The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM), in collaboration with the Bangladesh High Commission in Malaysia, successfully co-hosted a Luncheon Meeting with H.E. Dr. Asif Nazrul, Honourable Adviser for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Bangladesh, in conjunction with His Excellency’s three-day official visit to Malaysia.

The meeting was graced by FMM President, Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, alongside Deputy President Mr Jacob Lee, and Vice Presidents Dato’ Nathan K Suppiah, Dato’ Gan Tack Kong, and Ms Michelle Hah. Also in attendance were several other key industry stakeholders.

Discussions centred on strengthening the longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh, particularly in the area of human capital mobility. Both sides candidly shared the current challenges arising from Malaysia’s foreign labour policies, and explored how closer coordination, transparent processes, and long-term planning could help ensure a more sustainable, fair, and efficient recruitment system that meets the evolving needs of industries while safeguarding workers’ welfare.

With Malaysia’s manufacturing sector undergoing rapid transformation under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP2030), FMM underscored the importance of strategic partnerships to meet the future talent and labour needs of the industry. FMM highlighted the opportunity for Bangladesh to continue serving as a key source country for skilled and semi-skilled labour, and potentially reposition itself as a strategic partner in Malaysia’s industrial upgrading and workforce development initiatives.

This important dialogue reinforces the commitment of both countries to work collaboratively in addressing emerging human capital challenges and building resilient, future-ready industries.

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