Unlocking Opportunities: TAPiO Facilitates Strategic Meeting Between German Business Leaders and MIDA
TAPiO Management Advisory recently facilitated a high-level strategic meeting in Kuala Lumpur between the International Economic Senate – World Economic Council (IWS–WEC) delegation and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The meeting served as a platform to introduce members of the German Mittelstand to Malaysia’s fast-evolving investment landscape and to deepen bilateral economic understanding.
The IWS–WEC delegation was led by Mr Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the International Economic Senate, and Mr Bernhard Schutte, Ambassador of the World Economic Council to Malaysia and Chapter Director for Southeast Asia. Mr Schutte, who also serves as Chairman of TAPiO, has long championed the importance of structured, relationship-driven engagement between Germany and Southeast Asia.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Faizal Jalaludin, Executive Director of Investment Promotion at MIDA, whose strategic guidance framed the discussion around Malaysia’s positioning as a stable and forward-looking destination for international investment. Also present were senior MIDA officers who contributed valuable insight, including Mr Afzanil Md. Anuar (Green Technology Division), Ms Sunita Navaratnam (Electrical and Electronics Division), Mr Pravinganesha Rajoo (Sustainability Division), and Ms Chrisendra Christopher (Foreign Investment Division) who was essential to organise the Meeting.
Participants explored key areas of synergy between Malaysia and the German Mittelstand, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, sustainable industry practices, and the development of high-skilled talent. These align with Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional leader in future-ready sectors and with the Mittelstand’s long-term orientation and global outlook.
TAPiO was represented by Mr Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Partner, and Mr Heng Siang Tan, Chief Operating Officer. Reflecting on the meeting, Mr Tan commented, “Malaysia offers the right mix of opportunity, talent and access. But what truly makes the difference is the openness of its institutions to engage in honest, forward-thinking dialogue.”
For European SMEs seeking a reliable partner in Asia, TAPiO offers more than local support. Through deep government relations, long-standing networks, and a proven understanding of cross-cultural business development, TAPiO ensures that strategic intent translates into sustainable results.
As part of this discovery mission, WEC and IWS members gained first-hand exposure to Malaysia’s economic vision and institutional readiness. For MIDA, the engagement offered an opportunity to reach the decision-makers behind Europe’s most dynamic businesses. For TAPiO, it reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to building meaningful bridges between continents, industries, and people.
