Strengthening Industrial and Financial Ties: WEC Discovery Mission Engages with MIDF in Malaysia
As part of the Discovery Mission to Malaysia, the International Economic Senate – World Economic Council (IWS – WEC) delegation participated in a strategic networking dinner hosted by MIDF Berhad, one of Malaysia’s longest-standing development finance institutions. The evening was graciously chaired by YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat, Chairman of MIDF and a respected figure in Malaysia’s economic leadership.
The event brought together prominent stakeholders from Malaysia’s manufacturing, automotive, financial and trade sectors, alongside members of the WEC delegation, led by Mr Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the International Economic Senate, and Mr Bernhard Schutte, Chairman of TAPiO Management Advisory who was recently appointed as WEC Ambassador to Malaysia and Chapter Director for Southeast Asia. TAPiO Management Advisory, which serves as the facilitator of the Discovery Mission, was represented by Mr Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Partner, and Mr Heng Siang Tan, Chief Operating Officer.
Discussions during the evening touched on emerging industrial opportunities in electric vehicles (EV), precision machining, plastic moulding, and high-value manufacturing. These sectors represent key areas of interest for many of WEC’s members, particularly those from the German Mittelstand – a collective of highly specialised, export-oriented companies that form the foundation of Germany’s industrial strength. With over 450 members across 30 sectors, representing more than €100 billion in turnover and 500,000 employees, the WEC delegation approaches these exchanges not as ceremonial gestures but as working sessions to bring back valuable insights for its members across Europe and beyond.
Notably, the dinner also offered a chance to explore the financial landscape, with dialogue touching on Malaysia’s banking and capital markets environment. MIDF, a wholly owned subsidiary of MBSB Bank Berhad, plays a crucial role in Malaysia’s development financing framework, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and industrial modernisation. MBSB Bank itself, an Islamic banking institution with a growing national presence, reflects the increasing diversification and innovation within Malaysia’s financial ecosystem.
The presence of key representatives from both the private and public sectors underscored the importance of German–Malaysian collaboration at both the industrial and financial levels. One of the evening’s notable guests, Mr Jacob Lee Chor Kok, Deputy President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), added further perspective to the ongoing discourse on Malaysia’s role as a manufacturing and trade hub for Southeast Asia.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr Bernhard Schutte stated:
“This Discovery Mission is not only about identifying markets. It is about understanding how countries like Malaysia think, invest, and build. The engagement with MIDF and the wider ecosystem tonight clearly demonstrated institutional openness and industrial vision.”
TAPiO is proud to support the World Economic Council in its mission to empower global leaders through meaningful connections and practical insight. TAPiO continues to build the trust, access and knowledge needed to turn strategy into sustainable partnerships by facilitating high-level interactions that connect European investors with Malaysian policymakers and industry champions.
As Malaysia continues to position itself as a forward-thinking nation in manufacturing, digitalisation, and financial innovation, TAPiO remains at the forefront, ensuring that international business leaders are not only welcomed, but empowered to act.
