MICCI at 188: A Historic Milestone That Honours the Past, Shapes the Future
Marking 188 years is no small feat for any organisation, let alone one that has served as a consistent voice for Malaysia’s business community since 1837. The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MICCI) commemorated this exceptional milestone throughout the year across all its branches nationwide, concluding with a well-attended gala dinner in Perak.
Held at WEIL Hotel, the first hotel in Malaysia to be ESG-certified under the ESG Certification for Hotels & Resorts Programme, the event carried the fitting theme: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
The night drew industry leaders, policymakers, long-standing members, new inductees, and representatives from MICCI’s various branches across the country, together painting a vivid picture of a chamber that continues to hold significant relevance.
A Chamber That Has Influenced Generations
The event opened with a welcome address by Mr. Jean-François Chavériat, Chairman of the MICCI Perak Branch, who warmly acknowledged the many guests who had travelled from Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and other regions to attend the celebration. He reminded the audience of the extraordinary span of MICCI’s history, describing the chamber as one of the country’s oldest and most diverse business associations.
To capture the weight of the milestone, he offered a single, resonant line: “Tonight we celebrate 188 years of representation, advisory work, and networking.”
From there, Chavériat spoke about MICCI’s longstanding engagement with both federal and state authorities, highlighting its role in helping shape Malaysia’s economic journey. He also pointed to the fast-changing realities of today’s business environment that include shifting global dynamics, evolving policies, and rapid technological advances, emphasising the need for unity, agility, and honest dialogue.
Turning to Perak, he expressed confidence in the state’s potential, noting that Ipoh is far from the “sleepy town” it is often perceived to be. He encouraged members to continue fostering strong relationships, using the occasion as an opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas, and strengthen the collective voice of the business community.
A Candid Keynote Address
The highlight of the dinner came when Guest of Honour YB Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Perak State Executive Council (ExCo) for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development, delivered his keynote address.
YB Loh began by recognising the significance of the occasion, calling 188 years “a remarkable milestone” and commending MICCI for its role in shaping Malaysia’s investment climate through consistent advocacy and collaboration.
He outlined Perak’s steady progress in recent years, highlighting the state’s industrial strengths in machinery, metal fabrication, automotive components, electrical and electronic manufacturing, and rubber-based industries. He also pointed to large-scale state-federal developments such as Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP), Silver Valley Technology Park (SVTP), Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LUMIC), and Perak Halal Industrial Park (Perak HIP), each designed to advance Perak into its next economic chapter.
What made YB Loh’s speech particularly memorable was not the data. It was his transparency. Speaking directly and without pretence, he responded to points raised earlier by Mr. Chavériat with refreshing candour. He remarked that MICCI, given its long history, often tends to be cautious in expressing criticism, but that the current political climate welcomes more openness. He said the government today encourages genuine, heart-to-heart conversations, noting: “You are allowed to be a little naughtier.”
He then contrasted Malaysia’s past political atmosphere with the present, recalling the days when expressing dissent invited harsh treatment. Today, he emphasised, the leadership embraces peaceful expression instead of punishing it.
His metaphor for Perak’s economic progress drew laughter across the room. He said, “We have been like a rusty, jammed lock. Recently, we have had some WD-40. Things are moving… the rust is coming off.”
He acknowledged that Perak’s recent 3.7% growth may seem modest to more developed states, but for Perak, it represents a meaningful advancement “not seen in many, many years.”
YB Loh also highlighted improvements in state processes, such as mining permit approvals that previously took months, now being completed in under a month, and a particularly impressive case in which all necessary approvals for a major development were completed within thirty days.
His conclusion was straightforward. Perak cannot progress alone, and neither can MICCI. Meaningful growth requires both sides to move together.
Celebrating Members, Community and Shared Momentum
The gala also honoured MICCI’s long-standing members, welcomed new members, recognised top contributors, and thanked sponsors and state agencies. These acknowledgements illustrated not only the chamber’s breadth but also its deep connections with the wider business ecosystem.
Long-Standing Membership Award – 50 Years: Lysaght Corrugated Pipe Sdn Bhd
Long-Standing Membership Award – 30 Years: Sagami Manufacturers Sdn Bhd
Long-Standing Membership Award – 20 Years: Polyware Sdn Bhd
Long-Standing Membership Award – 20 Years: Perak Quarry Association
Long-Standing Membership Award – 10 Years: Weil Resources Sdn Bhd
Top CO Customer Award 2024 – 2025: Camfil Malaysia Sdn Bhd & Wellcall Hose (M) Sdn Bhd
Some of the new MICCI members:
Dem Draexlmaier Automotive Systems (M) Sdn Bhd
Era Baru Shipping & Trading Sdn Bhd
Exuan Construction & Trading Sdn Bhd
Power & Power Energy Supply
Rico Global Sdn Bhd
Ecotemp Engineering Sdn Bhd
Aksesori Setia Sdn Bhd
Gold Sponsors:
Bonanza Venture Holdings Sdn Bhd
Camfil Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad
KURZ Production (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Adding charm and youthful energy to the night, students from Quest International University served as emcees, and the university’s music club delivered musical performances, earning warm applause from the audience.
A Closing Message Anchoring Hope and Collaboration
In his closing remarks, Mr. Nicholas Goh, Vice-Chairman I of MICCI Perak Branch, captured the significance of the function with thoughtful clarity. He spoke about Perak’s transition from traditional industries to high-value sectors such as green technology, advanced materials, and digital innovation, emphasising that future progress depends on the combined strength of government, industry, and academia.
He reaffirmed MICCI’s commitment to bridging these sectors, creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive and talent can flourish. Then, speaking from the heart, he shared uplifting news: Quest International University (QIU) has successfully cleared its final JKR approval for its new campus, paving the way for an investment worth hundreds of millions into Perak’s economy.
He expressed gratitude to the many individuals and agencies that helped along the way, and he extended special thanks to MICCI Perak Branch Manager Shamaine Chong and the QIU students who contributed to the night’s success.
188 Years Later, MICCI Continues to Evolve with Purpose
MICCI’s 188th anniversary gala in Perak was far more than a commemorative dinner. It was an affirmation of the chamber’s strategic importance, its willingness to adapt, and its commitment to shaping Malaysia’s economic future.
From the theme “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future” to the insights shared by the Guest of Honour, the milestone highlighted a shared understanding – history only matters when it guides what comes next.
Video: MICCI at 188: A Historic Milestone That Honours the Past, Shapes the Future
Event: MICCI 188th Anniversary Dinner
Venue: Weil Hotel, Ipoh
Date: 13th Nov 2025
Time: 7pm
