Handbook to promote good work ethics

In an effort to create a working society with high moral and professional work ethics, the Associated Chinese Chambers Of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), has launched the Universal Values and Good Work Ethics Handbook.

"Apart from acquiring skills for business, we must also inculcate good work ethics in undertaking it, as this creates a better working and business community," said its executive adviser, Tan Sri Soong Siew Hoong at a media briefing today.

He said the launch of the handbook is a long term process to maintain an ethically mindful business community, and also in line with Malaysia's vision to achieve a developed nation status by 2020.

"I hope good values can seep into the culture of our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). I strongly believe that such good values will produce a better business community," he added.

One value, the handbook promotes is magnanimity, which is described as being graceful in defeat and being magnanimous in victory.

"The loser should not lose all. Neither should the inner takes all. Act magnanimously when we win.

"Do not deride our opponents or persecute them," it added.

The handbook in English and Chinese will be distributed to ACCCIM's affiliated chambers with 4,500 copies being made available for free.

At the same event, ACCCIM also launched a handbook on the "Ways and Means To Promote the Export of Malaysian Products and Services".

"This handbook provides a lot of practical tips on the ways to export local goods.

"I believe this will help the SMEs a lot, as they often face challenges in the midst of exporting their products," Soong said.

The handbook outlines some common challenges faced by its members and ways to overcome them, and also details of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between various chambers of commerce worldwide.

It also lists the contact details of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) global offices in an effort to enhance communication between the authorities and the business community.

MATRADE is the national trade promotion agency tasked to promote Malaysia’s exports.

In its fourth edition, 2,000 copies of the handbook will be printed. ACCCIM said more will be printed if there is a demand.

Currently, ACCCIM has about 100,000 direct and indirect members across its 17-member chambers across the country.-- Bernama