Malaysia’s Trade Deputy Minister Hon. Sim Tze Tzin on ASEAN Cooperation, Philippine-Malaysia’s Bilateral Relations, and the Growing Halal Economy
23 September 2026 – The Makati Business Club and the Embassy of Malaysia to the Philippines hosted an informal, closed-door meeting with the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Honorable Sim Tze Tzin.
In his remarks, the deputy minister highlighted the growing halal economy as an emerging area for PH-MY collaboration. He emphasized that Malaysia is positioning itself as the leading Southeast Asian country for Halal certification and in its manufacturing capabilities–an opportunity for Philippine businesses to tap into its regional and global value chains by using Malaysia’s strong manufacturing and industrial ecosystems. Following Malaysia’s Chairship of ASEAN last year, he emphasized Malaysia hopes to bring a dynamic and collaborative role, strengthening ASEAN’s 59th year of regional cooperation.
Deputy Minister Tzin sat alongside Ambassador Malik for an open discussion, exchanging insights about doing business in Malaysia and their institutional role in assisting Philippine companies in exploring business opportunities in the country. The discussion prompted other attendees to unpack other areas of interest, including Malaysia’s Islamic finance and tax incentives.
Among these topics, tax incentives drew particular attention. The Malaysian incentive frameworks for foreign businesses reinforce interest among participants looking to expand into Malaysia. The framework encapsulates short- and long-term incentives for businesses that have innovative, productive, and efficient products and services. The panel discussion was facilitated by Michelle Dee, Deputy Executive Director of Makati Business Club.
Based on the preliminary reports released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in August 2026, Malaysia and the Philippines’ 2026 total trade is approximately USD 775.7 million, with imports amounting to USD 448.53 million, and exports of USD 287.19 million–making Malaysia the Philippines’ 10th trading partner.
The event was attended by His Excellency, Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines, MBC Trustee Ambassador Joey Cuisia Jr., Stephen Khaw, Chairman of Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industries Philippines (MCCI), Hans How, President of MCCI, and Ferdinand Ferrer, President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI).
Makati Business Club serves as a secretariat of the Philippine-Malaysia Business Council. The PMBC has served as a forum for collaboration between the business sectors of Malaysia and the Philippines, promoting trade, investment opportunities, and other areas of mutual interest.
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