PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman has been elected the new chairman of the Confederation of Asia Pacific Employers (CAPE) for the next three years.
This marks only the second time that a Malaysian has been appointed to chair the prestigious organisation since its formation in 2000.
Emiko Nagasawa, who represents Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), was elected treasurer while MEF honorary treasurer Datuk Ahmad Nadzarudin Abdul Razak was elected deputy treasurer. Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan continues as secretary-general.
CAPE has 20 members, comprising employers and business organisations throughout the Asia Pacific region.
Syed Hussain said his appointment was an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of employers in the region.
“My appointment represents the collaborative spirit among member organisations. As we navigate challenges and opportunities presented in the evolving business landscape, I am committed to working closely with fellow CAPE members to drive meaningful initiatives that benefit employers and contribute to the growth of our respective economies.”
He said he aims to encourage members to embrace the paradigm shift to collaborate and put in place the necessary policies and actions on critical environmental, social and governance issues.
“I will strive to ensure businesses in Asia Pacific remain sustainable, create higher value jobs and influence employers in the region to be more competitive.
“CAPE will carry out programmes based on member feedback to address their concerns and requirements. I will also get CAPE to play a more effective and bigger role at the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).”
He added that he plans to guide and assist members in compliance with international labour standards and prevent threats of trade sanctions.
Syed Hussain said there are various changes at the national, sub-regional and regional levels and international developments that impact businesses in Asia Pacific.
“At various national levels, many Asia Pacific countries are seeking to enhance social security protections. CAPE is in a strategic position to share practices on social security from Asia Pacific and around the world.
“At the regional level, there is a lot of migration of workers from one country to another. Migrating workers must be facilitated to protect their well-being and the needs of businesses.”
He said with membership across Asia Pacific, CAPE is in a unique position to facilitate migrant workers and businesses to meet their requirements.
Syed Hussain said CAPE could provide a platform for employers in Asia Pacific to discuss such issues and to develop a well-coordinated common response and strategy.
He also said as CAPE chairman, he is in a better position to leverage his working relationship at the international level with IOE and ILO, in which he is a member of their governing body.
He added that CAPE members could learn from one another on technical and vocational education and training programmes and share knowledge with learning centres around Asia Pacific.