Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
November 14, 2025
Malaysia-France Business Ties Strengthen at CCIFM Gala Night
TLDR
- French companies gain strategic advantage in Southeast Asia through Malaysia's business hub, with 600 entities generating RM20 billion turnover and employing 30,000 people.
- The CCIFM Gala Night celebrated bilateral trade growth through Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Paris visit and a 29-company French delegation mission organized by Business France and MEDEF International.
- CCIFM's 500-tree reforestation program in Sabah restores biodiversity and offsets 12 tonnes of CO2 annually, creating a more sustainable future for Malaysia and France.
- Guests enjoyed performances by Jaclyn Victor and Douglas Lim, with lucky winners receiving Club Med Phuket stays and Malaysia Airlines tickets to Paris.
Impact - Why it Matters
This development matters because it signals deepening economic integration between France and Malaysia that creates substantial job opportunities and investment flows. The growing French corporate presence—now over 600 entities employing 30,000 people—demonstrates Malaysia's strategic importance as a Southeast Asian hub, which can lead to technology transfer, skills development, and sustainable business practices. For Malaysian professionals and businesses, this strengthened partnership opens doors to European markets and international best practices, while French companies gain access to one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic economies. The sustainability initiatives highlighted, including the reforestation program, show how international business partnerships can contribute positively to environmental conservation while driving economic growth.
Summary
The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFM) celebrated a landmark moment in bilateral relations at its Gala Night on November 13, 2025, held at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. The event capitalized on the momentum from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent official visit to Paris, which strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between France and Malaysia. A business delegation of 29 French companies organized by Business France and MEDEF International further advanced these bilateral connections. The French economic presence in Malaysia continues to expand significantly, with over 600 French entities operating locally—including approximately 300 subsidiaries and 300 entrepreneurs—collectively employing about 30,000 people and contributing RM20 billion in accumulated turnover to the Malaysian economy.
The gala welcomed over 400 distinguished guests, including Datuk Zainal Amanshah and Mr. Richard Fostier of CCIFM, alongside Mr. Olivier Sigaud from the French Embassy, and Guest of Honor YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry. Key partners featured major French corporations such as TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, Airbus, BNP Paribas, L'Oréal, Safran, and Veolia, demonstrating the breadth of French investment in Malaysia. The evening also highlighted CCIFM's sustainability initiatives, including a growing tree-planting program that has now reached 500 trees in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, offsetting approximately 12 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually while restoring biodiversity.
The event recognized outstanding contributions through the CCIFM Excellence Awards, honoring companies like TotalEnergies EP Malaysia for large company achievements, Sophia Engineering Malaysia for SME excellence, and Asiance for entrepreneurship. Other awards celebrated corporate social responsibility through Cultural Impact, the France-Malaysia Smart Partnership with Botanickel Sabah, and Sunway Le Cordon Bleu for promoting the Image of France. The gala featured performances by renowned artists including Jaclyn Victor and Douglas Lim, with guests enjoying signature cocktails and beverages. The strategic goal of CCIFM focuses on fostering a dynamic business ecosystem between members and the Malaysian business landscape, offering business centers with fully equipped private offices and coworking spaces designed to support French entrepreneurs and companies expanding into Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Malaysia-France Business Ties Strengthen at CCIFM Gala Night
