Curtin Malaysia public talk explores Malaysia’s role in an era of reciprocal tariffs

Miri, Sarawak – 14 October 2025 – With global trade landscapes shifting and major economies rethinking their tariff strategies, Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently brought together experts, policymakers, and industry players for a public talk titled ‘Reciprocal Tariffs and Malaysia: Rethinking Fairness in Global Trade.’

Held at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Miri’s Audio Visual Room, the event sparked insightful discussions on how reciprocal tariff policies such as those introduced by the United States could reshape Malaysia’s key industries, including semiconductors, palm oil, timber, agriculture, and tourism.

Dr. Tanusree Chakravarty Mukherjee, lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Business, stressed the urgency of developing informed national responses. “As other countries implement their own tariff strategies, Malaysia must act strategically. Raising public awareness of these global shifts is essential,” she said.

Associate Professor Tek Yew Lew, Head of the Department of Management and Marketing, added that the talk offered valuable takeaways for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and policymakers alike. “It is vital for our business community to diversify export markets and leverage Malaysia’s position within ASEAN to strengthen trade resilience,” he remarked.

The participants commended the session for making complex trade issues accessible and relevant. One attendee shared, “It was an eye-opening discussion that helped me understand the global forces shaping our economy.”

The event underscored Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed public dialogue on pressing economic and policy challenges impacting Malaysia and the wider region.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or TikTok.

Associate Professor Lew and Dr. Tanusree with participants after the public talk.