THE appointment of Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin as the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Penang is expected to help strengthen trade, business and diplomatic ties between Penang and Mexico.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the appointment carries an important responsibility in assisting the Mexican Embassy to further enhance cooperation, particularly in business and trade relations.
“Datuk Yeoh’s appointment as Mexico’s first Honorary Consul in Penang and Malaysia comes with the responsibility of helping to strengthen ties between Mexico and Penang, especially in bridging more connections in business and trade,” he said during the inauguration reception at St Giles Wembley today.
Chow mentioned trade relations between Penang and Mexico have continued to grow despite the geographical distance between both regions.
“Although we are separated by vast oceans, distance has not hampered trade relations between our nations,” he said.
He highlighted Penang’s strong export performance, noting that the state remains Malaysia’s top exporting state.
“As of November 2025, Penang recorded export values of RM516 billion, accounting for 35% of the nation’s total exports, the highest among all states,” he said.
Chow added that the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector continues to be the backbone of Penang’s exports.
“For the first three quarters of 2025, Penang contributed RM390 billion in E&E exports, representing 67% of the nation’s total,” he said.
On bilateral trade, Chow said exports between Penang and Mexico, particularly in E&E products such as semiconductors and integrated circuits, exceeded RM8 billion between January and September 2025.
“This affirms Latin America as a vital and promising market for Penang,” he said.
Chow said Penang’s industrial ecosystem positions the state well for collaboration with Mexican firms, particularly in automotive supply chains, semiconductors and green technologies.
“We see opportunities for joint investment, technology transfer and mutually beneficial supply chain linkages,” he said.
Chow welcomed the establishment of the Mexican Honorary Consulate in Penang, describing it as a positive addition to the state’s growing international presence.
“It reflects the international character of Penang and our multicultural society,” he said.
He also expressed hope for stronger cultural exchanges and an increase in Mexican tourist arrivals to Penang.
Chow noted that arrivals from Latin America via Penang International Airport rose 40.58% between January and September 2025.
“I am confident that the establishment of the Mexican Honorary Consulate in Penang will further strengthen the already warm relations between Penang and our Latin American partners,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia, H.E. Luis Javier Campuzano Piña, Ambassador of Chile to Malaysia, H.E. Jaime Muñoz Sandoval, Honorary Consul of Chile in Penang Datin Joelyn Teoh, state leaders, and members of the consular corps.
Campuzano, in his speech, congratulated Yeoh on his appointment, and hopes the latter would help strengthen bilateral ties between Penang and Mexico.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of the federal and Penang state governments. We are deeply honoured to have the Chief Minister with us today. Your presence truly elevates the importance of this occasion and sends a powerful message of friendship and cooperation,” he said.
Campuzano also shared that both Mexico and Malaysia, and Penang in particular, share many similarities, in terms of strong tourism sectors and top electronic exporters.
Yeoh, in his maiden speech, said there remains significant potential to elevate trade and economic cooperation between both sides, adding that he hopes to play a bridging role.
“With a 40% increase in arrivals from Latin America through Penang International Airport, I am confident that we are moving in the right direction. The establishment of the Mexican Honorary Consulate will undoubtedly further strengthen Penang’s ties with Mexico and our Latin American partners,” he said.
Yeoh currently serves as the chairman of the Penang Port Commission (PPC) and deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian