Strategic Dialogue with ECERDC Highlights Malaysia’s Eastern Growth Corridor
As part of the Malaysia Discovery Mission, the Internationaler Wirtschaftssenat (IWS) – World Economic Council (WEC) delegation engaged in a high-level strategic meeting with the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC). The session was hosted and chaired by YBhg. Dato’ Baidzawi Che Mat, Chief Executive Officer of ECERDC, and served as a key platform to explore the economic and industrial potential of Malaysia’s East Coast corridor.
The delegation was welcomed with a comprehensive investment presentation delivered by YBhg. Dato’ Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer of ECERDC, who outlined the region’s competitive advantages. These include its strategic geographic location, abundant natural resources, well-developed infrastructure, and a proven track record of catalysing high-impact investments across advanced manufacturing, green energy, biotechnology, logistics, and agribusiness.
The meeting underscored ECERDC’s pivotal role in transforming the region into a thriving investment destination through targeted incentives, talent development, and integrated industrial ecosystems. It was particularly relevant to WEC members, who represent companies with global operations and a strong interest in sustainable and socially inclusive growth.
WEC, as a worldwide economic council connecting influential leaders across more than 30 sectors and 70 countries, views the ECER as a strong example of how regional frameworks can enable global businesses to grow in emerging economies. The alignment between ECERDC’s development mandate and WEC’s focus on innovation, ethical entrepreneurship, and international cooperation was clearly evident throughout the discussions.
Mr. Bernhard Schutte, WEC Ambassador to Malaysia, Chapter Director for Southeast Asia, and Chairman of TAPiO, remarked:
“ECERDC impressed our delegation not only with its strategic infrastructure and investment readiness, but also with its clear long-term vision. What we see in the East Coast region is a future-facing model for balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth. It is the kind of institutional excellence we are proud to engage with globally.”
Mr. Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Director of TAPiO Management Advisory, added:
“We are truly grateful for the openness and depth of insight shared by the ECERDC leadership. It sends a strong message to international investors that Malaysia’s East Coast is not just prepared for growth, it is prepared to partner. We are pleased to help build those bridges.”
TAPiO Management Advisory is honoured to have facilitated this engagement. As the chartered office of WEC in Malaysia, TAPiO continues to serve as a trusted advisor for medium-sized European companies and global investors seeking structured market entry, regulatory clarity, and high-level access to Malaysia’s most promising growth corridors.
We sincerely thank ECERDC for their generous hospitality and visionary leadership in showcasing the long-term investment opportunities in the East Coast Economic Region.
