ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Malaysia held a virtual consultation meeting with Australia on 1 November 2022, chaired by ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Munir Majid. The session discussed the deepening Malaysia and Australia relationships towards a more resilient post-pandemic economy.

Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Munir Majid remembered the strong links in education, tourism, migration, and defence through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) established in 1971 that Malaysia and Australia share.

But there could be more, he suggests.

“I would suggest other areas of engagement be found even as present ones are deepened. Could greater agricultural investment, addressing food security concerns be one?” added Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Munir Majid.

ASEAN-BAC Malaysia council member Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon said Australia and Malaysia have many cultural, trading, investment and education links established over the years. “With Malaysia’s recent ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), these links can now be elevated to a higher level through concerted and structured effort between the officials and private sector from both countries,” said Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon.

Mr. Raja Singham, another ASEAN-BAC Malaysia council member also looks forward to an elevated relationship between Australia and Malaysia, especially in the education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and digital economy. “Australia now offers a great platform for relevant stakeholders from both countries to connect and explore mutually beneficial opportunities,” Mr. Raja Singham, who also moderated the meeting, added.