THE SMBA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
On the 18th April 2018, the SMBA held its 19th AGM at the authentic restaurant Chalet Suisse. It was a vibrant evening, with 40 enthusiastic members attending the event.
The AGM was officially launched by His Excellency the Ambassador of Switzerland and observed by Datin Shelina who represented the legal firm Abdullah Chan.
The Chairman’s speech was delivered via a video presentation whereas the SMBA Secretary Mrs Aileen Lim-Chan went through the formalities including the voting, seeking approval for the Financial Report of 2017, announcing the fees structures and the election of the new committee members for 2018.
The Ambassador’s Speech
In his welcome address, His Excellency Mr Michael Winzap thanked the SMBA and its committee for their contributions in promoting Swiss interest in Malaysia. He was impressed by the strong Swiss economic and trade footprint in Malaysia, acknowledged the SMBA commitment to be the facilitator for Swiss Businesses and its cooperation with the embassy so that high standard of Swiss values are observed. His Excellency was also convinced that economic growth and prosperity in Malaysia will continue after the general election on 9th May.
The Chairman’s Speech
Mr Andre Keller the Vice Chairman chaired the meeting on behalf of the Chairman Mr Christian Meyer, who was away on business. Via a video presentation, Mr Christian Meyer thanked the committee members for a year of achievement with many events successfully organised.
He outlined some of the accomplishments of 2017 which include the re-launching of HR Circle, becoming a bilateral member of EUMCCI, the improvement of the SMBA website, the cooperation with CCIFM, and improved efficiency as a result of the launching of Standard Operation Procedures. All of SMBA programmes are organised regularly and intended to offer members access to networking opportunities and business information.
SMBA Objectives for 2018
The Chairman also looked forward to achieve 2018-2019 objectives. The future plans include organising 6 business related events; to continue the Quarterly HR Circle events; to launch informal after-work cocktails; to strengthen collaboration with other chambers and business related organisations; to introduce EUMCCI membership benefits to SMBA members and to win a further 10 more members.
Financial Report 2017
The Treasurer Mr Renzo Giannone presented the Financial Balance Sheet and Income Statement for 2017. He noted that from the Financial Statement the deficit is close to the target of break-even in 2017; Mr Giannone noted the higher level of expenses show the increased level of activities that provide value to members.
Mr Giannone emphasised that it is the financial objective of the SMBA to break even in the 2018 budget..
The Dinner
The evening was finished off with a sit down dinner of the traditional Swiss cheese fondue. The food was delicious and the wine served proved to be a perfect complement. As usual, this SMBA gathering provided yet another networking opportunity to its members.
