The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI France Malaysia – CCIFM) marked its 35th anniversary during the Malaysia–France Gala Night 2026, held on 30 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together over 400 business leaders, senior executives, government representatives and members of the Malaysian–French business community, underscoring the Chamber's long-standing role in fostering bilateral trade, investment and business cooperation.
The significance of the milestone lies in the scale of the economic relationship it represents. Established in 1991, CCIFM has evolved into a key business platform connecting French and Malaysian companies, supporting market entry, facilitating investment and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. 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. From aerospace, energy and advanced manufacturing to digital technologies, healthcare and professional services, French companies continue to play an important role in Malaysia's economic transformation.
The evening 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. The celebration was further honoured by the presence of YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), representing YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
A major highlight was the CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026, which recognised 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 contributing to the development of both economies.
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 continued growth of Malaysia–France business relations is supported by close collaboration between public institutions, investment promotion agencies and the private sector. CCIFM works alongside 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, among other stakeholders. As the Chamber enters its 36th year, it remains focused on expanding business opportunities, facilitating market access and supporting French and Malaysian companies in developing long-term partnerships.
With more than three decades of experience and a network of over 320 member companies, 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. A View the Gala Night 2026 Photo Album is available, capturing the evening's celebrations.
