WOU’s George Town Institute of Open Advanced Studies (GIOAS) recently welcomed 40 Chinese C-suite executives from diverse business sectors under the HKU Business School Executive Education Programme (HKU-ICC Programme) to Penang for an immersive business and cultural exploratory tour on 1 and 2 December 2024.
The delegation comprises chairmen, chief executives, and senior vice presidents from leading companies in China, including chairmen from four public-listed companies with a combined market cap of over RM50 billion. These delegates were on a first-hand study tour to explore investment opportunities in Penang, representing sectors from financial, IT, manufacturing, medicare, and services sectors.
The two-day programme was held at WOU’s Homestead campus, a heritage mansion and legacy of Towkay Yeap Chor Ee. Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Chairman of WOU’s Board of Governors, extended a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an overview of the University’s mission and achievements.
Ong Siou Woon, Director of Operations of Penang Institute delivered an insightful presentation on the Penang economy, while Dato’ Dr Tan Tat Wai offered a comprehensive analysis of Malaysian corporate culture and the business landscape. Esteemed representatives from China Construction Bank Berhad (Penang branch) and CGS International Securities Berhad provided an in-depth examination of the Malaysian financial system and capital market. Additionally, officials from the Securities Commission, Bursa Malaysia, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) elaborated on listing opportunities, incentives for foreign family offices, and pathways for foreign-local joint ventures in Malaysia.
The delegation then met with YB Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor for Infrastructure and Transport at Komtar, where he provided an overview of Penang’s strategic advantages and its appeal as a destination for foreign investment.
The engagement session continued with presentations by representatives of leading electrical and engineering companies, UWC Berhad and Waftech Sdn Bhd, who shared insights and perspectives on investing in Penang’s thriving electronics industry.
Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Chairman of GIOAS, subsequently led the delegation on site visits to two prominent publicly listed semiconductor companies, NationGate Solution (M) Sdn Bhd and Greatech Technology Berhad, showcasing the dynamic potential of Penang’s semiconductor sector.
The Chinese delegates departed with valuable insights into the diverse opportunities Penang offers, spanning its thriving semiconductor sector, robust electronics industry, and supportive investment ecosystem.
Their interactions with key industry leaders, government representatives, and academic institutions provided a comprehensive understanding of Penang’s dynamic business environment and its unique blend of cultural richness and economic potential.
This successful study tour highlights the significant opportunities for collaboration between Malaysian and Chinese enterprises, paving the way for stronger economic ties and mutual growth.
WOU, through GIOAS, continues to play a pivotal role as a bridge for knowledge exchange and investment facilitation, further positioning Penang as a leading hub for global business innovation and cultural exchange.