Prof. ChM Dr. Juan Joon Ching

President’s Message

I am deeply honoured to be re-elected as President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) for the 2025/27 term, and grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading this esteemed institution. I would also like to congratulate all the newly elected EXCO members from the various professional societies, whose leadership and contributions will be invaluable as we move forward together. Over the past term, BIM has made significant progress in strengthening its foundation as the umbrella body for professional associations in Malaysia. Together, we have worked to enhance unity among our members, create greater opportunities for collaboration, and raise the visibility of BIM as a platform that champions professionalism, innovation, and national development. Among our notable achievements in the previous term was the successful strengthening of ties with our member professional associations. By fostering stronger networks and deeper collaboration, BIM has provided a unifying voice for professionals across disciplines. This has enabled us to speak collectively on matters of national importance and to advocate more effectively for the advancement of the professional community, including our call for the waiver of the 4% service fee imposed by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDC) on training providers, effective from 1 April 2021.

We also introduced new courses and seminars, most notably in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, continuing professional development (CPD) and sustainability. These programmes not only enriched our members’ knowledge but also equipped them with tools to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment. Such initiatives have underscored BIM’s commitment to staying ahead of trends and ensuring that our members are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Looking ahead to the new term, BIM will continue to prioritise professional development as a central pillar of our agenda. We will expand our offerings of courses, seminars, and workshops that are practical, forward-looking, and relevant to the diverse needs of our members. Topics such as sustainability, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices will be key areas of focus, ensuring that our professionals are equipped to contribute to Malaysia’s growth while meeting global standards of responsibility and accountability.

Artificial intelligence, in particular, will remain a crucial tool for professional development. BIM recognises the transformative potential of AI across all professional sectors from healthcare and engineering to finance, education, and beyond. We are committed to providing our members with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness AI responsibly, not only to improve efficiency and decision-making but also to enhance the value of professional practice in society. Equally important, BIM will continue to strengthen networking platforms that connect professionals, policymakers, industry players, and international counterparts. Such engagement including collaborations with key institutions such as the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM), and the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations (FMBA). This collaboration is essential to foster innovation, share best practices, and create new opportunities for collaboration. By doing so, BIM will further reinforce its role as a catalyst for professional excellence and a bridge between Malaysia’s professional community and the wider world.

As I begin this new term, I am confident that with the dedication of our EXCO, the support of our member associations, and the commitment of our professionals, BIM will continue to grow from strength to strength. Together, we can build a professional community that is future-ready, globally competitive, and deeply committed to nation building, while remaining steadfast to our tagline of ‘Professional Excellence, Serving the Society’