Convergence of global Chinese entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR: The Third World Chinese Economic Forum, themed “Linking East and West in a Globalised World”, which is jointly organised by The Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) and the Country Heights Group, will see a convergence of Chinese entrepreneurs and businessmen across the globe.

To be held on Nov 3 and 4, key confirmed speakers and attendees include Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Country Heights Holdings Bhd founder Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, IOI Group executive director Datuk Lee Yeow Chor and Banyan Tree Holdings co-founder Claire Chiang, among others.

Asli chief executive officer Datuk Michael Yeoh said that he was expecting 600 to 800 participants, with a huge number of them being overseas participants.

“Last year, we had participation from 23 countries. We are expecting more this year. This year, we have some big names, for instance Ronnie Chan, who is the chairman of the Tungling Group, which is the largest real estate developer in Hong Kong by market capitalisation. We also have Datuk Seri Tahir, who is executive chairman of Indonesia's conglomerate, the Mayapada group,” said Yeoh during the launching of the forum yesterday.

Yeoh is expecting to see a large turnout of Chinese businessmen, who will not just share their insights on the Chinese economic world, but how they are connecting and uniting with the West for joint synergies.

“With many of the world's entrepreneurs gathering here for this event, they will be able to better understand our strengths and resources, and thus help to accelerate the economic growth of Malaysia.

“They can participate in our Economic Transformation Plan, and we can tap on the strength of rapidly developing economies to further move up the value chain,” said Star Publications (M) Bhd chairman Tan Sri Fong Chan Onn. The Star is the official English media partner of the event.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said such an event was good for foreign players to come to Kuala Lumpur and see for themselves how affordable, diversified and liveable the city was.

“When they see for themselves, then perhaps we can attract more foreign direct investments. Engagement with China is very important. The Chinese people have changed from last time. For example, when I was in China, I could see that they know how to queue up now. You will be surprised that the Chinese diaspora are now setting up communities in Africa, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and many other unconventional places,” said Kong.

In his message in conjunction with the forum's launch, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib said that the World Chinese Economic Forum provided a useful platform for interchange of views and ideas as well as to forge business partnerships and linkages.

“At this year's forum, we shall be also promoting the concept of a new economic corridor linking China through the 10 countries of South-East Asia and India to the Middle East a sort of a new Silk Road,”

“I believe this China-Asean-Middle East Corridor can be a growth region of a sustainable development, economic prosperity and dynamic trade and investment flows.

“This forum also enables foreign participants to be updated on the termendous business and investment opportunities available under Malaysia's 12 National Key Economic Areas as defined in our Economic Transformation Programme,” said Najib.