Johor, 3 May – The Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) today launched their Johor Chapter located at Medini 6, an office building located in the prime and central part of Medini, Iskandar Puteri. The launch was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) as the official representative of Menteri Besar Johor Y.A.B. Dato’ Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, witnessed by H.E. Karin Mössenlechner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Tuan Haji Zainul Rahim, Chairman of MDBC; and Dr James Tee, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MIM).
Continuing their growth after celebrating their 20th anniversary in Malaysia last year, MDBC is now further expanding their reach nationwide. With the launch of the Johor Chapter, it will serve the needs of council members in Johor and the southern region of the country. The Johor Chapter will also serve members based in Singapore. In addition to Johor, the MDBC has a Penang Chapter as well.
In his speech, Zainul highlighted that the strong economic relationship between Malaysia and The Netherlands has made it possible for MDBC (since its launch in 1996) to grow into a well-established, trade support organization with over 250 member companies.
“Already being considered as one of the most active business organisations in Malaysia with programs such as the MDBC Sustainability Awards and the MDBC Student Internship Program, the MDBC Johor Chapter is another important milestone in the growth of the Council,” Zainul said.
Ambassador Mössenlechner added that The Netherlands was the second-largest investor in Malaysia in 2016 with RM3.2 billion. “This year, The Netherlands is celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations with Malaysia, but the actual engagement dates go back much further, beginning in Johor. Already in 1602, the first friendship alliance between the Dutch and then Sultan of Johor was established, so I am glad we are back at the place where it all started; I hope we will see a continuation and even further strengthening of our close trade and investment partnership,” Mössenlechner added.
Dr James Tee, the Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Medini Iskandar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MIM) added, “We are pleased to have the MDBC Johor Chapter here in Medini. This bears testament to the prospects available, and also to the growth opportunities offered in Medini, being the Central Business District of Iskandar Puteri.”
Chief Executive of IRDA, Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said, “Iskandar Malaysia continues to welcome all foreign investments that are aligned to its nine promoted economic sectors and provide spill-over effect to the economy. It is my sincere hope that the opening of the MDBC Johor Chapter in Medini at the heart of Iskandar Malaysia will enhance the mutually beneficial relationship between the business community in The Netherlands and Iskandar Malaysia.”
As part of the launch event, MDBC members were treated to an exclusive tour to view developments in and surrounding Medini.