IMT-GT NEWS

The COOP@IMT-GT Conference and Seminar 2024, organized by Malaysia National Cooperative Movement (ANGKASA), ASEAN Cooperative Organisation (ACO), Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Subregional Cooperation (CIMT) and supported by Joint Business Council (JBC) Malaysia, brought together over 100 participants from Malaysia and Indonesia to explore the pivotal role of cooperatives in driving economic prosperity and social inclusion within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) region. Held on 29 May 2024 at Ixora Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, the Conference focused on three key themes: Policy Frameworks for Sustainable Cooperative Development, Financial Inclusion and Digital Transformation in the Cooperative Sector, and Cooperative Partnerships for Regional Economic Triumph. Prominent speakers from the government, cooperatives, businesses and academia shared their insights and best practices on empowering communities through cooperative enterprises, innovations in cooperative business models, and policy interventions to support sustainable cooperative development. Ms Duangruetai Surasakjinda, CIMT Deputy Director, highlighted that for cooperatives to truly unlock their full potential as drivers for subregional economic growth, we need collaboration, innovation and investment. “Cooperatives have an immense potential to foster inclusive growth and address socio-economic challenges in the IMT-GT region,” said Datuk Seri Abdul Fattah, President of ANGKASA and ACO during the opening ceremony. “This conference provided a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and develop strategies to harness this potential.” he added. Key highlights included panel discussions on leveraging digital technologies for financial inclusion, case studies of successful cooperative ventures, and recommendations for policy reforms to create an enabling environment for cooperative innovation. The Conference also featured sessions with representatives from the Kota Dumai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Indonesia and the IMT-GT Joint Business Council (Malaysia), emphasizing the importance of cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. With a strong commitment to cooperative development, the conference organizers and participants look forward to implementing the actionable strategies and initiatives discussed, fostering a thriving cooperative ecosystem in the region. Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #imtgt #cimt #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #coop #conference #seminar #economic #growth #angkasa #aseancooperativeorganisation

On 23 May 2024, the Director of the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT) warmly welcomed Mr. Mohd. Nizam Tajul Arus, Deputy Director (Investment and Privatisation) and Ms. Nur Rashidah Ab. Manan, Assistant Director (Industry), from the Negeri Sembilan State Economic Planning Unit to the CIMT Office in Putrajaya. Discussions focused on exploring opportunities to connect Negeri Sembilan’s Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 with IMT-GT economic corridors, highlighting the region’s development potential and strategic importance. Both parties engaged in fruitful discussions to explore potential collaborations aimed at strengthening economic ties between Negeri Sembilan and the broader IMT-GT subregion. Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #imtgt #cimt #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #state #development #negerisembilan

On 21 May 2024, the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT) today received a courtesy visit from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia (MITI) Malaysia and Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) representing the Working Group on Halal Products & Services (WGHAPAS) Malaysia. Mr. Amri Bukhairi Bakhtiar, CIMT Director, welcomed the delegation led by Mr. Abdul Aziz Mohammad Sharkawi from MITI and Mr. Mohammad Romzi Sulaiman from HDC. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming 4th IMT-GT Strategic Halal Industry Collaboration Task Force (SHICTF) and 18th IMT-GT WGHAPAS meeting to be hosted by Malaysia. Discussions centered around resolving outstanding issues and exchange of ideas for the upcoming event. Both sides expressed strong commitment on the way forward in ensuring a productive outcome for the upcoming meetings. Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #imtgt #cimt #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #halalcooperation #WGHAPAS #MITI #HDC

On 20 May 2024, CIMT paid a courtesy call on Deputy State Secretary (Development), Datuk Md. Azhan Samat, at his office at the Seri Negeri Complex, Melaka. During the visit, CIMT gained insights on the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone – M-WEZ, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Melaka into a dynamic economic zone and the Visit Melaka 2024 tourism campaign. The discussions focused on SM-WEZ’s potential to serve as a hub for economic activities, leveraging Melaka’s strategic location along key maritime routes and how the project can complement IMT-GT’s focus on enhancing economic corridors in the sub-region. Discussions on tourism activities focused on how Tourism Melaka can leverage on the current Visit IMT-GT Year 2023-2025 campaign and activities of mutual interest. CIMT looks forward to exploring opportunities for fostering collaboration and strengthening cooperation with Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri Melaka and the IMT-GT subregion as a whole, utilising the opportunities presented by the SM-WEZ and the tourism sector for mutual growth and development. IMTGT #indonesia #malaysia #thailand #growth #triangle #subregional #cooperation #melaka #economic #zone

The Director of the Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Subregional Cooperation (CIMT) paid a courtesy visit to Ts. Mohd Hafizam Mustaffa, CEO of the Melaka Green Technology Corporation Perbadanan Teknologi Hijau Melaka (MGTC), at the MGTC office in Wisma Negeri, Melaka. During this visit, CIMT had the opportunity to learn about the implementation of the Anugerah Hijau Melaka (Melaka Green Award) and other innovative practices of MGTC. Additionally, MGTC showcased its smart grid demonstration project dashboard, which provides a comprehensive overview of energy consumption and efficiency across Melaka. This project aims to optimise energy usage, reduce wastage, and promote sustainable energy practices throughout the state. CIMT looks forward to strengthening cooperation with MGTC, allowing IMT-GT green cities to benefit from MGTC’s expertise and innovative solutions. IMTGT #indonesia #malaysia #thailand #growth #triangle #subregional #cooperation #green #cities #greentechnology #melaka

On 6 May 2024, Director for the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT) paid a courtesy call on Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin bin Sahib, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and Chairman of the IMT-GT University Network (UNINET). The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the way forward for UNINET during Prof. Datuk Dr. Shahrin’s tenure as Chair. The discussion focused on exploring how small-scale industries could drive economic development in the sub-region, as well as underlining the importance of community engagement in fostering economic growth. The meeting paved the way for enhanced collaboration between CIMT and UNINET in areas of mutual interest and importance to IMT-GT’s development agenda. Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #imtgt #cimt #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #UNINET #UniversitiTeknologiMARA #UiTM

The Director of the Centre for Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Subregional Cooperation (CIMT), Mr. Amri Bukhairi Bakhtiar, recently welcomed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Melaka Green Technology Cooperation (MGTC), Ts. Mohd Hafizam Mustaffa at CIMT Office in Putrajaya, to discuss potential partnerships. CIMT is pleased to learn about MGTC’s pioneering work in green technology development in Melaka. Both parties exchanged mutual agreement to explore collaboration and elevate green tech across the IMT-GT cities. GreenTechnology #Sustainability #IMTGT #CIMT #MGTC #Collaboration

Warm wishes from the Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation for a lively and delightful Songkran Day! May the Thai New Year ahead be showered with plentiful blessings, happiness, and prosperity. Embrace the celebrations, and may the essence of Songkran inspire fresh hope and positivity in your days! Indonesia #Malaysia #Thailand #imtgt #cimt #growthtriangle #subregional #cooperation #thainewyear #songkranday #songkran