Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation

MATRADE ESTABLISHES THE COUNTRY’S FIRST CEO CLUB FOR LOCAL MID-TIER COMPANIES

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2016 ALOR GAJAH: Malaysian Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs) will now have a better networking platform with the establishment of CEO Club of Mid-Tier Companies by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Tagged as the first in the country, the Club is aimed at creating a fraternity of Malaysian MTCs and complements MATRADE’s Mid-Tier Ramp-Up Programme (Ramp-Up Programme).

The Ramp-Up Programme is a 2-year extension programme for all the MTCs involved in MATRADE’s high-impact programme called Mid-Tier Companies Development Programme (MTCDP). Apart from creating a continuation in engagement for the MTCs upon their graduation from the MTCDP, the Ramp-Up Programme was also introduced to monitor and follow-up on the progress and development of the MTCs.

The first meeting of the CEO Club of MTCs was held today in Perfect Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd in Alor Gajah, Melaka. During the meeting the members have appointed the managing director of Perfect Food Manufacturing Mr Sai Chin Hock as the Club's President.

According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Dzulkifli Mahmud, the CEO Club will provide a structured platform for CEOs and C-Level Executives of MTCs to network, exchange ideas and share best practices as well as their experiences and success stories.

“The Club will also create a nurturing environment for CEOs of the MTCs to inspire each other and this can be a catalyst to push for more export achievements as well as increasing the awareness on trade facilitation and incentives offered by various Ministries and Agencies among these players,” he said.

Currently, the Club comprises CEOs of 101 companies that have completed the Wave 1 and Wave 2 of MTCDP. Soon, the 54 participants of the programme's Wave 3 will also be included in the Club, bringing the total participants of MTCDP's to 155.

The Ramp-Up Programme was established in 2015 by the National Export Council as one of the Government’s high impact initiatives. Its aspiration is to continue accelerating the growth of Malaysian MTCs in the global frontier. Implemented earlier this year, the Ramp-Up Programme will be running until year 2023 and was designed to create more impactful outcomes for MTCs in penetrating new or existing markets via customised market immersions and business matchings.

Throughout 2016, MTCs under the Ramp-Up Programme are expected to grow their exports by 7 per cent and by 2023 the programme is targeted to develop 60 global champions and 480 regional champions in sectors such as Food & Beverages, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive, Machinery, Chemicals, Franchise, Lifestyle and Pharmaceuticals, among many others.

In 2015, total exports for the 101 companies under Wave 1 and Wave 2 of MTCDP has recorded growth of RM1.52 billion - increased from RM4.15 billion in 2014 to RM5.67 billion in 2015. In Malaysia, MTCs are categorised as exporting companies with annual revenues between RM50 million to RM500 million, for manufacturing companies and RM20 million to RM500 million, for services companies.