GOPIO International Business Summit 2023

The GOPIO International Business Summit 2023, held from 1st to 3rd December at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, was a significant event aimed at fostering global business collaborations, promoting investment opportunities, and positioning Malaysia as a leading hub for business and tourism. Organised by GOPIO Malaysia and GOPIO International Business Council (GIBC), under the leadership of GOPIO Malaysia President cum GIBC Chairman Gunasekaren Sreerangan, the summit provided a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and forming valuable global partnerships, particularly focusing on the economic development of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and their respective countries, including Malaysia and India.

Event Overview

The summit was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including:

• YB Tuan V. Sivakumar, Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources
• H.E. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs
• Padmashri Mylswamy Annadurai, the “Moon Man of India”

Other notable guests included YB Senator Saraswathy Kandasamy, Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, and H.E. Balwant Singh Chandan Singh Rajput, Gujarat’s Minister of MSME, Industries, Labour, and Employment. The event saw the participation of 428 attendees, including 259 domestic participants and 169 international delegates from 12 countries, including India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Japan.

Day 1: Entrepreneurial Success and Investment Opportunities

The first day of the summit focused on entrepreneurial success and investment opportunities in Gujarat and Malaysia, offering attendees a deeper understanding of emerging business landscapes.

The opening session featured an address by Mr. Gunasekaren Sreerangan, President of GOPIO Malaysia, and an inaugural speech by YB Tuan V. Sivakumar, Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources.

The summit continued with Panel Session 1:

“Succeeding in the Life of an Entrepreneur”, moderated by Mr. Gowrishankar, Managing Partner of Value Innovation Group, with distinguished panellists:

• Mr. Boniface Anak Edwin Manung, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia
• Mr. Pravin K., CEO, Virtual Assistancasia, Malaysia
• Mr. Sanjay Inishetty, Advisor, StartupTN, India
• Mr. Satheesh Kumar, CEO, The Talk Media, India

The discussion provided valuable insights into entrepreneurial success, innovation, and overcoming challenges in the modern business world.

Day 2: Innovations in Sustainability and Regulations

The second day of the summit explored the themes of renewable energy innovations, sustainable farming practices, and business regulations in Malaysia, emphasising the country’s commitment to fostering sustainable business practices.

Dr. C.K. Ashok Kumar, Founder and Chairman of First World Community, delivered a special talk on transformative business practices.

Following the special talk, Panel Session 2: Innovations in Renewable Energy was moderated by Mr. Ravendran Arjunan, Secretary General of GOPIO International, with expert panellists:

• Professor Moni Madaswamy, India
• Mr. Nazar D., Singapore

This was followed by Panel Session 3 on Sustainable Farming Practices, moderated by Dr. Satishkumar Rajkumar, an Agritech Expert from India, with panellists:

• Mr. Kalai Selvam, Sustainable Farming Advocate, Malaysia
• Ms. Meena Ramesh, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sri Lanka

The final session of the day focused on navigating Malaysia’s business regulations, moderated by Mr. Harikrishnan Muthusamy, President of GOPIO Singapore.

Day 3: Digital Transformation and Emerging Opportunities

The final day of the summit explored the intersection of digital transformation, medical technology, and space commerce, highlighting future business opportunities in these emerging fields.

Mr. Raja Singham, Managing Director of BAC Education, kicked off the day with a special talk on education and business development.

The day continued with Panel Session 4 on The Future of Healthcare in the Era of Medical Technology, featuring:

• Dr. Muralitharan Paramasua, Healthcare Innovator, Malaysia
• Mr. Venkita Padmanabhan, Medical Technology Expert, India

The summit concluded with an inspiring talk on Opportunities in Space Commerce by Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, former ISRO Scientist and Padmashri Awardee.

Economic and Social Impact

The GOPIO International Business Summit 2023 successfully promoted business growth, cultural diversity, and economic development. Malaysia’s position as a vibrant and multicultural hub for business and tourism was reinforced, highlighting the country’s potential for further global partnerships. Through networking, business matching activities, and expert-led discussions, the summit paved the way for future collaborations and offered an invaluable opportunity for international delegates to explore Malaysia’s investment potential.

Closing Ceremony

The summit concluded with a closing ceremony featuring speeches by:

• Mr. Gunasekaren Sreerangan, President, GOPIO Malaysia
• H.E. B.N. Reddy, High Commissioner of India to Malaysia

The GOPIO International Business Summit 2023 was hailed as a resounding success, laying the groundwork for future economic growth, global partnerships, and cross-cultural collaboration, while further establishing Malaysia’s reputation as a thriving business and tourism hub.