Edison Choong is an experienced strategic planner, trade promoter, and sustainability advocate with over 19 years of leadership in the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Strategic Planning and Deputy Sustainability Lead, Edison has played a pivotal role in shaping national trade strategies, communications and embedding value-based principles within the organisation and many other stakeholders.
His international footprint includes diplomatic postings as Consul and Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong and Brazil, where he strengthened Malaysia’s trade relations across Asia and Latin America. Domestically, he has led a diverse portfolio at MATRADE – including positions such as Head of Planning, Monitoring & Transformation; Deputy Director of Oil & Gas, Chemical & Energy; Deputy Director of China & North-East Asia; and Head of Competency and Talent Development. Notably, Edison was the founding Head of MATRADE’s ESG Unit, driving the agency’s early transition toward sustainability pathways.
Beyond MATRADE, Edison has a proven track record of pioneering impactful initiatives, leading in many breakthrough projects such as:
- National Export Council for Malaysia;
- Sustainability External Taskforce, and ESG Department within MATRADE;
- MIHAS Sustainability Awards, a landmark initiative to spotlight ESG excellence in the global halal trade ecosystem;
- Digital Creative Approach to trade promotion by being the first to leverage facebook and other social media with collaboration with Hong Kong & Macao SAR celebrities and high net worth individuals
- Student Counselling Department at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
- Stakeholder engagement frameworks and securing RM40 million in funding at the Malaysian AIDS Council, enabling impactful HIV/AIDS programmes across Malaysia for a 10-year period.
- Safety Officer Training, and other Industrial Safety, Health & Environment programmes including a safety video with SOCSO under the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
- The first Industrial Park Management Committee, a solution-based model for public-private partnership.
Edison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology from the University of Manitoba, Canada. As a passionate advocate for ethical business and sustainable development, he is often contributing to public forums, workshops and panel sessions. His professional affiliations include the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Global Chamber of Business Leaders, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, and AKRAB/ National Public Counselling Services Council as well as other organisations empowering the young people.