KUALA LUMPUR: British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell is eager about Malaysia’s annual event in central London tomorrow.
From one which has been centred around food and beverage, the event now has a trade and investment element added to it.
It was a first for Malaysia, she remarked.
“With the long-lasting relationship and in doing something for the first time, it is better to go somewhere you are comfortable and familiar with,” she said.
Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) and the new reality of Britain make “Choose Malaysia” an exciting proposition.
Since the referendum in late June and the change in government, Britain said it was open for business and was working with international partners.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s government said it would be more active, outward-facing and energetic on the world stage than ever before.
On promoting Malaysia as an investment destination, Treadell said United Kingdom companies had been looking at the Asia-Pacific region.
Greenfield investments are drawn to Malaysia due to its colonial history, high English usage, common law and familiar environment, and are providing jobs for the young workforce, including opportunities through apprenticeships.
“It is the kind of investments that Britain has already delivered,” said Treadell.
The top UK companies in Malaysia employ about 80,000 people, with total investment value of just under RM90 billion.
Dyson, for instance, has 1,000 engineers while BAE Systems has 400 graduates working in applied intelligence.
Standard Chartered Bank has also placed Malaysia as a global hub for its financial technology operations, with 7,000 young Malaysians in its workforce.
“Malaysia wants to diversify its economy. On our part, we are keen to support British businesses as they look for opportunities.
“Malaysia remains a good place for them to come and use as a springboard for Asean.”
Treadell said small and medium enterprises would also gain from the “Choose Malaysia” event as they would get to meet potential British and European buyers and develop relationships.
“London is an international city, the main trading centre of finance and commodities and cosmopolitan in nature. If you want a global audience apart from a British one, where better than London?” she added.