More than 1,900 small and medium enterprises have registered their interest to be involved in the DFTZ, surpassing the target of 1,500.

The overwhelming response is not surprising, as SMEs are eager to reach out to international markets through the DFTZ, an e-hub set up by Malaysia Digital Economy ration (MDEC) together with China’s Alibaba Group.

MCA president and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said an increase in export volume is expected with the DFTZ up and running.

Paving the way for the logistics sector to flourish are various development projects, such as the Special Border Economic Zone in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah (to draw cargo from southern Thailand to Penang Port), the expansion of Port Klang, the East Coast Rail Link, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail and Sabah and Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway, Liow added.

In fact, MCA had mapped out 10 economic strategic directions and identified logistics and small traders as among the key areas to focus on back in September 2015.

The 10 economic strategic directions and the “Stronger Together” internal transformation programme are part of MCA’s information plan spearheaded by Liow when he took the helm in December 2013.

Four years on, Liow said, the efforts have resulted in a revamped, united party that is “cool” enough for youths.

“Youths had the impression that supporting the opposition was a cool thing. They felt uneasy supporting Barisan Nasional.

“We understand their feelings. We couldn’t penetrate the youths’ circle because unlike the Opposition, we wouldn’t resort to spreading sensational messages on social media that people love to share,” he said.

He said MCA has improved on its reserved and traditional ways by ging members to be more active on social media.

As former Youth chief, Liow said he understands that youths are full of idealism and want to be part of nation-building, but the Opposition takes advantage of this by giving the false impression that supporting them is to play the role of checks and balances with the Government.

“In actual fact, MCA is performing the function of checks and balances in Barisan and the government.

“When you join the party, you are able to ensure government resources are channelled to help the community and the youths,” he said, adding that this is more effective than just spouting empty rhetoric outside the government.

MCA has long emphasised education and training for youths through Tunku Abdul Rahman University, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, VTAR Institute and the Institute of Childhood Education Studies and Community Education, he said.

The party’s commitments are not confined to Malaysian shores either, Liow added.

It has actively developed external relations by becoming part of the standing committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties and forging close ties with China’s ruling party, the Communist Party of China (CPC).

It also set up the MCA Belt and Road Centre, which is recognised by the CPC as an important bridge between the two countries on Belt and Road cooperation, he said.

Liow noted that the party has successfully attracted more young members to be part of its big family.

There have been 66,093 new members recruited since 2013, bringing the total number of party members to 1.09 million.

About 40 per cent of the new members – 26,533 people – are below 40 years old.

If the numbers are anything to go by, the additions suggest that joining MCA is a cool thing to do for these people, Liow said.