The summit offers a strong line-up of programmes from a high-profile partners and participants

by S BIRRUNTHA/ pic by ARIF KARTONO

THE Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2019, organised by Invest Selangor Bhd under the patronage of the Selangor state government, is envisioned to woo more global brands and industry players from the region to congregate in the country.

Selangor Mentri Besar (MB) Amirudin Shari (picture) said SIBS is also expected to strengthen Malaysia’s profile internationally as the strategic partner for businesses to enter the Asean market.

He added that Selangor is a solid proposition for a hub in the region, where businesses are able to gather, engage and network in one place.

“Selangor continues to raise the bar as the largest economic driver in Malaysia, with a 23% contribution to Malaysia’s GDP in 2017.

“In terms of investment, we recorded our best performance in history with RM18.9 billion, with 241 approved projects in 2018.

“In 2019, we are targeting to receive a total investment valued at RM10 billion, a conservative forecast due to various global economic uncertainties,” he said at the launch of SIBS 2019 in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

The third edition of SIBS is scheduled to take place from Oct 10 to Oct 13 at Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

It is also endorsed by Malaysia External Trade Development Corp under the Malaysian Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

According to Selangor state senior executive councillor for investment, industry and commerce and SMEs Datuk Teng Chang Khim, the SIBS was held across 18,808 sq m, with a total of 548 exhibition booths in 2018.

“The summit saw a total of 23,737 visitors and recorded a negotiated trade transaction valued at RM194.6 million.

“We are anticipating a bigger event this year, targeting 850 booths and expecting 30,000 visitors not only from Malaysia, but also from (other) countries in the region,” he said.

Among partners of the event is its Diamond Sponsor, MB Selangor Inc; its Platinum Sponsors, Hong Leong Bank Malaysia and PKT Logistic Group Sdn Bhd; its Gold Sponsors, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd and Central Spectrum (M) Sdn Bhd; and its Silver Sponsors, Northport Bhd, MSM Kitchen Equipment Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Cocoa Board.

The event will also include its official airline partner, Malaysia Airlines Bhd; its official ingredient partner, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Avena Cooking Oil; as well as its official coffee partner, Starbucks Malaysia.

SIBS 2019 offers a very strong line-up of programmes, including a high-value showcase of the 5th Selangor International Expo 2019, the 3rd Selangor-Asean Business Conference 2019 and the 4th Selangor Smart City.

Additionally, the Digital Economy Convention and the inaugural Selangor R&D and Innovation Expo will also be showcased to encourage greater business opportunities for SIBS 2019 participants.

There are also more side programmes featuring the Malaysia International Tea and Coffee Expo 2019, the Malaysia-China Entrepreneur Conference, the Selangor Culinary Festival 2019 and the Selangor International Halal Conference to encourage greater business opportunities for SIBS 2019, which is set to become the highlight this year.

The SIBS is an annual international event in Malaysia that aims to position the state of Selangor as a prominent economic catalyst to propel business in the South-East Asian region.

The event has also attracted a series of high-profile official sponsors, strategic partners and local and international media partners, highlighting the event’s relevance to the local and Asean economies.