Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
November 02, 2026
CCI France Malaysia Marks 35 Years of Franco-Malaysian Business Ties
TLDR
- CCIFM's 35th anniversary highlights 600 French companies supporting 30,000 jobs, offering a strategic gateway for expansion into Southeast Asia.
- CCIFM supports market entry and investment through member services, partnerships with MIDA and MATRADE, and a reforestation program planting 600 trees.
- The chamber's reforestation in Sabah has planted 600 trees, offsetting 15 tonnes of CO2 annually and fostering sustainable business growth.
- CCIFM celebrated 35 years with a gala featuring awards, performances by Sheila Majid, and lucky draw prizes including Air France-KLM tickets.
Impact - Why it Matters
The 35th anniversary of CCI France Malaysia underscores the deep economic partnership between France and Malaysia, with over 600 French companies supporting more than 30,000 local jobs. This matters because it highlights Malaysia's growing role as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia for French businesses, which can drive further investment, innovation, and job creation in key sectors such as aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and digital technologies. The recognition of companies like Technip Energies, Schneider Electric, and TotalEnergies through the CCIFM Excellence Awards not only celebrates their contributions but also sets a benchmark for business excellence and sustainability. Moreover, CCIFM's reforestation initiative in Sabah demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, offsetting carbon emissions and preserving biodiversity. As global supply chains evolve, this strengthened bilateral cooperation can open new opportunities for Malaysian SMEs and foster knowledge transfer, ultimately benefiting the wider economy and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a competitive hub in the region.
Summary
The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI France Malaysia – CCIFM) marked its 35th Anniversary at the Malaysia–France Gala Night 2026 on 30 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The landmark event gathered over 400 business leaders, senior executives, government representatives, and members of the Malaysian–French business community, celebrating 35 years of fostering bilateral trade, investment, and business cooperation. Hosted by Datuk Zainal Amanshah, Honorary Chairman of CCIFM, and Mr. Richard Fostier, President of CCIFM, alongside H.E. Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, the evening was further honoured by YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), representing YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of MITI.
Established in 1991, CCIFM has evolved into a key business platform connecting French and Malaysian companies, supporting market entry, facilitating investment, and strengthening economic cooperation. Today, more than 600 French companies operate in Malaysia, supporting over 30,000 jobs and contributing to the country's industrial, technological, and economic development. The Gala Night highlighted the CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation, entrepreneurship, and contributions to Malaysia–France business relations. Six awards were presented: Technip Energies (Outstanding Achievements – Large Company), Iraya Energies (Outstanding Achievements – SME), Di Tullio & Sons (Entrepreneur of the Year), TotalEnergies (Corporate Social Responsibility), Schneider Electric & Air Selangor (France–Malaysia Smart Partnership), and Chanel (Image of France). These awards celebrated the diversity and dynamism of the French business community in Malaysia, from multinational corporations to innovative SMEs and strategic partnerships.
The anniversary celebration featured entertainment by comedian Gajen Nad, a special performance by legendary singer Dato' Sheila Majid, and energetic entertainment by Zeppo Youngsterz. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails from Monin and Pernod Ricard, and a lucky draw with prizes sponsored by Air France–KLM, Club Med, and Ayvens, including return tickets to Paris. The event was supported by Platinum Partner BNP Paribas and Gold and other corporate partners including Airbus, Arkema, Ayvens, Chanel, JLL, L'Oréal, Michelin, Rotortrade, Safran, Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, Technip Energies, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, Cegos, CMA CGM, Iraya Energies, and Stellantis. Beyond business, CCIFM advanced its environmental commitment, announcing that its reforestation programme in Sabah's Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary has reached 600 trees planted in 2026, progressing towards a target of 1,000 trees by 2029, with the planted trees estimated to offset approximately 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. As the Chamber enters its 36th year, it remains focused on expanding business opportunities, facilitating market access, and supporting French and Malaysian companies in developing long-term partnerships. With more than three decades of experience and a network of over 320 member companies, CCIFM will continue to serve as a catalyst for bilateral trade and investment, reinforcing Malaysia's position as a strategic regional hub for French businesses in Southeast Asia. View the Gala Night 2026 Photo Album.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, CCI France Malaysia Marks 35 Years of Franco-Malaysian Business Ties
