MEF Reelected Datuk Dr Syed Hussain as President and Lined up Ambitious Agenda for Sustainable Businesses
Petaling Jaya: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has unveiled its newly elected Council, featuring a blend of fresh faces and experienced Council members. This strategic mix signifies a renewed commitment to forward-thinking leadership, organizational stability, and the promotion of progressive policies. As MEF celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, the new Council is poised to drive the Federation’s mission of fostering a sustainable, dynamic business environment for private employers across Malaysia for the next two years.
The full lineup of MEF Council for 2024-2026:
· President: Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman PJN JP
· Vice Presidents: Dr Mohd Syukri Ahmad Sudari, Puan Anne Kung Soo Ching, Encik Nik Mustapha bin Nik Mohamed, and Encik Edwin Yeap Khoo Soon
· Treasurer: Encik Mohd Farid Shah bin Mohd Basir
· Secretary: Puan Peggy Chew Being Being
The reelected MEF council members for 2024-2026 are Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman PJN JP, Dr Mohd Syukri Ahmad Sudari, En Nik Mustapha bin Nin
Mohamed, En Edwin Yeap Khoo Soon, En Mohd Farid Shah bin Mohd Basir.
The newly elected MEF council members for 2024-2026 are Dr. Nadia Elaiza Binti Norisam, En. Ahmad Syuhaimy Bin Mohd Ali, En. Amiruddin Bin Abdul Shukor, En. Amran Bin Zakaria, En. Rutheran Sivagnanam, and Pn. Zaharah Binti Ibrahim. En Zulkifly Abdul Rahman, formerly an invited council member, is continuing his service as one of the newly elected council members.
Council Members representing Association Members:
· Ms. Ho Gee Leng (Commercial Employers’ Association of Peninsular Malaysia)
· TN Hj Abdul Rahman Bin Ishak ( Malaysian Chamber of Mines)
· n Anne Kung Soo Ching (Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry),
· Ms. Jackline Mariyam Pillai ( Association of Insurance Employers)
· En. Christopher Raj (Association of Hotel Employers),
· Yang. Bahagia Datuk (Dr) Nora Abdul Manaf (Malayan Commercial Banks’ Association), and
· En. Alan Khoo Choom Kwong (Sabah Employers Consultative Association).
Representing a cross-section of industries and associations, the new MEF Council will continue to champion MEF’s vision as the leading voice for private sector employers. The new elections mark the beginning of another chapter in the Federation's pivotal role in shaping Malaysia's economic landscape.
Datuk Dr Syed Hussain outlined MEF plans for the next two years focusing on the following areas:
1. Combating Forced Labour in Supply Chains
One of MEF’s top priorities is the continued fight against forced labour in supply chains. This ongoing initiative addresses a pressing global concern, particularly as Malaysia faces increased scrutiny from major international markets. Recent developments in European Union regulations and U.S. are expected to reshape the Malaysian business ecosystem, making compliance with international labour standards more critical than ever.
Forced labour is a human rights violation that not only tarnishes a company's reputation but also exposes it to severe sanctions. To counter these risks, MEF in collaboration with the ILO, KESUMA and relevant agencies plan to intensify efforts to raise awareness and provide comprehensive training for employers to foster a private sector business community that is both in compliance with established standards and globally competitive.
2. Driving Industry 4.0 and Technological Adoption
As Industry 4.0 technologies transform global value chains, MEF aims to position Malaysia at the forefront of this revolution. The Federation will work closely with the government to encourage the adoption of advanced technologies while promoting local technology suppliers’ transition to high-value activities such as research and development.
Recognizing the impact of Industry 4.0 on labour-intensive operations, MEF will focus on upskilling current workers and ensuring new talent is equipped with relevant skills. Funding from HRDCorp and training grants from the government will play a key role in these efforts, which MEF believes will enhance productivity and make Malaysia’s MSMEs be able to attract and retain skilled talents .
3. Preparing for an Ageing Society
With Malaysia’s ageing population expected to double by 2030, MEF is gearing up to address the socio-economic implications. The Federation pledged to advocate for enhanced Social Security coverage, including extending benefits beyond retirement age. It also plans to shine a spotlight on the Care Economy, particularly the unpaid care work performed mostly by women, and push for the creation of affordable childcare and elderly care facilities.
By supporting care services, Malaysia could unlock an additional 3.2 million workers and boost GDP by 4.9% thereby unleashing economic potential of empowering caregivers and integrating them into paid workforce.
4. Mainstreaming TVET for Economic Growth
MEF also aims to boost the appeal of TVET as a viable pathway to successful career. With Malaysia’s growing demand for skilled technical workers, MEF is advocating for a rebranding of TVET to attract more students and multinational corporations seeking qualified TVET graduates.
Supporting the government’s move to increase starting wages for TVET graduates, MEF stresses the importance of combining classroom education with real-world industry experience. The Federation is working alongside the Ministry of Human Resources to modernize the TVET curriculum, ensuring it aligns with market demands and prepares students for a future shaped by technological advancements.
5. Promoting the Progressive Wage Model
In line with its broader mission to improve wage structures, MEF is calling for the voluntary adoption of the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) among private sector employers. The Federation advocates for transparent guidelines and financial incentives to encourage businesses to implement this system, which aims to raise wages while maintaining economic sustainability.
6. Positioning Malaysia for High-Value Investments
MEF’s influence extends beyond national borders. With its President serving as a Member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body, Chairman of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Employers (CAPE), and soon-to-be Chairman of the ASEAN Confederation of Employers (ACE), MEF is uniquely positioned to attract high-value investments to Malaysia.
These leadership roles provide a strategic platform for MEF to champion Malaysia as a premier destination for high-value, job-creating investments. High quality value added investments will be critical to create quality jobs for Malaysian graduates and ensuring the country remains competitive in the global economy.
A Bright Future for Malaysia
Guided by its motto, "Responsible Employers, Progressive Nation," MEF is committed to leading Malaysia’s private sector toward a more prosperous and sustainable future. Through its wide-ranging initiatives MEF seeks to advance the interests of both employers and employees, fostering an environment where ethical practices, technological innovation, and economic inclusivity can thrive.
As MEF continues its work, employers across the country can look forward to a future defined by collaboration, growth, and progress—both for the business community and the nation as a whole.
For further information, please contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7498 7200 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.
23 September 2024