New leadership appointment highlights growing female representation in business while strengthening German-Malaysian trade and investment ties.
The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC) has appointed Teoh Tsu-Shien, President of Henkel Malaysia Sdn Bhd, as its new President. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the Chamber’s 35-year history.
Announced during MGCC’s 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, Teoh becomes only the fourth woman to lead the bilateral trade organisation since its establishment. Additionally, women now make up 38% of MGCC’s Board of Directors, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to leadership diversity.
Meanwhile, the leadership transition comes as German-Malaysian economic ties continue to strengthen through growing trade, investment and industrial collaboration.
Experienced Industry Leader Takes the Helm
Teoh brings more than three decades of experience in manufacturing, business development and regional leadership to the role.
She joined Henkel Malaysia in 1994. Since then, she has held senior positions across sales, key account management, business development and supply chain functions throughout the Asia-Pacific region. In 2018, she became President of Henkel Malaysia.
In addition, Teoh serves as Head of Key Account Management for Consumer Goods and Packaging in Southeast Asia within Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit.
As President of MGCC, she will oversee the Chamber’s activities and support its mission of strengthening trade and investment links between Malaysia and Germany. The organisation represents more than 460 member companies and serves as a key platform connecting businesses from both countries.
“It is an honour to take on the presidency of MGCC at such an exciting juncture for German-Malaysian economic ties,” said Teoh.
“Drawing from my experience in industry across the region, I look forward to working with the board and the team to strengthen MGCC’s role as a trusted partner for German investors in Malaysia. I also hope to open new avenues of growth for our members on both sides.”
Strengthening German-Malaysian Business Collaboration
The AGM also marked the conclusion of outgoing President Florian Herrmann’s term. Herrmann serves as Chief Financial Officer of Infineon Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and led the Chamber over the past year.
MGCC Executive Director Hannes Farlock thanked Herrmann for his contributions and welcomed Teoh as the organisation’s new leader.
“My sincere thanks to Florian, a great President who over the past year gave our whole team both clear guidance and, just as importantly, the freedom to take things on and change them,” said Farlock.
“I am glad to welcome Tsu-Shien as our new President. Three decades of industrial and regional leadership at one of Germany’s most respected manufacturers are exactly what we need as we deepen bilateral trade and keep delivering for our members.”
The appointment comes at a time when Malaysia continues to attract interest from German investors, particularly in advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, electronics, sustainability and supply chain development.
Focus on Future Economic Opportunities
Beyond the leadership transition, the AGM featured a fireside chat that explored the future of German-Malaysian economic relations and investment opportunities.
The discussion brought together Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); H.E. Silke Riecken-Daerr, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Malaysia; and Kirsten Schoder-Steinmüller, Vice President of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK).
Panel members exchanged perspectives on foreign direct investment trends, bilateral trade priorities and emerging opportunities that could shape economic cooperation between Malaysia and Germany in the coming years.
Their discussions underscored the importance of continued collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders and business organisations in strengthening economic ties and supporting sustainable growth.
