APEC Second Economic Committee Meeting (EC2)
The EC2 meeting was held on 21-22 August 2024 in Lima, Peru, chaired by Dr. James Ding from Hong Kong, China. Malaysia was represented by MITI and MPC. The quorum of the meeting was met, with 20 APEC economies in attendance (Mexico in absence).
Key outcomes of the meeting are as follows:
1. APEC Economic Policy Report (AEPR) 2023 Implementation Survey
The APEC Policy Support Unit (PSU) presented findings from the survey, highlighting market functionality as a top priority among economies. The need for capacity building and the potential for collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) were emphasised.
2. AEPR 2024
Discussions centered on the role of financial inclusion in economic growth. Digitalization was recognized as a key enabler, with emphasis for structural reforms to address barriers limiting access to financial services, particularly for underprivileged groups.
3. EAASR Final Review
The final review process for the Enhanced APEC Agenda for Structural Reform (EAASR) was outlined, with a timeline leading to the 2025 assessment. A special session before EC2 in 2025 was proposed to discuss findings and prepare for the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM).
4. Regulatory Reform (RR) Friends of the Chair (FotC)
The RR FotC meeting, convened by Malaysia, focused on the use of digital technologies to enhance regulation design. Malaysia shared its initiative to cut drone flight approval time from 14 days to 1 minute for low-risk operations. Thailand presented its use of AI to simplify technical terms in public consultations, making them more accessible. Malaysia also provided an update on its EAASR project, which aims to develop agile regulatory frameworks and is currently in the RFP stage. Additionally, Australia shared resources from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) relevant to these efforts.
5. SiapNiaga (2024-2027)
Malaysia presented its SiapNiaga initiative progress expected to be launched by October 2024. The initiative aims at creating a competitive and business-friendly environment to position Malaysia among the top 12 competitive economies by 2030. SiapNiaga focuses on structural reforms and enhancing regulatory efficiency by employing the World Bank’s B-READY Framework.
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Sesi semakan ini bertujuan meneliti semula proses kajian Bioequivalence (BE) yang dilaksanakan oleh Bahagian Regulatori Farmasi Negara (NPRA) khusus untuk produk generik, termasuk generik pertama di Malaysia. Hasil semakan ini telah mengenal pasti beberapa ruang penambahbaikan dalam aspek kecekapan pemprosesan permohonan serta pematuhan terhadap keperluan regulatori semasa, yang akan dijadikan asas kepada cadangan pelaksanaan penambahbaikan proses BE.
The session together with ZICO, Shan Poornam & EEPN, MPC focused on identifying practical solutions for regulated import of recyclable materials to support the E&E industry. Discussions addressed traceability systems, regulatory concerns, and how to ensure safe and compliant operations. This initiative supports MPC’s goal to improve industry productivity by enabling a sustainable circular supply chain and positioning Malaysia as a competitive player in high-value electronics manufacturing.
Sesi Sidang Media Pelaksanaan Projek Rintis Reformasi Urusan Pendaftaran Perniagaan di Sibu, Sarawak
Outcome utama daripada projek ini adalah untuk memudahkan urusan pendaftaran perniagaan yang akan membantu mengembangkan ekonomi tempatan melalui penyertaan lebih ramai usahawan terutamanya daripada kalangan PKS. Secara keseluruhannya, projek ini dijangka meningkatkan kecekapan kerajaan, mewujudkan lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan, dan menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi negeri Sarawak. #SKOProduktif #MemacuProduktivitiNegara #EODB
Tarikh: 22 Julai 2025, Selasa Masa: 10.00 pagi Platform: Microsoft Teams Perbincangan strategik antara RFBPN dan Bumiputera Retailers Organization (BRO) diadakan bagi meneroka kerjasama dalam memperkasakan usahawan peruncitan dan F&B Bumiputera melalui penerapan teknologi digital, khususnya Kecerdasan Buatan (AI). Fokus utama adalah memanfaatkan AI sebagai pemacu transformasi perniagaan yang mampan dan berdaya saing. Beberapa cabaran utama yang dikenal pasti termasuk kekangan dalam adaptasi teknologi digital, persaingan dalam pasaran atas talian, serta kesukaran usahawan mempromosikan produk dan berinteraksi secara efektif dengan pelanggan melalui platform digital. Sebagai langkah susulan, RFBPN akan melaksanakan program Retail Artificial Intelligence Smart Evolution (RAISE) yang dirangka khusus untuk membantu usahawan meningkatkan kecekapan operasi dan strategi pemasaran digital. Program ini merangkumi pendedahan, latihan, dan bimbingan praktikal, serta pemantauan keberkesanan pelaksanaannya dalam perniagaan peserta.
A coordination meeting was held to prepare for the SME AI Fest 2025, scheduled for 6 August 2025 at MPC. The session focused on coordinating key aspects of the event, including program flow, guest experience, venue arrangements, and overall logistics. As part of the planning, specific responsibilities were noted to be further refined in the upcoming site visit. The team also agreed to maintain close coordination through internal communication channels to finalise outstanding matters and resolve any logistical challenges prior to the event day. The outcome of the meeting was clearer alignment among team members on key event tasks, enhanced coordination, and a renewed commitment to deliver a professional and high-quality event that supports SME development through digital and AI adoption.
AeroPN and MEPN held a strategic workshop with Pentamaster Corporation Berhad to explore the company’s future market focus and high-value product development. The session aimed to align strategic goals and promote collaboration with key stakeholders including MPC, MITI NSS Secretariat, MAIA, and MEIF, paving the way for enhanced productivity and innovation. Pentamaster also shared its interest in expanding its local supply chain, particularly in developing injection plastic mould manufacturers. This initiative not only supports product development but also promotes productivity by strengthening supplier capabilities, reducing lead times, and encouraging adoption of modern manufacturing practices across the ecosystem.
AeroPN and MEPN held a workshop with Greatech Technology Berhad to align its future market priorities and high-value product development with national strategies. The session brought together key stakeholders including MPC, MITI NSS Secretariat, MAIA, and MEIF to explore collaboration opportunities that drive innovation, productivity, and operational excellence. Greatech expressed plans to strengthen its local supply chain by developing more companies in steel structure, fabrication, and precision machining. This initiative aims to boost productivity by improving supply responsiveness, enhancing quality control, and reducing production costs ultimately driving greater business efficiency and competitiveness in the advanced manufacturing sector.
Sesi bimbingan bersama Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bharu Bandar Raya Islam (MPKB-BRI) kali ini memberi fokus kepada analisis terhadap prestasi semasa dan juga ‘deep dive’ isu/permasalahan bagi projek mempercepat proses pengeluaran lesen perniagaan. Berdasarkan pemetaan proses, beberapa ‘pain points’ serta punca berlaku isu/permasalahan telah dikenalpasti. Terdapat ruang-ruang penambahbaikan yang harus diberi perhatian bagi mengurangkan birokrasi seterusnya meningkatkan kecekapan proses pengeluaran lesen perniagaan di MPKB-BRI. Sebagai outcome, beberapa cadangan awal langkah penambahbaikan/penyelesaian masalah telah dibincangkan namun perlu diteliti lebih lanjut. Reformasi Kerenah Birokrasi (RKB) ialah usaha meningkatkan kecekapan, ketelusan, dan keberkesanan pentadbiran melalui semakan semula peraturan, bagi meningkatkan mutu perkhidmatan awam ke arah melonjakkan produktiviti dan kesejahteraan rakyat.
