SOME 80 key industry players, including investors and business owners from Malaysia and Kazakhstan, gathered in Penang for the state’s inaugural Kazakhstan-Malaysia Business Forum.
Themed ‘Discover the Heart of Eurasia – Explore the New Vast Market & Business Opportunities in Kazakhstan’, the forum provided a valuable platform for fostering strong business relations between Penang and Kazakhstan.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai highlighted both Penang and Kazakhstan as promising destinations for transformation and economic growth.
“This forum presents a unique opportunity to unlock Kazakhstan’s potential as a growing economic powerhouse at the crossroads of Europe and Asia,” he said.
He also stressed Penang’s growing role as a major business hub and tourist destination.
“Penang has seen tremendous growth in its connectivity in recent years. The Penang International Airport (PIA) recently achieved a significant milestone of becoming the second busiest airport in Malaysia after the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“This is a testament to the state’s burgeoning role as a transportation hub,” he added.
Wong further highlighted the expanding diplomatic presence in Penang.
“Penang is home to four consulate-general offices, including those from China, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand, as well as 23 honorary consuls from nations worldwide.
“The 23 honorary consular representations are from Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Tunisia, Chile, Sweden, and Kazakhstan.
“The honorary consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Penang was established in October 2023. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to strengthening ties between our two countries – Malaysia and Kazakhstan – and provides a solid foundation for expanding our cooperation in trade, business, and tourism,” he said.
He expressed confidence that both regions could leverage their strengths in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange to drive mutual growth.
Honorary consul of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Penang Datuk Wira Louis Ng encouraged Malaysian investors to explore Kazakhstan’s expanding sectors, including minerals and mining, technology, manufacturing, tourism, and education.
“Malaysian investors could capitalise on Kazakhstan’s growing sectors such as minerals and mining, technology and development, manufacturing, tourism, and education – leveraging expertise to drive profitable growth and expand into Central Asia’s emerging markets,” he said.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbayev echoed this sentiment, highlighting the country’s strong trade relations with Malaysia.
“We have a vast market and a wide range of business investment opportunities to offer to foreign investors, driven by our resource-rich economy, strategic location, and investment-friendly policies,” he said.
The forum was attended by notable figures, including Penang Island City Council assistant director II (corporate communications & public relations) Subashini Tavamany, who represented the mayor Datuk A. Rajendran; Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan; Kazakh Invest National Company JSC foreign representative Diana Ablyakimova; and veteran business leaders Datuk Seri Khor Teng Tong and Datuk Albert Moh See Eng.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En