WEC and MCORP Sign MoU in Presence of Chief Minister to Advance Economic Cooperation
As part of the World Economic Council (WEC) Discovery Mission to Malaysia, TAPiO Management Advisory was honoured to accompany the official delegation during a courtesy call to YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka. The engagement marked a high point in the mission’s efforts to explore and deepen long-term investment collaboration between Malaysia and Germany, focusing on advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and digitalisation.
Held in Menara MITC, the meeting provided an opportunity for open and forward-looking dialogue on economic priorities and bilateral cooperation. YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh expressed his strong support for expanding ties with the German Mittelstand, recognising the immense value of mid-sized European companies in driving innovation and sustainable industrial development. He also reaffirmed Melaka’s readiness to serve as a platform for structured partnerships with international industry leaders.
The visit was led by Mr. Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the Internationaler Wirtschaftsrat – World Economic Council (WEC), and Mr. Bernhard Schutte, WEC Ambassador to Malaysia, Director of the Southeast Asia Chapter, and Chairman of TAPiO Management Advisory. Both representatives expressed their appreciation for the Melaka government’s warm reception and strategic clarity. They also emphasised the importance of institutional coordination and long-term thinking when shaping frameworks for foreign direct investment.
Following the courtesy call, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Melaka Corporation (MCORP) and the World Economic Council (WEC) to mark the beginning of formal collaboration on the development of the German Technology Park (GTP) in Bandar Hijau, Mukim Ayer Panas, Jasin. The MoU was signed by Datuk Mohd Yusof bin Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of MCORP, and Mr. Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the WEC, and was witnessed by YAB Chief Minister of Melaka and Mr. Bernhard Schutte. This milestone marks a new chapter in Melaka’s ambition to attract European industrial investment and create high-impact zones aligned with ESG and SDG goals.
Also present during the engagement were several senior Melaka state leaders and agency heads whose presence underscored the state’s commitment to foreign investment. These included YB Dato’ Azhar bin Haji Arshad, State Secretary of Melaka; YB Datuk Rais bin Datuk Wira Yasin, Senior EXCO for Housing, Local Government, Climate Change, and Disaster Management; YB Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan, EXCO for Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication; YB Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar, Deputy EXCO for Investment, Industry, and TVET Development and YBhg. Datuk Seri Mohamed Faroz Mohamed Jakel, one of Malaysia’s leading industry figures. Supporting agencies were represented by YBhg. Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Melaka; and Mr. Jaibalan Harirajan, Director of MIDA Melaka. Senior officials from state and federal agencies also joined the session.
This engagement represents more than a formal visit. It reflects a mutual commitment to shaping industrial growth through policy alignment, public–private cooperation, and international trust-building. For TAPiO, it was a proud moment to support the WEC Discovery Mission and the broader effort to facilitate high-level partnerships that go beyond ceremony and deliver real, lasting impact.
Melaka’s openness to global collaboration, institutional clarity, and willingness to engage in structured economic dialogue reaffirm its role as a serious partner for companies looking to invest in Southeast Asia. TAPiO remains committed to ensuring that such connections continue to grow, guided by trust, grounded in strategy, and focused on sustainable, long-term success.
