The ceremony took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the venue for next year’s Congress.

“This is the first time the World Chambers Congress is to be held in Southeast Asia, with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) as the host chamber. It is the most important event on the chamber calendar for its business leaders and executives to discuss the pressing issues of globalisation in a casual and informative setting” said Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon, President, FMM, who also announced the Congress theme, “Leading sustainable growth and change”.

Organized biennially by ICC's World Chambers Federation, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for the global chamber of commerce community.

"The World Chambers Congress helps chamber executives build the personal networks they need to exchange expertise and to better serve their SME members" said Rona Yircali, Chair, World Chambers Federation.

The countdown launch was attended by foreign ambassadors, the FMM Congress steering committee members, sponsors and local chambers.

With a comprehensive agenda of plenaries and workshops, the 6th World Chambers Congress is a virtual showroom for chamber excellence.

Sessions will address the key challenges faced by business today, including the economic implications of climate change, how business will need to adapt to new challenges in society, as well as the impact of globalisation on small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Other topics addressed include issues as diverse as corporate governance, counterfeiting and intellectual property, developing youth entrepreneurship, women in business, information technology and leadership.

The unique and universal role of chambers as natural facilitators of building partnerships between governments and businesses is also a core theme. Sessions actively showcase how chambers are responding and leading growth and change within in their communities.