The Australia Malaysia Business Chamber of Western Australia (AMBCWA) has marked another milestone in its mission to foster stronger bilateral ties, hosting one of its largest trade missions to date with 43 Malaysian business delegates visiting Perth.
The highlight of the delegation was the sold-out “Building Business Bridges: WA Meets Malaysia – Trade & Investment Networking Event” held on 14th August at the newly refurbished Hotel Ibis. The event attracted over 140 attendees, bringing together Malaysian business leaders, Perth-based companies, state and federal government representatives, and members of the diplomatic community.
Supported by Invest and Trade WA (ITWA), Gold Sponsor Valentino Holidays, and Diamond Sponsor Millenium Minerals Ltd, the event was designed to create a platform for business networking and new opportunities across sectors including agriculture, resources, education, IT, and food and beverage.
Speakers included Bernard Chia, President of AMBCWA, who welcomed delegates and highlighted the chamber’s role in strengthening WA - Malaysia business connections. Sally Dawkins, Director of DFAT’s WA State Office, underscored Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s role in deepening bilateral ties, while highlighting the free trade agreements already in place between Australia and Malaysia that continue to drive collaboration and opportunity. Nur Eliza Jemal Zainal, Consul General of Malaysia in Perth, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting closer economic ties, while Peter Chin, Managing Director of Valentino Holidays, emphasised the value of building people-to-people connections.
The program also featured Robyn Robb, Executive Director of Invest and Trade WA, who outlined WA’s commitment to fostering stronger economic links with Malaysia, reinforcing the state government’s support for initiatives that drive trade and investment opportunities across the region.
Attendees also heard from Leon Mok, Managing Director of Pitcher Partners WA, who shared his journey as a Malaysian-born business leader achieving success in Australia. Mok reflected on the relative ease of setting up businesses in Australia and encouraged delegates to consider Perth as a natural gateway for investment. His story resonated with many in the room, serving as a practical case study of cross-border success.
The evening also included networking sessions where WA businesses and Malaysian delegates engaged in discussions that could lead to future trade and investment partnerships.
Bernard Chia said the strong turnout demonstrated the appetite for cross-border collaboration:
“To have over 40 Malaysian delegates in Perth at once is huge. Nights like these remind us of why Building bridges between WA and Malaysia is so rewarding. Not just for trade, but for the friendships and long-term partnerships that come from it. Excited to see the opportunities that follow.”
The trade mission and networking event drew involvement from both state and federal government bodies, reinforcing the importance of Australia–Malaysia relations at all levels. ITWA’s sponsorship highlighted WA’s commitment to positioning itself as a key partner for Southeast Asia, while DFAT’s engagement underscored the federal government’s support for growing regional ties.
Valentino Holidays played a pivotal role in organising logistics for the Malaysian delegates, handling transport, accommodation, and tours to ensure their visit was productive and seamless.
AMBCWA continues to grow its reputation as a leading platform for bilateral engagement. With six significant events annually and a roster of high-profile sponsors - including Malaysia Airlines, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Summit Homes Group, Millenium Minerals, Business News and Curtin University - the chamber has become a bridge between Malaysian and Australian business communities.
As WA seeks to deepen its economic footprint in Asia, initiatives like this trade mission underline the critical role of chambers such as AMBCWA in translating government-level dialogue into tangible outcomes for business.
