Sunwah – On the morning of September 9, 2024, the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) officially commenced at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia. This prominent international business event has drawn over 4,000 delegates from more than 30 countries. Organized by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), the convention runs from September 9 to 11, 2024. This year’s theme, “Reimagineering the Future”, focuses on critical issues such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), international trade, and sustainable development. The event is poised to create new collaboration and investment opportunities amid the evolving global economic landscape.

Prominent figures attending the opening ceremony included Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and ACCCIM President and WCEC Organizing Committee Chairman Senator Tan Sri Dato’ Low Kian Chuan. Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Hong Kong, Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Alliance, and Chairman of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), also delivered a keynote address as Head of the Founding Council Secretariat.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim, delivered the opening speech at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention

On September 10, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim delivered the official opening speech, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the longstanding trade and investment ties between Malaysia and China. He underscored Malaysia’s readiness to welcome further Chinese investment and its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for business growth.

Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz echoed these sentiments, highlighting the WCEC as an ideal platform for global entrepreneurs to collaborate, exchange expertise, and forge new business agreements. He expressed optimism that the event would drive trade and investment growth between Malaysia and international partners.

Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (CGCC), Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Alliance, and Chairman of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), delivered the opening speech at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, as Head of the Founding Council Secretariat

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) in Hong Kong, Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Alliance, and Chairman of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), reaffirmed the WCEC’s pivotal role as a global forum for connecting the Chinese business community. He emphasized that this year’s convention marks not only the event’s return to Malaysia after 21 years but also opens new avenues for economic collaboration. Dr. Choi stressed the importance of moving beyond bilateral trade exchanges toward multilateral partnerships to mitigate political risks. He cited opportunities for Malaysia to collaborate with the UK and the Middle East, while the Middle East could strengthen ties with countries such as China, Malaysia, and Singapore. This multilateral approach, he noted, would foster more sustainable and meaningful economic cooperation among global Chinese businesses.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim, and Dr. Jonathan Choi at the Convention

In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Dr. Jonathan Choi observed that the world is undergoing significant changes, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses, particularly in fields like AI, international trade, and investment. He noted Hong Kong’s unique position under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, as well as its role as an international financial hub and innovation center. These attributes, Dr. Choi emphasized, make Hong Kong a crucial bridge in the global economy, offering unparalleled opportunities for the global Chinese business community in finance, trade, and technology. He also highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to blend tradition with creativity to shape the future.

Dr. Jonathan Choi along with guest delegates at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention

The convention features two plenary sessions addressing global business trends, challenges, and opportunities in international trade and investment. Additionally, six specialized panels focus on topics such as tradition and innovation, the green economy, semiconductor technology, globalization, ASEAN market potential, and AI strategies for business leaders. These discussions aim to provide entrepreneurs with insights and strategies to navigate a rapidly changing global economy. Speaking at the session on **”Tradition and Innovation – Building the Future for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs,”** Jesse Choi, CEO of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong) for the ASEAN region, shared his perspective on Sunwah’s legacy as a family business spanning three generations. He noted the clear division of roles within the family, which fosters mutual support and a shared commitment to growth. Choi advised young Chinese entrepreneurs to harness their energy and creativity for continuous innovation while ensuring business stability before implementing new ideas.

Other notable panelists included Professor He Ping, Vice Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University; Dato’ Jeffrey Lai, Managing Director of Kuopacific Malaysia Sdn Bhd; and Dr. Joao Ma, Head of the Youth Committee of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Macau. In addition to the panel discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in business networking sessions and trade exhibitions to explore further international business cooperation.

Dr. Jonathan Choi, along with the delegation from Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), attended the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention

The 17th WCEC is expected to result in significant business and investment agreements, driving economic growth in Malaysia and its international partners. With strong networking opportunities, this event serves as a key catalyst for fostering global economic cooperation. Side activities, including visits to local Malaysian destinations such as Penang, Melaka, and Terengganu, are also expected to highlight the country’s rich cultural and investment potential.

First held in Singapore in 1991, the WCEC has grown into a global platform for the Chinese business community, achieving remarkable success in connecting Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide. With a mission to promote both innovation and tradition, the convention continues to nurture a new generation of business leaders, ensuring the continuity and growth of Chinese entrepreneurship. To date, the WCEC has hosted 16 sessions in countries and regions such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and many others. The convention remains a critical forum for strengthening connections and fostering cooperation within the global Chinese business community.