TAPiO Management Advisory

25/03/2026

The current disruptions in global shipping routes are forcing a rethink across European boardrooms.
Longer transit times around the Cape of Good Hope, rising fuel costs, and increased uncertainty are no longer temporary issues. They are structural risks.

This is where strategy shifts.
Instead of reacting to supply chain disruption, companies are starting to redesign their footprint:

- Partial localisation of production
- regional assembly hubs
- dual-market manufacturing strategies

Malaysia is increasingly part of that conversation.

It offers political stability, strong infrastructure, and a cost base that allows European manufacturers to remain competitive without compromising on quality.

The question is no longer whether to enter ASEAN.
The question is how deep that presence should be.

The companies that act now will define their cost structure and resilience for the next decade.
At TAPiO, we work with firms to translate this shift into a concrete market entry and operational setup in Malaysia, from strategy to ex*****on. If this topic is currently on your agenda as it should be, it may be the right time to explore what a structured ASEAN footprint could look like for your business.

21/03/2026

Selamat Hari Raya to all who are celebrating, and happy holidays to everyone enjoying the festive break. Hari Raya in Malaysia is one of the most beautiful reminders of who we are as a nation. Open houses, family gatherings, traditional attire, favourite kuih, and the spirit of forgiveness bring people together across every background. Maaf zahir dan batin from all of us at TAPiO. We wish you safe travels home, meaningful time with loved ones, and a season filled with warmth, respect, and unity.

20/03/2026

Malaysia is moving fast.

#16 globally in connectedness
#2 in ASEAN
+13 positions since 2019

This is a clear signal that Malaysia is becoming one of the most strategic entry points into Southeast Asia.

Companies that move early secure positioning, partnerships, and market access before competition intensifies.

TAPiO supports companies entering Malaysia and navigating the local market with the right strategy.

The opportunity is here. Timing matters.

27/01/2026

Interview with Tengku Noor Shamsiah: Will universities go bankrupt if they do not adapt to AI?

Our Chairman, Mr Bernhard Schutte (Chairman of TAPiO Management Advisory Sdn Bhd and World Economic Council (WEC) Ambassador to Malaysia), shares a candid view on how AI will reshape education and credentials.
What do you agree with, and what do you disagree with most?
Read the full article: https://tapio.my/sm/uniai

German-Malaysian advisor to the World Economic Council warns that traditional degrees are becoming “obsolete like expired fruit” as Malaysia positions itself to lead a global AI-powered education boom worth billions By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 – The university ...

15/01/2026

TAPiO Management Advisory was pleased to meet with the Mayor of Majlis Bandaraya Kuala Terengganu (MBKT), YBhg. Dato’ Jusman bin Ibrahim, and the MBKT leadership team to explore practical avenues for collaboration in support of Kuala Terengganu’s continued development.

With appreciation to Mr. Wan Marahakim bin Wan Salleh, Ms. Nur Nadia Zahirah bt Zakaria, Mr. Mohd Zahiruddin bin Zakaria, Mr. Wan Adzlan bin Wan Deraman, Mr. Mohd Saiful Bahari, and Mr. Mohd Azmi bin Talib for the constructive engagement.

Representing TAPiO were Mr. Bernhard Schutte, Mr. Thomas Bernthaler, Mr. Muhammad Adbullah, and Mr. Qian Lim. We value MBKT’s openness and look forward to staying closely aligned on next steps for the benefit of the city.

12/01/2026

TAPiO Management Advisory was honoured to host H.E. Ouyang Yujing, the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, and his team for lunch. We had a cordial, wide-ranging exchange on Malaysia-China business relations and regional opportunities. Thank you for the time and the constructive dialogue.

18/12/2025

TAPiO Management Advisory was honoured to meet H.E. Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia, to explore collaboration opportunities in support of Malaysia’s AI development agenda.
TAPiO Management Advisory

04/12/2025

TAPiO’s Chairman, Mr Bernhard Schutte, and CEO, Thomas Bernthaler, attended the Melaka Chief Minister’s Industrial Excellence Award (CMIEA) 2025. The event demonstrated the strength and ambition of Melaka’s industrial ecosystem and the commitment of state leadership to advancing sustainable manufacturing and investment.

Our sincere appreciation to Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, Chief Minister of Melaka, for his leadership in driving economic development. We were also pleased to reconnect with Datuk Ginie Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Melaka Berhad, together with Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar (Datuk Dira), Deputy Chairman of Melaka Corporation, Datuk Wira Azhar, State Secretary of Melaka, and Datuk Mohd Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of Melaka Corporation. Their collective guidance and alignment continue to shape a pro-business, forward-looking environment that strengthens the state’s industrial trajectory.

TAPiO looks forward to continued engagement with Melaka’s stakeholders, supporting initiatives that strengthen industry capability, attract high-value investment and foster long-term economic growth for the state and Malaysia as a whole.

We extend warm congratulations to all award recipients whose achievements showcase the innovation, resilience and competitiveness of Melaka’s industries. Their success stories highlight the vital role that strong policies, strategic investment and industry collaboration play in advancing Malaysia’s industrial landscape.

27/11/2025

Our Chairman, Mr Bernhard Schutte, joined a meaningful discussion at the HONOR AI + Design Summit (APAC Edition). The exchange of ideas was enriched by the presence of senior leaders who are shaping the direction of AI and digital development in the region.

We were honoured to share the conversation with Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Malaysia; Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, Special Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education; Mr Sam Maild, CEO and Head of the National AI Office (NAIO); Mr Martin Xu, Corporate Senior Vice President of Honor Device Co., Ltd.; and Mr Justin Li, General Manager for the South Pacific Region at HONOR Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

The dialogue highlighted how regional collaboration, inclusive talent development, and responsible AI adoption will shape the future of the Asia-Pacific digital landscape. TAPiO remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen Malaysia’s position in this fast-evolving ecosystem.

24/11/2025

A superb Belgian King’s Day celebration, even with the rain. I am glad that TAPiO Management Advisory could play a small part in supporting the evening. Alex Koo, Adriel Wong and Marina Zaini created a wonderful atmosphere with their jazz performance, and Astrid Belliot together with the Klang Valley Harmony Choir gave a very dignified start to the night with the Belgian and Malaysian national anthems. Thank you to H.E. Peter Van Acker and the whole Embassy team for bringing everyone together for such an enjoyable evening.

21/11/2025

TAPiO is pleased to share that our Chairman, Mr Bernhard Schutte, will be part of the REFAM 2025 Prelaunch Symposium panel this December in Kuala Lumpur.

The event gathers forward-thinking leaders to explore digital innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of sustainable development in Malaysia. We look forward to contributing insights on strategic growth and regional transformation.

Join us - Event details: https://tapio.my/sm/refam2025

11/11/2025

What does the view on AI look like from the chairman's seat? We asked our own.
In our latest TAPiO Management Talk, our own Chairman, Mr. Bernhard Schutte, cuts through the noise surrounding Artificial Intelligence. He provides a leader's guide to moving beyond theory and implementing practical AI strategies that create real business value.

Discover actionable insights directly from the head of TAPiO Management Advisory.
Watch the full conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y60pI7IeiYk


TAPiO Management Advisory

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