Tri-State Delegation Hits the Ground Running in Malaysia

By Robert Clark
Schroeder Family Dean of the School of Business Administration
University of Evansville

The University of Evansville's “Access Asia Now” Trade Mission, led by Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, hit the ground running in Malaysia on Monday. After a long flight from Evansville to Kuala Lumpur, via Chicago, Hong Kong, and Singapore, the delegation has been busy exploring business opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Commerce representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia organized a series of meetings and briefings to provide trade mission delegates with an understanding of current business practices in Malaysia related to U.S. companies. These briefings provided valuable insights into the operational and logistical aspects of doing business in Malaysia - America's 10th largest trading partner. Throughout the week, delegates were provided opportunities to learn more and develop relationships with local representatives. These included individuals from MIDA - Malaysia Industrial Development Authority, MATRADE - Malaysia Trade External Development Corporation and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Association - FMM.

As one delegate noted, “We've learned a lot of abbreviations, but more importantly, we have developed relationships with officials who are so important in getting business done here.” The group also visited with a number of multinational companies and heard first hand the challenges and potential rewards of business in this important trade region.

One particular business deals with the production and distribution of palm oil. The delegation toured the firm's facilities and learned more about its future plans - and the healthy living aspects of palm oil, a non trans fat cooking oil. The group learned that it was the first American delegation that the firm has hosted and yet we followed a delegation from Africa that met with owners the week before.

The group also shared American practices on Higher Education with officials from the Ministry of Higher Education. It was clear that the economic development of both the U.S. and Malaysia is tied to workforce development.

Ending the busy schedule in country was a reception for the Trade Mission delegation at the home of U.S. Ambassador Christopher J. LaFleur. The Ambassador's hospitality was evident as he greeted the delegation and the more than 100 local guests who shared the dinner reception.

Mayor Weinzapfel presented the Ambassador with a gift from the city on behalf of the Trade Mission and expressed everyone's appreciation for the warm hospitality with which we have been greeted.

The mission departs Malaysia on Friday for its second leg - Japan.