2026 Land-Sea Economic Forum Tackles Localization
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from iChongqing:
The 2026 Land-Sea Economic Forum drew nearly 200 government, business, finance, think tank and media representatives from China and Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur on July 30 for talks on AI-powered industrial upgrading, cross-border investment, digital content and corporate globalization. The event received coverage from Sin Chew Daily, Together Media and other outlets.
Guided by the Information Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government and hosted by the Western International Communication Organization (WCICO), the forum promoted artificial intelligence cooperation, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC), and closer ties between Chongqing, Malaysia and other ASEAN countries across industry, technology, finance and cultural exchanges.
YB Senator Datuk Nur Jazlan bin Tan Sri Mohamed, Deputy President of Senate in the Parliament of Malaysia, said Malaysia and Western China are jointly developing a tech and trade corridor as Asian commerce is reshaped by physical connectivity and digital technology. The ILSTC has cut transit times between Western China and Southeast Asian ports from weeks to days, while AI is improving logistics, customs clearance, compliance management and capital allocation.
Dato' Andrew Goh Boon Kim, Deputy President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing, highlighted AI's capacity to enhance supply chain visibility and resilience, while Prof. Chee Seng Chan of the University of Malaya emphasized that AI creates real economic value only through localized adaptation. Highlighting institutional support for this digital transition, Encik Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation introduced the newly launched "Malaysia AI" strategy, inviting Chinese firms to leverage Malaysia as a regional hub.
WCICO and the Center for Advanced Studies & Research launched the Bridging News Kuala Lumpur Station and released a joint report on how Chongqing and Malaysia can deepen localization and jointly expand in ASEAN markets.
Presenting the report, Senior Researcher Dr. Chang Peng Kee said localized production and brand building are key to long-term growth in ASEAN. "We do not land on Malaysia; we take root with it," Chang said.
Smart mobility, digital content and globalization panels reinforced that message. Socio-Economic Research Centre Executive Director Lee Heng Guie urged Chinese investors to join Malaysia's supply chains, develop local suppliers and build long-term partnerships through jobs and technology transfer.
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After Market Entry, What Comes Next?
JAKARTA, Indonesia, July 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global automotive components giant, ZF Group is further strengthening its presence in Indonesia's automotive market.
Through the momentum of a grand product launch and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held in Jakarta on Saturday (July 25, 2026), ZF strategically appointed PT Mitra Kencana Nusantara (MKN) as the sole distributor for its premium product line, TRW.
This step is a continuation of following the integration of TRW's ASEAN operations. The tactical partnership with MKN—a leading domestic spare parts distribution company—is part of targeting Indonesia's Independent Aftermarket (PC IAM), whose value is estimated to be significant in future.
Teoh Chee How, Vice President of ZF Aftermarket and Head of Asia Pacific, emphasized that Indonesia is a key growth engine for Southeast Asia's economy. With 27.3 million vehicles in operation, including 20.9 million passenger cars, Indonesia ranks among ZF Aftermarket's highest-priority markets globally.
Benny Liem, Country Head of ZF Aftermarket Indonesia, said: "This partnership combines ZF Aftermarket's product strength with MKN's extensive nationwide distribution network. With distribution centers across Indonesia and a well-integrated supply chain, MKN will help ensure faster deliveries and reliable availability of TRW products nationwide."
With extensive experience in automotive parts distribution, MKN has built a nationwide network across Indonesia, supported by branches and distributor partners. Through this partnership, ZF aims to leverage MKN's strong supply chain and logistics capabilities to ensure reliable nationwide availability of TRW products.
Freddy Thamrin, Head of Brand at MKN, said: "Our focus is on three key pillars: Availability, Service, and Aftersales. Through our nationwide distribution network, dedicated TRW team, and comprehensive warranty support, we are committed to delivering a seamless and reliable customer experience across Indonesia."
The event also showcased TRW's key product offerings, including:
- Brake Pads – Engineered for high heat resistance and reliable braking performance.
- Brake Discs – Manufactured to international standards for enhanced durability and safety.
- Shock Absorbers – Designed to deliver a balance of driving stability and passenger comfort.Targeting a Wallet-Friendly Premium Segment.
ZF remains confident in the long-term growth of Indonesia's automotive aftermarket, driven by increasing vehicle ownership and growing demand for high-quality replacement parts. As consumers become more safety-conscious after vehicle warranties expire, TRW is positioned as a "Global Safety-Certified Premium Alternative", offering OEM-equivalent quality at a competitive price.
TRW's passenger car portfolio includes hydraulic cylinders, braking components, shock absorbers, and linkage systems, with braking products, hydraulic cylinders, and shock absorbers among the strongest-performing categories in Indonesia. Backed by TRW's strong OE heritage and ZF's global engineering expertise, the products are designed to meet strict safety and reliability standards while addressing local market needs.
Together, ZF Aftermarket and MKN are committed to expanding TRW's reach across Indonesia, delivering greater product availability, trusted quality, and enhanced support for customers nationwide.
About ZF Aftermarket
As one of the leading companies in the aftermarket industry, ZF Aftermarket bridges the gap between current and future needs by comprehensively meeting the requirements of repair shops, dealers, and fleet customers. Leveraging its deep-rooted original equipment manufacturer (OE) technical expertise and industry partnerships, ZF Aftermarket is firmly grounded in today's demands while anticipating future trends. Drawing on extensive industry experience and technical expertise, ZF Aftermarket delivers innovative solutions through its trusted, diversified portfolio of brands—including ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW, and WABCO—committed to Maximizing Mobility Uptime — boosting productivity, reducing waste, and driving business performance. ZF Aftermarket's mission is to ensure smooth customer operations and support their success by providing high-quality products, comprehensive services, and advanced ecosystem solutions.
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Aiming for Automotive Aftermarket Dominance, ZF Aftermarket Partners with MKN as Sole Distributor for TRW in Indonesia
