The future of the PIB Malaysia
For the past five years, the Netherlands Industries for Defence & Security (NIDV) has acted as the coordinator for the Partners for International Business (PIB) initiative for Malaysia. Of course, all things must end, and at the start of 2025 the PIB came to an end after receiving the maximum extension the program allows for.
However, while the program might have ended, 10 of the companies involved have chosen to continue their activities in Malaysia. As a coalition, they will be supported by the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) in their efforts to find success in the Malaysian defence and security sector.
What is a PIB?
A PIB is a public-private partnership between the government and a coalition of Dutch companies who want to explore opportunities abroad. A target nation is chosen and, once the PIB is approved, a budget is provided which can be used to fund the coalition’s activities, and positioning in the local market. While many companies have international ambitions, there are a lot of barriers to getting involved with and in a foreign market. Local laws might be different than a company is used to, cultural differences can make it hard to build a good working relationship and of course there is the cost of the international travel too. The goal of the PIB is to alleviate these issues.
Typically, a PIB program runs for about three years. The Malaysian PIB, however, ran for five. During those years, the NIDV coordinated all sorts of activities for the member companies in cooperation with the Dutch embassy and the local liaison hired for the PIB. These activities ranged from visits to international exhibitions like LIMA and DSA, trade missions, visits to local industry, matchmaking events and even visits to local military installations.
The PIB is a great way for Dutch businesses to explore opportunities internationally as the budget lessens the financial impact and the support from the NIDV and the Dutch embassy helps them get in touch with local industry leaders and decisionmakers. Plus, being part of a coalition with support from the Dutch government can open doors that may remain shut for a lone company.
More information about the PIB
What is the MDBC?
Founded in 1996 by Dutch and Malaysian companies, the Malaysian Dutch Business Council is a private nonprofit trade organization. The council’s mission is to improve business ties between Malaysia and the Netherlands by facilitating networking and cooperation.
To achieve this they organize about 40 information sessions annually, as well as special services and events like the MDBC student internship program, which coordinates internships in Malaysia for Dutch students. They also organize the annual MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA), which specifically promotes sustainability in the Malaysian-Dutch business community.
Their understanding of both Dutch and Malaysian culture and industry, their extensive local network, their close relationship with the Dutch embassy and their experience in organizing industry events all make the MDBC uniquely suited to support the coalition of Dutch companies and increase their visibility in Malaysia going forward.
“The coalition has achieved a lot in these 5 years and they’re eager to continue together, which is very motivating. As the new coordinator, we don’t see this as the MDBC taking over, but much more as a continuation to provide support and ensure the coalition’s longevity.” According to Marco Winter, Executive Director MDBC.
What happens next?
- Check the current state of business
- Continue with existing contacts
- Transition from Peter Huis in ‘t Veld to Marco Winter
- A new website
- Contribution
Over these five years, the members of the PIB Malaysia have expanded their networks and explored new opportunities. Some have found local partners, some have explored opportunities for collaboration and some have even begun looking into local production. Now that the PIB has ended and 10 companies have chosen to proceed, how will the coalition carry on with the MDBC’s support?
Of course, there will also be a brief transition period between the new and old coordinators. As international business development manager Peter Huis in ‘t Veld’s role as primary coordinator winds down, the MDBC’s executive direct Marco Winter will pick up where he left off.
There will be a familiar face at the coalition after the transition, as Mrs. Fazilah Majeed will stay on and keep supporting the coalition. Mrs. Fazilah was originally hired as the PIB liaison in Malaysia and has built up a large network after 5 years of supporting the PIB. The PIB Website, meanwhile, will be taken offline on April 1st and be replaced with a new one, which you can visit via the link below to learn more about the
As the new coordinators, the MDBC will begin by taking stock of the current situation. This will involve taking stock of the Malaysian defence and security market, especially in relation to the expectations and wishes of the participating companies. This inventory will tell the MDBC what support the coalition will need and what activities to attend, organize and coordinate in the coming months. While few things are set in stone currently, Marco mentioned attending LIMA with the coalition as a likely highlight of 2025.
The coalition members will pay a contribution, which will be used to coordinate and expand their exposure and business development activities in Malaysia.
The future
“So far, the coalition has been very positive and motivated to continue.” Marco Winter said, when asked about his view on the coalition’s future. “We look forward to turning that enthusiasm into commercial success for the coalition.”
The NIDV is very glad to see the coalition continue its activities in Malaysia, and we have faith that their efforts and the support of the MDBC will result in great things.