This morning, June 12, AMCHAM had a courtesy call on YB Dato’ Seri Azmin Ali, Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to discuss concerns of the American business community and the best way forward in restarting Malaysia’s economy.It was a productive meeting with YB Azmin Ali reaffirmed the discussion at EAC earlier this week to support Malaysia’s business-friendly environment without compromising health and safety.

Training plays a vital role in being a catalyst to an organisation’s growth and simultaneously contributing to the rebound and growth of the nation. In light of the current situation, training has a larger part to play in the economic recovery of the nation as upskilling and reskilling are critical in boosting the productivity, performance and business recovery especially post Movement Control Order (MCO) along with the COVID-19 impact. This guideline will specify the requirements for training to be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The eML is a new digital platform by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)which allows companies to submit applications for:

Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Bhd has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to attract foreign investments as part of the country's recovery from Covid-19. The MoU will entail the bank bringing in foreign investors to invest in high-value, high-technology and high-impact sectors such as those in the electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, medical devices, aerospace, renewable energy and the consumer technology.

WORK from home (WFH) arrangements has received positive support by majority of the workforce who participated in a survey conducted by KPMG in Malaysia. In the survey conducted from April 7 to May 19, 2020 during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period, a total of 3,022 respondents took part and 69 per cent say WFH should continue post MCO as part of the new normal arising from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Below are a few articles from Tay & Partners on recent trends that have come about due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

The COVID-19 epidemic and the Movement Control Order have forced us all to adapt to a new way of working. AMCHAM would like to hear from you. How is your organization adjusting to the new normal, what are your recommended practices? Please share with us your best 'return to work' practices as we would like to have this information for other members on our website. For more information please contact Yvonne Miranda, our Membership & Engagement Manager at yvonne@amcham.com.my

COVID-19 has affected every sector across the globe, and the hotel industry is among the hardest hit. Our research suggests that recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels could take until 2023—or later. Investors are providing similar views of hotel companies’ prospects, as seen in the underperformance of US lodging real estate investment trusts (REITs). Like so many industries, hospitality will also see both subtle and substantial shifts in the post-pandemic era. Some are already apparent today.

It’s been said that COVID-19 places us in the same storm, but in different boats. That is, the pandemic is deadlier to some more than others physically, economically, and psychologically. Some of us may live in poorer or minority communities which have endured a disproportionate share of deaths and devastation. Some of us may be essential workers, who are physically at risk and emotionally depleted.