USABC Launches Successful Inaugural Business Mission to East Malaysia

(Kuching and Kota Kinabalu) Following the Malaysia Business Mission to Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on May 7-9, 20 delegates from 7 leading American companies joined the US-ASEAN Business Council’s inaugural East Malaysia Mission. During his trip to the region, the US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan, had also taken the time to engage with the delegation from various sectors including energy, technology, healthcare, food & beverage, aerospace, and tourism. Through this Mission, the Council enhanced its prominent role as a partner and resource of the governments not only in Peninsula Malaysia but also East Malaysia.
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​During the delegation’s meeting with the Premier of Sarawak in Kuching, Premier Tan Sri Abang Zohari Openg expressed appreciation for the interest U.S. businesses have shown in Sarawak as they aspire to become one of Malaysia’s highest GDP contributors. Later, when meeting with the delegation in Kota Kinabalu, the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, noted the importance of U.S. businesses in exploring investment possibilities and diversifying Sabah’s economy. Sarawak has become a high-income state, ranking fourth in GDP and Sabah stands as one of the top five states attracting the most foreign and domestic investments in manufacturing and services.
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​“Given the growing economic importance of Sabah and Sarawak, it was imperative for U.S. companies to explore avenues for better support in these states.” said Amb. Brian McFeeters (ret.), USABC Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director. “Many of these companies already operate within these states but are eager to expand their presence.”, he added.
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​Throughout the mission, delegates met with other key stakeholders in Sabah and Sarawak, including Invest Sabah Berhad, led by Chief Executive Officer Dr Firdausi Suffian, and Invest Sarawak Sdn Bhd., led by Chief Executive Office Timothy Ong. In a packed agenda for both states, the delegation also met with leaders from Chitose Group, Petroleum Sarawak (PETROS), the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Qhazanah Sabah, and the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), among others. ​
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​Companies who participated in the 2024 East Malaysia Mission include Coca-Cola, Amazon, Bell Textron, ConocoPhillips, Medtronic, Philip Morris, and Zuellig Pharma.