WIM CEO Talk #10: ASEAN, TPPA & Globalisation–Challenges for Malaysian SMEs will be organized at Wisma WIM, Jalan Abang Haji Openg Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Kuala Lumpur on 7th May 2016 (Saturday).

* For more information, please visit this website https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wim-ceo-talk-10-asean-tppa-globalisationchallenges-for-malaysian-smes-tickets-22518540561?aff=ebrowse

Globalisation is having a profound impact on the lives of people and companies all over the world. With an explosion in transportation and information and communication technology, the world is getting smaller and more globalized day by day. In addition, regional integration like the recently concluded ASEAN Economic Community and free trade arrangements like the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is rapidly breaking down trade barriers to allow the free flow and movement of goods, services and people. Multinational corporations and companies who are prepared are able to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities presented by globalization, regional integration and free trade arrangements. But what about the SMEs? What challenges do SMEs face and how can they prepare themselves to meet such challenges and to take hold of the opportunities available? This talk will touch on the globalization phenomenon and the AEC and TPP and discuss what challenges and threats will impact on Malaysian SMEs and how they could prepare to face them.

SPEAKER: Mr. THAM SING KHOW

Mr. Tham has over 35 years’ experience in international trade, export promotion and marketing, international business development, industrial development, investment promotion, technology transfer and licensing arrangements, public relations & communications, branding, public affairs, overseas customer relationship management, alliance building and sustainability and environmental issues. He also has a proven track record in setting up overseas trade representative offices and development of trade and industrial relations with overseas markets, including emerging markets

In addition, Mr. Tham has a good understanding of sustainability, social and environmental issues impacting international business and trade (in particular on the international oil palm and timber industry). He also has in-depth personal experience in living and working under different economic, political and social systems (socialist / communist, centrally planned economy, military dominated and capitalist) and a good understanding of different cultural and business practices.

Mr. Tham served in various capacities in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), including 10 years abroad as Malaysian Trade Commissioner to Moscow (USSR), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Caracas (Venezuela). At MITI Headquarters, he has served as the Principal Assistant Director in the International Trade Division and the Industries Division.

After leaving MITI, Mr. Tham worked as the European Director of the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) in London, UK for 12 years covering the promotion and marketing of Malaysian timber and timber products to the European market, including public relations and communications, and related environmental / sustainability issues. Later he served as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Timber Council.

Following his service with MTC, he was a Consultant to the Tan Chong Group; helping them to develop their international trading business including setting up an overseas representative office in The Philippines. He also served as the Senior Advisor – Commodities in the Embassy of the Netherlands and is presently still an ad-hoc consultant to the Embassy on commodity issues. He also worked as Chief Operating Officer – Europe to ABRIC Berhad responsible for the exports and sales of the company products (security seals) to the European market. Currently, he is a freelance Consultant and Trainer in International Trade and Business Development.

Mr. Tham holds a B.Sc. Hons in Biological Sciences from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), a LLB. Hons from London University and a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), U.K.

He has also attended various courses and training locally and overseas on export promotion and marketing, technology transfer and patent administration, overseas trade representation, trade fair / exhibition organization and management, public administration, leadership and management. He is also a certified HRDF Trainer with the Train-the-Trainer certification.