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Trade, investments, and inter-ASEAN economic ties among Malaysia’s priorities this year said Ambassador of Malaysia

19 MAY 2025 – The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino Anthony, listed halal, renewables, infrastructure, digital, and food and beverage as priority sectors for the embassy and key industries primed for growth during the Membership Meeting organized by MBC’s Philippines-Malaysia Business Council.

“[In] all these sectors, what we see is there is a tremendous appetite now for Malaysian companies to participate in the Philippines,” said Ambassador Malik. He continued, “the Philippines is now becoming one of our key areas of focus when it comes to public expansion.”

Ambassador Malik also expressed his hope to “strengthen inter-ASEAN economic ties through enhancing global and digital economy and, of course, to promote sustainable development throughout the region.” This year, Malaysia is chairing ASEAN with the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Among Malaysia’s agenda shared by the Ambassador are revitalizing strategic regional platforms — such as the ASEAN Plus Three platform with Japan, Korea, and China, ASEAN-GCC and the BIMP-East ASEAN Growth Area comprising Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines — promoting digital and payment connectivity across ASEAN countries, as well as to supporting the development of the regional power network known as the ASEAN Power Grid. Malaysia is hosting the 46th ASEAN Summit from May 26 to 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.

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In his welcome remarks, Petron General Manager Lubin Nepomuceno and designated representative of PMBC Chairman Ramon Ang, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to advancing Philippines-Malaysia business ties. “While twenty-nine years have passed, the council, under the leadership of Mr. Ang and with the help of MBC, remains committed to our mission of strengthening bilateral business ties that will drive mutual growth and prosperity for both countries.”

Over sixty high-level representatives from the business sector and diplomatic corps attended the event. 

MBC is the secretariat to five (5) foreign business councils: France, Malaysia, Singapore, U.K., and the U.S, to promote bilateral business opportunities, ideas, and policies that support an innovative and competitive economy. 

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