Young entrepreneurs innovating but must ensure stable business foundations

DNHN - "The world is undergoing significant changes, bringing both opportunities and challenges for businesses, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, international trade, and investment"

That was one of the remarks made by Dr. Jonathan Choi, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Union, and Chairman of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong), at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention held recently in Malaysia.

This is a major event in the international business community, with over 4,000 delegates from more than 30 countries, organized by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM), under the theme "Reimagineering the Future", focusing on key topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), international trade, and sustainable development.

As the Secretary-General of the Founding Council, Dr. Jonathan Choi noted: "The world is undergoing significant changes, bringing both opportunities and challenges for businesses, especially in fields such as artificial intelligence, international trade, and investment. Thus, with its unique position under the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy, and its role as an international financial hub and China's innovation and technology center, Hong Kong has been and continues to be an important bridge in the global economy. Hong Kong provides unparalleled opportunities and platforms in finance, trade, and technology for the Chinese business community." He also emphasized the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs in combining tradition with innovation to open new paths for the future.

According to Dr. Jonathan Choi, the economic cooperation of the global Chinese community must go beyond bilateral exchanges and aim towards multilateral cooperation to avoid political risks. He emphasized that Malaysia could collaborate with the UK and the Middle East, while the Middle East could cooperate with countries like China, Malaysia, and Singapore. This multilateral cooperation model will help foster more substantial and sustainable economic cooperation among Chinese businesses worldwide.

At the convention, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of strong cooperation between Malaysia and China, bolstered by robust trade and investment relations. The Prime Minister stated that Malaysia is ready to welcome more investment opportunities from China and is committed to facilitating the growth of businesses.

In addition, Mr. Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, expressed his hope that the event would serve as a catalyst for promoting trade and investment growth between Malaysia and other countries, providing an ideal platform for global entrepreneurs to collaborate, exchange experiences, and create new business agreements.

The convention focused on two plenary sessions on global trends and the challenges facing businesses, as well as new opportunities in global trade and investment. Additionally, six thematic discussion sessions covered topics such as tradition and innovation, green economy, semiconductor technology, globalization, exploring the potential of the ASEAN market, and AI strategies for leaders. These sessions aimed to provide deep insights and development strategies for entrepreneurs in the face of a changing global economy.

"Sunwah is a typical family business spanning three generations, deeply embracing the business culture of the Chinese community in Hong Kong. The division of responsibilities within the family is very clear, yet highly complementary, with a common goal of overall development. Sunwah Group has expanded its business into the ASEAN region very early on, and we have been developing in Vietnam for more than 50 years, achieving many milestones. The innovation of the younger generation will continue to be integrated with the values and essence that our generation has inherited, serving the next stage of the Group's development, as well as contributing to the overall development of this region," said Jesse Choi, Vice Chairman of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Entrepreneurs Union and General Director of Sunwah Group (Hong Kong) in the ASEAN region.

He also advised young Chinese entrepreneurs today to leverage their abilities and youth to continuously innovate, but at the same time ensure a stable business foundation before implementing new creative ideas into their businesses.

First held in Singapore in 1991, the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention has developed into a global networking forum for the Chinese business community, achieving significant milestones in connecting Chinese businesses worldwide. With the goal of promoting innovation and tradition, the convention has been nurturing a new generation of business leaders, ensuring the inheritance and development of the Chinese entrepreneurial spirit.

To date, the World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention has been held 16 times in various countries and regions such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, and many others.

Uyen Nhi