utilising? 18:25

The pandemic has forced many companies to adopt digital processes much faster. For many "going digital" is no longer just an option anymore.  At the forefront of the digital transformation in Malaysia are agencies like MDEC or Digital Penang.  Especially Penang is very active and attracted companies like Facebook. With its Digital Masterplan, Digital Penang aims to support companies adopting digital technology. In this episode, we talk with Tony Yeoh CEO of Digital Penang about the current developments in Penang. Here is the link to Digital Penang's Digital Transformation Masterplan 1.0: https://digitalpenang.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/DTMPBooklet.pdf  #Penang #malaysia #digitaltransformation #asia #asean #ahk #industry4.0 #DigitalisationIf you are interested in a particular question please find here the questions with their time code for you to jump directly.  Please tell our listeners the purpose of Digital Penang and what the Penang 2030 initiative is about? 01:23What does Digital Transformation mean to you and Digital Penang? 02:17  How is the ecosystem in Penang and what are the key industries in Penang?  02:54This year you introduced your Digital Transformation Masterplan 1.0. It is a very comprehensive plan. Can you elaborate on the key points of the plan?  04:26You currently have a campaign called “Penang SME Go Digital”. Can you let us know what this is about? 05:53Along with Digital Penang, there are also other Malaysian Agencies like the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation MDEC or Agencies from other states like Digital Johor. How do you cooperate with them? 06:52 What type of companies and entrepreneurs should be interested in Penang and what advantages do they get when settling there? 07:37 What is your view on the current status of Industry 4.0 in Penang and Malaysia? 09:13Are there any incentives Malaysia provides? 11:03There is also Facebook in Penang? 11:32Together with us the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry you are currently working on an upcoming project, called the Automation Valley Malaysia. Without telling too much, can you tell us a bit what this is about? 12:16  How is it to live on Penang Island? 13:17 

Over the years, MGCC has been able to assist in a number of fraud cases involving scamming activities in Malaysia and Germany. In this episode, we discuss the most common fraud cases, what are the red flags to be aware of, and why you should never believe an email from a foreign prince. Hear from Dr Eva Langerbeck, Head of Corporate Service Department, what can be done to minimize the risk of being scammed, and how MGCC is able to assist when you are in trouble. 

International supply chains often rely on Free Trade Zones to ensure products can move freely, fast and be cost-effective. Malaysia has more than 30 of these Free Trade Zones with one of the biggest in the South Malaysian Sea being the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Johor.  To talk about the role and benefit of these Free Trade Zones, we speak with the CEO of Port Tanjung Pelepas, Mr Marco Neelsen. #seatrade #malaysia #freetradezone #asia #asean #ahk #seaportIf you are interested in a particular question please find here the questions with their time code for you to jump directly.  What is a free trade zone?  01:24 What’s the difference between a free trade zone and a free Industrial Zone?  02:43 Where in Malaysia can you find such free trade zones?  04:02Free trade zones are particularly interesting for which type of companies? 05:02Can you elaborate more about the particular advantages of free trade zones in Malaysia? 05:54What about the disadvantages?  09:57 You are the CEO of PTP which developed into one of the busiest seaports worldwide in the last years. PTP has its own free trade zone. How did this come about? 11:33 How are the latest developments in your free trade zone? 15:22Are free trade zones in high demand in Malaysia and is it easy to set up in a free trade zone? 18:19  In close proximity to PTP are the free trade zones of Singapore and Batam, Indonesia. Why should companies set up their operation in a Malaysian free trade zone? 20:09Since the Port of Jurong in Singapore is within eyesight of PTP, how is the relationship between you and your competition in Singapore? 22:52 

In Germany, the local chambers of commerce and crafts play an important role in organizing supporting local businesses. In Malaysia, chambers of commerce are a concept many people are not familiar with. Also, Germans in Malaysia are not aware of the tasks the international chambers of commerce have here. In this episode, we talk with the CEO of MGCC Mr Daniel Bernbeck to explain the origin of the German chamber of commerce system and how it is structured. Then we explain how the Malaysian chamber of commerce landscape looks like.   #chamberofcommerce #malaysia #ihk #asia #asean #ahkIf you are interested in a particular topic please find here the questions with their time code for you to jump directly.  What is a chamber of commerce?  01:25The German chamber system has quite a long tradition. Can you tell us a bit about the history and its structure?  03:42 What are the main tasks of Chambers of Commerce today? 09:19Is MGCC the only official representative of the German economy in Malaysia? 13:30The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce is part of the global network of German chambers AHK. Do all nations have a Chamber network? 17:50Not every German AHK is the same. The AHKs operate as Chambers of Commerce and as Delegations. For example, the AHKs in Russia or in Sri Lanka are Delegations of the German Economy. What is the difference? 20:15Here in Malaysia MGCC is the largest European chamber of commerce. There are quite a few Chambers of Commerce active here. Can you tell us a bit about the International Chamber of Commerce structure in Malaysia? 23:35 Germany being part of the EU, how is the cooperation with the other European chambers? 29:51What are the main benefits companies have when joining a Chamber of Commerce? 31:53 How do Chambers of Commerce finance themselves? 34:13The MGCC office is located in KL but are there also representations from MGCC or other chambers or business associations in other states of Malaysia? 36:15  

Are you interested in Malaysia's general taxation system? Then the latest episode of the Malaysian Business Guide is just for you. Our Head of accounting, Mr Seng Ngiap Tan answers the most frequent questions people have about the Malaysian Tax system. #taxes #malaysia #investmalaysia #asia #aseanIf you are interested in a particular topic please find here the questions with their time code for you to jump directly.  Is Malaysia a tax paradise? 01:39 There is a difference between on- and offshore Malaysia when it comes to taxation. Please explain.  02:12 Is Labuan a tax haven if you set up your Regional office there? 04:02What are the most important taxes in Malaysia that Investors need to know? 04:57How does Transfer pricing work? 05:33 What is LHDN? 07:45Does reverse charge apply to Malaysia? 08:15 What is the difference between a regional office and a common private limited in terms of taxation? 08:48Do I have to pay taxes in Malaysia and will they find out if I don’t pay taxes? 10:32 There is stamp duty in Malaysia. What is this about? 12:02How do I get taxed, when I’m only in Malaysia for a short project? 12:42 Do I have to do something when I arrive in Malaysia as a foreigner in regards to my taxation? 13:06Let’s say my company is not registered in Malaysia but I will install a machine in the country. Do I have to pay any taxes? 15:33 Can the chamber of commerce support you with your taxes? 18:09If I own property in Malaysia, do I have to pay taxes? 18:32If I sell property are there taxes? 19:07 Besides income tax how high is the employer portion for statutory contribution? 20:22What is EIS? 22:41Can I contribute to the Malaysian pension fund as a foreigner? 23:02What is the difference between the Goods and Service Tax GST and the Sales and Service Tax SST? 25:44

Germany is known for having a highly skilled labour force which is based on its famous dual education system. Although Malaysia has a competent workforce MGCC with its GDVT programme is implementing the German system here in Malaysia to further improve the quality of the workers. In this month’s podcast episode of the Malaysian Business Guide, we talk about the current status of vocational training in Malaysia and how GDVT works. #vocationaltraining #GDVT #Malaysia #workforce #education #PartnerInMalaysia #AHK #MGCCPodcast #PodcastMalaysia Here are the time codes for the questions in the episode. 1. What is vocational training? 02:03    2. How is the current situation in Malaysia and what is TVET?  02:263. As an investor setting up my facilities do I find enough skilled workers and is there an over or undersupply in certain professions?  03:124. Germany is very proud of its vocational Training the so-called “duales Bildungssystem” or the dual education system which produces a highly skilled labour force. How does the Malaysian system compare to the German one and the other systems in Southeast Asia? 05:145. MGCC is implementing the German system in Malaysia with its German Dual Vocational Training GDVT. Can you explain what GDVT is? 06:356. As an employer or as a student how can I sign up for a GDVT and how long does the programme run? 08:187. Michelle you yourself were once a GDVT student. Tell us a bit about your experience? 09:538. We are not a German company nor a member of MGCC. Can we still apply for the GDVT programme?  11:069. How many companies are currently active in the programme and how many students have graduated under GDVT?  11:3010. Is GDVT recognized by the Malaysian government? 12:1911. The former Prime Minister Mahathir praised the German system as a role model for Malaysia. How is GDVT cooperating with Malaysia? 12:5012. Let’s say I’m an employer and want to implement German standards but you don’t offer the courses. Will you accommodate my course anyway? 14:0813. What are the popular professions in GDVT and in general in the Malaysian TVET system?  14:5514. While being a vocational student in Germany is a well-respected education in Malaysia, we face the challenge that in Malaysia a university degree is seen in much higher regard. What are the advantages of German Dual Vocational Training in Malaysia? 15:20

Travelling is one of the major restriction the world is facing during the pandemic. While social and leisure travel in and out of Malaysia is banned there are ways for business travellers to come in and out. In the first episode of our brand new podcast format the Malaysian Business Guide we discuss business travel in and out of Malaysia with our very own experts at MGCC Dr Eva Langerbeck and Fairuz Razak who deal with entry permits on a daily basis. Get all the important information and find out whether you are eligible to enter or leave Malaysia. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in late May 2021. All the information given in this episode depending on the current COVID situation in Malaysia might not be relevant when you listen to it months or weeks later. Here are the time codes for the questions in the episode. 1. What is the current travel status in Malaysia? 02:40    2. What are the differences between Business, Work, Social and Leisure travel? 03:013. What proof do you need to be categorized as a business traveller? 03:464. Which nationalities can come in? 05:595. Independent from the nationality, does the country matter from which my travel originated? 06:316. What happens if my travel date changes? 07:507. Does my vaccination status make a difference? 08:368. Is there a quarantine when I arrive in Malaysia? 08:559. Do I have to pay for the quarantine? 09:4110. How long can I stay in Malaysia? 10:3511. Do I need travel insurance in Malaysia? 11:1012. Where do I apply for the entry permit as a business traveller? 11:2413. What happens on arrival in Malaysia? 11:5014. Can I change my travel schedule once I'm in the country? 13:0715. Can I move freely within Malaysia? 13:3616. Is there a difference between Malaysians and foreigners when leaving Malaysia? 14:0117. How is the procedure for business travellers holding a Malaysian passport? 16:0218. How is it for foreigners? Can I return to Malaysia once I'm out? 16:2819. Can I leave Malaysia to get vaccinated and do I have to notify the Malaysian authorities when I return? 17:4920. Is there a quarantine as well when I return? 18:2521. Once I got the travel approval from the government is my return guaranteed? 18:4522. Let's say I'm in Malaysia my visa is expiring but I'm in the middle of obtaining a new work permit, do I have to leave the country? 19:2523. Are there countries I can travel to without having to go to quarantine in Malaysia when I return? 20:06

Supply chains usually involve more than just two companies. Even though ranked as essential and granted an approval to operate during the lockdown many companies were limited in their production output due to the fact that their suppliers were not categorized as essential. Sheau Wei Lin Business Director and co-founder of the precision components manufacturer Tonasco talks about her challenges during the lockdown. Being a player in Industry 4.0 the companies sees its future in further automation and digitalization to meet the demand of producing more complicated and detailed components. 

When was the last time you were on a plane? With international travel still being banned the Malaysian aviation industry is facing challenges like never before. With David Jones head of the aerospace committee at the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director APAC at the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) we discuss how the term "Green Bubbles" becomes increasingly important in the industry as it represents a lifeline for airlines besides domestic travel and air freight. Restoring consumer confidence with fly safe campaigns and adequate pricings are some of the challenges airlines now have to deal with. 

Part of the new norm is it to get temperature checked wherever we go. One company that makes these checks possible is our member and world market leader Heimann Sensor. We talk with Jörg Schieferdecker about his sensors and the issues he faced during the lockdown with his factory in Johor. Not only are his sensors used in thermometers but also are vital for many ventilators. Now that he is back to his regular production output he faces different issues to keep up with the high demand. 

Who outside of Malaysia has heard from Johor? The southern border town of Johor Bahru or JB is considered by many as the hinterland of Singapore. We talk with Johannes Römer who moved across the causeway from Singapore to JB while still operating his two consultancy businesses M2 MindMatters and Germalkota in both countries. Although the southern city has a bad image, it offers many surprising advantages over the renowned but expensive and packed Singapore. As the organizer of the newly founded German Business Council Johor, Mr Römer is always looking for new additions for the small but growing German business community in the south of Malaysia. 

Even though the COVID crisis is currently the dominant issue, some companies are still working on making businesses less dependent on fossil energy sources. One of those companies is Coara Solar. And in this episode, we talk with its director Susan Hemming how her business is less affected by the current situation. Despite some adverse effects from an operational and supply chain standpoint projects continue and the lockdown gave her business the time to explore new ways to find new opportunities. 

The global sports industry is a revenue machine. But what happens when sports events all over the world are not allowed to take place? We talk to Marcus Luer from Total Sports Asia TSA about the current situation and the future of his industry. Usually, he finds new revenue streams in Malaysia and Asia for English Premier League clubs and other sports organizations. But now he pivoted to provide equipment to beat COVID. Looking positive into the future he believes that the sports industry will recover even though the industry is losing billions of dollars right now. 

In neighbouring Singapore, the current lockdown is called "Circuit Breaker". The Circuit Breaker along with the travel bans in other countries presents the main challenge for German businesses in Singapore who use the city-state as their business hub for ASEAN. Unlike Malaysia however, there are flights to Germany from Singapore. This and more topics we discuss with Tim Philippi, Executive Director of the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (SGC). Just like MGCC, the SGC belongs to the worldwide AHKnetwork of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad and is working hard to support German companies abroad during this unprecedented crisis.