Bernhard Schutte Appointed as Ambassador to Malaysia and Chapter Director for Southeast Asia of the World Economic Council (WEC) and Internationaler Wirtschaftssenat (IWS)
TAPiO Management Advisory is proud to share that its Chairman, Bernhard Schutte, has been officially appointed as Ambassador of the World Economic Council (WEC) to Malaysia and Chapter Director for Southeast Asia. The appointment ceremony took place at the residence of His Excellency Dr Peter Blomeyer, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malaysia. This meaningful occasion marked a significant step in strengthening international economic diplomacy between Europe and Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia continues to emerge as a vital region for global economic cooperation. Within this landscape, Malaysia plays a central role. The country is ideally positioned as a strategic hub with access to the 650 million consumers in ASEAN, strong infrastructure, a reform-oriented government, and a firm commitment to sustainability and growth. The WEC has recognised this and is now expanding its structured presence in the region, supported by leadership on the ground.
The appointment of Bernhard Schutte reflects the trust he has built across the public and private sectors. As a long-standing advocate for deeper economic engagement between Europe and Asia, he brings together a rare combination of strategic insight, entrepreneurial experience, and institutional credibility. In his new role, he will work to strengthen ties between German and European business leaders and key actors in Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of leaders, including:
- The Honourable YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Malacca
- YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman, MIDF Berhad
- YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Former Executive Director, APEC Secretariat; Independent Non-Executive Director, Sunway Berhad
- YBhg. Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John, Director, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn. Bhd.
- YBhg. Datuk Mohd Yusof bin Abu Bakar, CEO, Melaka Corporation (MCorp)
- Mr. Jaibalan Harirajan, Director, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Melaka
- Mr. Jan Noether, Executive Director, Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC)
- Mr. Martin Drotleff, Chief Risk Officer, Commerzbank Group
- Mr. Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Partner, TAPiO Management Advisory
- Mr. Heng Siang Tan, Chief Operating Officer, TAPiO Management Advisory
The evening also featured a captivating cultural performance by the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), which powerfully showcased Malaysia’s cultural richness and creative identity. This cultural dimension served as a meaningful reminder of the broader context in which international partnerships are built.
Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the International Economic Senate and the World Economic Council, shared his perspective on the appointment:
“The appointment of Bernhard Schutte is of outstanding importance to the World Economic Council. His reputation, his network, and his deep understanding of Southeast Asia and Europe make him uniquely qualified to represent our organisation in a region that is central to the global economic future. Bernhard has long been a trusted voice in building bridges between cultures, industries, and governments. The presence of such high-level guests at the ceremony is a clear reflection of the respect he commands and the impact he is already making on the ground.”Bernhard Schutte commented during the ceremony:
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. It reflects a shared belief in the value of long-term economic cooperation. Malaysia and Southeast Asia present tremendous opportunities, and I look forward to contributing to partnerships that are built on trust, mutual benefit, and a shared commitment to progress.”Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Partner of TAPiO Management Advisory, added:
“Bernhard is the perfect person to take on this responsibility. His ability to connect, to lead, and to build is unmatched. With TAPiO as his institutional backbone, he has a loyal and capable team behind him that stands ready to support his mission and turn strategy into lasting results.”
TAPiO Management Advisory would like to express its deepest gratitude to His Excellency Dr Peter Blomeyer and his spouse for their warm hospitality, exceptional kindness, and personal involvement in making this event truly special. The thoughtfully curated evening, the remarkable atmosphere, and the outstanding cuisine created a setting that was not only elegant and welcoming, but also a true reflection of the Ambassador’s character and commitment. We are deeply honoured by his support and will continue to build on this foundation of trust and friendship in our efforts to strengthen ties between Germany, Malaysia, and the wider region.
