Frederick Ma urges deeper Hong Kong-Malaysia business links
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Frederick Ma Si-hang, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, used a Kuala Lumpur symposium on Tuesday to call for closer Hong Kong-Malaysia ties as businesses navigate geopolitical uncertainty and fast-moving technological change. He said Hong Kong can help Malaysian companies reach mainland China, Belt and Road markets and other destinations through its role as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder”
Key Points
- Ma made the remarks at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium in Kuala Lumpur, a one-day event designed to showcase business opportunities in Hong Kong
- In his opening remarks, he said Hong Kong and Malaysia have long shared deep business, cultural and people-to-people ties backed by a robust economic relationship
- Ma said Hong Kong companies already have a strong presence in Malaysia across finance, logistics, property, retail and professional services
- He added that the number of Malaysian firms in Hong Kong has risen from fewer than 70 to more than 100 over the past decade
- The event included discussions on offshore renminbi business, green finance, regional cooperation and technology, and facilitated 10 memoranda of understanding
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong, the message is that trade promotion bodies are trying to convert the city’s intermediary role into concrete commercial ties at a time of external uncertainty. The increase in Malaysian firms in Hong Kong and the 10 MoUs suggest both sides are seeking more structured business links rather than relying only on existing networks