More than 30 business owners from Hong Kong and cities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) recently visited Malaysia as part of Standard Chartered’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the GBA and ASEAN.
The three-day Malaysia Navigate Trip, organised by Standard Chartered Malaysia and Standard Chartered Hong Kong, aimed to introduce participants to Malaysia’s investment landscape and explore opportunities for regional expansion, positioning the country as a strategic gateway into Southeast Asia.
The programme forms part of the Bank’s broader Going Global initiative, which supports clients seeking international growth opportunities through market insights, financial solutions and cross-border connectivity.
During the visit, delegates participated in a series of engagements, including meetings with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), visits to an industrial park and networking sessions with government representatives and local Chinese enterprises. The activities were designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s business-friendly ecosystem, investment incentives and support mechanisms available to foreign investors.
The programme also enabled business leaders from the GBA to establish relationships with local stakeholders and explore potential partnerships in Malaysia’s growing economy.
The trip concluded with a client luncheon attended by representatives from Standard Chartered’s Malaysia and Hong Kong teams, where discussions centred on supporting businesses throughout their overseas expansion journeys.
Stephen Man, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, Standard Chartered Hong Kong & GBA, said the bank is leveraging its extensive ASEAN footprint to help clients navigate an increasingly complex global business environment.
“As an international bank with a presence in almost all ASEAN markets, Standard Chartered connects clients to business opportunities across our network, backed by tailored financial solutions and market insights to support them at every stage of their go-global journey,” he said.
He added that changing global supply chains and geopolitical developments are creating new opportunities for companies seeking to diversify and expand internationally.
“Amid shifts in global supply chains and heightened geopolitical complexity, we help corporates capture opportunities from emerging trade flows and reinforce Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for overseas expansion,” he said.
“With the GBA among the world’s most dynamic economic engines, we are excited to unlock new areas of growth with our clients in Malaysia and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Harmander Mahal, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking for Standard Chartered Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighted Malaysia’s strategic position within ASEAN and its attractiveness as a regional business hub.
“As the second biggest market for the Group in ASEAN, Malaysia is well-positioned as a springboard for regional growth, offering strong connectivity, a dynamic business environment and access to ASEAN’s expanding markets,” he said.
“With our international network and deep local expertise, our teams work seamlessly across GBA and Malaysia to support clients and connect them across borders.”
The initiative reflects growing interest among businesses in the Greater Bay Area to explore opportunities in Southeast Asia, as companies seek new markets and diversify their regional operations. It also underscores Malaysia’s increasing appeal as a destination for foreign investment, supported by its strategic location, established infrastructure and strong links to the wider ASEAN market.