(MIRI, 16th) Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Ling Chiong Sing stated that as the most representative local business organization, the chamber has always adhered to the purpose of "uniting businesses, promoting the economy" since its establishment. It continuously strengthens internal and external cooperation, creating value for member enterprises and building communication bridges.
In his speech at the 2025 Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce Member Representative Conference, he pointed out that the chamber has been actively recruiting new members for five consecutive years, especially encouraging young entrepreneurs to join. He emphasized that youth is the cornerstone of the chamber’s future and is an important force for promoting business innovation and development. Through the chamber’s platform, young entrepreneurs can not only expand their network but also access the latest business information and seize new market opportunities.
Ling Chiong Sing revealed that to help members improve their competitiveness, the chamber successfully held a series of themed, practical seminars and exchange activities last year, including five specialized seminars on electronic invoicing, tax strategy seminars for businesses, community health awareness seminars, and food hygiene and safety seminars. These activities have helped businesses keep up with policy and industry trends, enhance competitiveness, and received positive responses from all sectors of society.
In addition, the chamber successfully organized the "2025 Miri Colorful Market" and "Chinese New Year Gathering" events in February this year. These activities not only attracted enthusiastic participation from the public but also brought publicity and business opportunities to businesses, further consolidating the chamber's position in the community.
Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ling Chiong Sing delivering a speech.
Looking ahead, Ling Chiong Sing stated that the chamber will focus on advancing the following work in 2025:
1. Providing more targeted services: The chamber will launch a series of training and courses close to member needs, such as occupational safety coordinator training, electronic invoicing seminars, AI technology application training, and HRD Corp courses, to help enterprises optimize management and improve competitiveness.
2. Supporting the growth of young entrepreneurs: The chamber will provide broader exchange platforms and learning opportunities to help young entrepreneurs accumulate experience, broaden their horizons, and achieve breakthroughs in innovation.
3. Strengthening cross-border cooperation: The chamber will strengthen cooperation with government departments and chambers of commerce from other ethnic groups, work together to solve industry problems, promote balanced regional economic development, and promote healthy industry growth.
4. Greeting the centennial celebration, inheriting the spirit of the chamber: 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The chamber will hold a series of celebrations to witness this historic moment with all its members.
Policy Reminder: Implementation of Electronic Invoicing and Adjustment of Minimum Wage
Ling Chiong Sing reminded that from July 1, 2025, the electronic invoicing system will be fully implemented nationwide, and all taxpayers, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, will need to use the electronic invoicing system. The government encourages micro enterprises with annual sales of less than RM150,000 to voluntarily participate to meet the goal of business digital transformation. The chamber will provide training and consultation to help member enterprises transition smoothly.
In addition, the nationwide minimum wage system came into effect on February 1. Employers with five or more employees are required to pay a minimum wage of RM1700; employers with fewer than five employees must implement this by August 1. The chamber calls on member enterprises to prepare early to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Grateful for Member Support and Joint Promotion of Development
Ling Chiong Sing concluded by stating that the stable development of the chamber relies on the trust and support of member businesses. He sincerely thanked all members for their contributions and promised that the chamber will continue to work hard to create more opportunities for business development in Miri.
Among those attending the opening ceremony of the member representative conference were Sarawak Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri City Mayor Adam Yii’s representative Johnny Wong, Miri Member of Parliament Dr. Michael Teo’s representative Lawrence Lai, Honorary President Datuk Seri Ong Tiok Tiong, Honorary President Lee Kai Yun, Honorary Advisor Chia Tze Phan, Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Ling Chiong Sing, directors, Youth Committee executives, and member business representatives.
Guest of honor Sarawak Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin delivering a speech.