It is both a profound honour and a privilege to serve as President of the Malaysian Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (MACRA) for the 2026–2028 term.

As the unified voice of Malaysia's HVAC&R industry, MACRA stands at a defining moment in its journey. We are navigating an era characterised by rapid technological advancement, accelerating sustainability imperatives, evolving regulatory landscapes, and unprecedented opportunities for innovation. These transformative forces demand not only resilience, but also visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

To capture this pivotal moment, MACRA is embracing the Winds of Change, our first strategic thrust designed to fundamentally elevate our association. Through this initiative, we are actively transitioning from an association that was once under the radar into a highly noted, present, and accountable leader at the forefront of the industry. We are taking decisive steps to make MACRA's voice heard, our presence felt across all sectors, and our accountability to our members and the industry clear. Building upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors, the newly elected Board and Committees are dedicated to driving MACRA into a new era where we are visible, relevant, and recognized as the primary authority and catalyst for Malaysia's HVAC&R sector.

The new core theme, "Building Future Through Knowledge," embodies our conviction that knowledge is the cornerstone of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable progress. It reflects our belief that investing in people, ideas, and continuous learning is one of the most enduring pathways to building a resilient, future-ready industry.

Complementing this theme is our vision, "Knowledge Today, Leadership Tomorrow." It reflects our aspiration to cultivate an ecosystem where knowledge inspires leadership, innovation drives transformation, and collaboration unlocks new opportunities for the benefit of our members, our industry, and the nation.

To realise this vision, MACRA will pursue three key priorities that will define our direction over the coming term.

1. Developing Talent: We will strengthen education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), professional certification, and leadership development to cultivate a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of an increasingly sophisticated industry.
2. Advancing Technology: We will champion innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart building technologies, and sustainable engineering practices that will shape the future of HVAC&R while supporting Malaysia's environmental aspirations and economic competitiveness.
3. Strengthening the Industry: We will deepen collaboration with government agencies, academia, international organisations, industry stakeholders, and strategic partners to foster an environment that encourages innovation, supports business growth, informs progressive public policy, and delivers greater value to our members.

These key priorities will be translated into meaningful outcomes through our Eight Strategic Committees (Bureaux). More than organisational pillars, these committees (Bureaux) represent the driving force behind MACRA's transformation. They will spearhead initiatives that advance talent development, uphold professional excellence, strengthen government and regulatory engagement, expand international cooperation, accelerate technological innovation, empower future leaders, enhance member value, and elevate MACRA's influence both nationally and internationally.

Beyond delivering programmes and services, our ambition is to position MACRA as the premier platform for knowledge exchange, professional excellence, industry advocacy, and strategic collaboration. We will continue to strengthen partnerships across the public and private sectors, expand international engagement, promote the adoption of global best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the development of policies and standards that will shape the future of Malaysia's built environment.

The success of this mission depends on our collective strength, requiring the active participation, insight, and collaboration of our members, industry partners, government bodies, and academic institutions. As President, I commit to leading with integrity, transparency, and purpose. Together with the Board, we will embrace meaningful change, take full accountability for our industry's progress, and build an association that actively shapes the future. Let us ride these Winds of Change, build the future through knowledge, and establish a stronger, more visible, and globally respected Malaysian HVAC&R industry.

Mr. Gan Chok Ser
President (2026–2028)
Malaysia Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (MACRA)