The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) has appointed Geetha Kandiah, an intellectual property expert and CEO of KASS International, as its new president. The announcement was made following the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting held yesterday.
The event, attended by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, highlighted the strengthening trade relations between Malaysia and Germany, which is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Europe. In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized the importance of these growing trade ties.
Geetha is the third female president in MGCC’s 33-year history, symbolising a significant milestone for the organisation. Her appointment aligns with MGCC’s goal of being a progressive chamber of commerce, currently boasting over 31% female representation on its board of directors.
An accomplished lawyer with a regional presence, Geetha is also a sought-after international speaker, business strategy coach, and a Steering Committee member of the Malaysian chapter of the 30% Club, which advocates for greater female representation on corporate boards in Malaysia.
During the AGM, MGCC executive director Jan Noether expressed gratitude to the outgoing president, Tim Groth, who served for a year, and welcomed Geetha to her new role.
“MGCC is pleased to welcome Geetha as our President. She brings with her two decades of legal experience and strong business acumen, which will undoubtedly propel the Chamber’s role in driving investments into Malaysia,” said Noether.
In her new role, Geetha will oversee MGCC’s activities, representing the interests of over 430 members by connecting German companies to Malaysia to promote foreign trade.
“I am delighted to assume the presidency after serving as Vice President for one year. Along with my fellow board members and the team at MGCC, I look forward to playing a role in being a bigger voice for German investors in Malaysia and taking our bilateral relationship to new areas of growth,” Geetha stated.
MGCC’s 33rd Annual General Meeting was held on 27 June at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Peter Blomeyer, and more than 100 guests.
