By Gunaprasath Bupalan

At the end of 2024, A Malaysian delegation comprising key figures from the Malaysian Global Innovation and Technology Platform (GITP), the Digital Economy Development Board (MDEC), and several prominent tech companies recently concluded a productive visit to the Xiaoshan Free Trade Building in Hangzhou, China.  The visit, which took place from December 4th to 7th, aimed to foster stronger ties between Malaysian and Chinese businesses, explore potential collaborations, and facilitate international market expansion.

The delegation comprised representatives from GITP and MDEC, including GITP Founder and CEO Raffles Chan, GITP Partner and Founder Yen Wong, MDEC Head of Digital Export Felix Tan, and MDEC Head of Global Digital Economy Investment Nicholas Tan.  The delegation also included representatives from Systech Berhad, Wilstech Technology Co., Ltd., and six other Malaysian technology companies. Among these was Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd, represented by its CEO Davent Low and Head of Innovation, Kok Weng, who sought to establish collaborations with Chinese companies to expand Mandrill Tech’s global reach.  Low is also exploring the integration of China’s advanced AI tools into Mandrill Tech’s client deliverables, making this visit a key step towards achieving that goal.

The visit commenced with a tour of the Xiaoshan Free Trade Exhibition and Exchange Center, where delegates gained insights into the free trade zone’s development, innovative policies, and achievements.  A subsequent roundtable discussion provided a platform for deeper engagement. 

A representative from the Xiaoshan Free Trade Building highlighted the zone’s advantageous policies and services, while Raffles Chan shared insights into the growth of Malaysian digital technology enterprises. Both parties expressed a strong interest in exploring future collaborations.

Wang Yu, general manager of Hangzhou Julong Cross-border Trade Service Co., Ltd., a tenant within the Free Trade Building, shared valuable insights into navigating the Vietnamese market, establishing bonded warehouses for cross-border businesses, and the challenges and opportunities of localisation in Southeast Asia.  This provided the Malaysian delegation with practical knowledge and a better understanding of the region’s market potential.

Raffles Chan emphasised the positive impact of the Xiaoshan Free Trade Zone’s policies on trade facilitation and cost reduction for businesses. He also highlighted the importance of the Free Trade Building’s intellectual property services in protecting technology-focused companies.  Chan further praised the building’s strategic location near the airport, its excellent office environment, and its comprehensive facilities, which provide a one-stop service for businesses. He expressed a desire for continued engagement and expanded cooperation with the Xiaoshan Free Trade Building.

The Xiaoshan Free Trade Building remains committed to supporting high-tech industries, including digital trade, intelligent manufacturing, and integrated circuits. 

This visit underscores its dedication to providing professional services that empower technological innovation and drive the development of the digital economy.  The Free Trade Building views this dialogue as a stepping stone towards optimising its services and strengthening its position on the international stage.

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