The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI France Malaysia – CCIFM) marked its 35th anniversary at the Malaysia–France Gala Night 2026 on 30 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, bringing together more than 400 business leaders, senior executives, government representatives and members of the Malaysian–French business community. The event underscored the Chamber’s long-standing role in fostering bilateral trade, investment and business cooperation.
The celebration was hosted by Datuk Zainal Amanshah, Honorary Chairman of CCIFM, and Mr. Richard Fostier, President of CCIFM, alongside H.E. Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia. YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), attended on behalf of YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Established in 1991, CCI France Malaysia has evolved into a key business platform connecting French and Malaysian companies, supporting market entry, facilitating investment and strengthening economic cooperation. Today, more than 600 French companies operate in Malaysia, supporting over 30,000 jobs and contributing to the country’s industrial, technological and economic development across sectors including aerospace, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, healthcare and professional services.
The milestone carries significant implications for Malaysia’s economic trajectory. As the country strengthens its position as a regional business and investment hub, CCIFM remains committed to helping French companies establish and expand operations while leveraging Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia. The Chamber’s work is supported by close collaboration with public institutions and investment promotion agencies, including the Embassy of France in Malaysia and its Economic Department, Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), La French Tech, MIDA, MATRADE, state investment promotion agencies, TalentCorp and MDEC.
A major highlight of the evening was the CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation, entrepreneurship and contributions to Malaysia–France business relations. Six awards were presented: Technip Energies for Outstanding Achievements – Large Company; Iraya Energies for Outstanding Achievements – SME; Di Tullio & Sons as Entrepreneur of the Year; TotalEnergies for Corporate Social Responsibility; Schneider Electric & Air Selangor for France–Malaysia Smart Partnership; and Chanel for Image of France. The awards celebrated the diversity and dynamism of the French business community in Malaysia, from multinational corporations and innovative SMEs to entrepreneurs and strategic partnerships.
Beyond business development, CCIFM continues to advance its environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Launched in 2024, the Chamber’s reforestation programme in Sabah’s Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary has reached 600 trees planted in 2026, progressing towards its target of 1,000 trees by 2029. Supported by the Malaysian–French business community, the initiative contributes to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, with the planted trees estimated to offset approximately 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
The anniversary celebration featured entertainment hosted by Malaysian comedian Gajen Nad, a special musical performance by Dato’ Sheila Majid and entertainment by Zeppo Youngsterz. The evening was made possible through the support of corporate partners including Platinum Partner BNP Paribas, along with Airbus, Arkema, Ayvens, Chanel, JLL, L’Oréal, Michelin, Rotortrade, Safran, Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, Technip Energies, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, Cegos, CMA CGM, Iraya Energies and Stellantis. Attendees can relive the evening through the View the Gala Night 2026 Photo Album.
As the Chamber enters its 36th year with a network of over 320 member companies and a French business community of more than 660 companies in Malaysia, CCIFM will continue to serve as a catalyst for bilateral trade and investment, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a strategic regional hub for French businesses in Southeast Asia.
