Mr Benny Mermans (center), Chairman of World Plastics Council (WPC) visited MPMA on 22 March 2023 to get to know MPMA and strengthen the working relationship between WPC, Global Plastics Alliance (GPA) and Asia Plastics Forum (APF). MPMA as the Permanent Secretariat of APF plays a crucial role in shaping the position of the Asian block in critical global advocacy work for the industry, specifically on Global Plastic Treaty, Operation Clean Sweep and Basel Convention. From left to right: Mr Alvin Ang, Mr Chan Kwee-Lin, Mr Callum Chen, Mr Benny Mermans, Datuk Lim Kok Boon, Mr Manoj Aravind, Ms CY Wee.
MPMA visited the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) on 15 March 2023 to explore the Academy in Factory (AiF) concept - an initiative aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry training. Below pic with En Nik Faizal Nik Ahmad and his team from the Productivity Growth Division, Chemical Productivity Nexus (CPN).
MPMA's Roadshow 2023 will discuss the challenging year ahead for the plastics industry with the expected global economic slowdown, coupled with the rising cost of doing business.

13 July 2022 - Datuk Lim Kok Boon, President, MPMA met with 50 plastics manufacturers who have issues with foreign worker application. Datuk Lim explained the background of the meeting, whereby the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) had met with representatives from various trade associations on 8 July 2022 to understand the difficulties faced by the industries on foreign workers applications. MITI is fully understands that the 80/20 rule (ratio of local/foreign workers) is the main huddle and that the shortage of workers have impacted the various sectors. MITI would elevate the matter to the higher authorities for a solution, but would require information from the business sector to substantiate the appeal. Trade associations were requested to assist by providing the necessary information.
Datuk Lim further explained the details of the information required and that it is important for the plastics manufacturers to submit the information directly to MPMA, and not to MITI or any other trade association. He also urged members to convey this message to their friends/partners within the plastics industry who may not be aware of this matter.