SCMP signs 3 MOUs in Malaysia to deepen Hong Kong-Asean regional cooperation

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has inked three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia-based entities to bolster regional cooperation and bridge connections among Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) region. SCMP publisher Tammy Tam signed the MOUs alongside representatives from the Southeast Asian Futures Initiative Centre (SEAFIC), Star Media Group Berhad, and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong & Macau) Limited (MayCham).

SCMP, a globally recognized English-language newspaper owned by Alibaba Group, saw this as part of its extensive delegation to Malaysia under the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" campaign spearheaded by the Trade Development Council. At the signing ceremony, John Tse Chun-chung, Director of Information Services, joined other trade, media, and organizational representatives to witness the signing of the MOUs.

According to SCMP, these landmark partnerships aim to amplify regional perspectives, enhance mutual understanding, and foster forward-thinking economic thought leadership across Asia. Tam emphasized that signing these agreements marks a significant step forward in deepening regional cooperation and acting as a crucial link between Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Asean.

She highlighted the collaboration's potential to provide a dynamic platform by merging demand-driven policy insights with reliable journalism. She praised SEAFIC's expertise and research capabilities, Star Media Group's extensive multichannel ecosystem, MayCham's vast network, and SCMP's global editorial reach and influence in China and the region.

SEAFIC Chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz noted that global and technological shifts are "reshaping tomorrow." He stated that this partnership with SCMP is an invitation for the region to design solutions for a more resilient future. Star Media Group Berhad's CEO, Chan Seng Fatt, echoed Tam's sentiments, stating that this MOU signifies an important step in strengthening cross-border collaboration and their shared aspiration to explore growth opportunities by combining Hong Kong and Malaysia's strengths.

MayCham Deputy Chair Helena Phua added that the agreement would boost trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Malaysia. She also mentioned that by leveraging MayCham's extensive network and SCMP's trusted insights and regional coverage, they hope to unlock new growth opportunities. The SCMP's collaboration is not isolated; three other Hong Kong media organizations also signed MOUs for similar ventures.

Tse Chun-chung shared that the city's media has collectively signed eight MOUs to expand their overseas business and regional influence, marking significant progress in implementing Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's policy to help the media industry expand its overseas network and better tell Hong Kong's story.