Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Business Sector Committee Chairman Datuk Dexter Lau said Sarawak’s abundant natural resources and industrial potential can be leveraged alongside Peninsula Malaysia’s industrial foundation to create a more competitive national economic network.
“East Malaysian enterprises occupy a unique position between resources and markets, serving as a vital bridge between Asean and China. With the Belt and Road Initiative’s advancement, Sarawak’s strategic role in regional trade will become increasingly significant,” he said during a visit to the MCCC Sarawak Branch in Sibu.
Dexter, who is MCCC Sabah President, was accompanied by BSC Vice Chairperson Coral Chia.
The visit aimed to foster “West Malaysia into East Malaysia” collaboration by understanding Sarawak’s needs and building a platform for seamless exchange of resources and information.
Dexter said the Business Sector Committee’s commitment to strengthening ties between central and state branches, moving beyond the traditional concentration of inter-state collaborations in Peninsular Malaysia.
“We want East Malaysia’s potential more widely recognized and Sarawak’s voice more strongly heard,” he said, adding that the Committee would convey local business needs to the national level and facilitate cross-state collaborative projects.
He called on the Sarawak Branch to nominate two representatives to join the Business Sector Committee Council, ensuring East Malaysian perspectives are represented nationally.
The Committee plans to adopt a balanced meeting structure, with East Malaysian states given opportunities to host council meetings and national economic forums.
“The Business Sector Committee is a nationwide ecosystem. We plan to rotate Council meetings between East and West Malaysia to promote regional integration and equitable development,” Dexter said.
He said that only through free-flowing resources, information, and talent in both directions can Malaysia’s business community realize its full potential.
Echoing SUPP President Datuk Dr.Sim Kui Hian’s vision, Dexter noted that nation-building is a shared mission requiring East and West Malaysia to work hand in hand.
“The business community is a key pillar in nation-building. True national progress comes from complementing each other’s strengths and fostering economic inclusiveness,” he said.
Dexter is confident that Sarawak’s political stability and visionary leadership would continue driving strong growth, with MCCC helping members seize new opportunities.
The meeting was attended by MCCC Sarawak Branch leaders including President Wong Tin Kwong and representatives from the Women Entrepreneurs Committee.
