Bursa Malaysia has reaffirmed its role as the country’s central marketplace for mobilising long-term capital by supporting the Government-linked Enterprise Activation and Reform programme (GEAR-uP), a Ministry of Finance initiative designed to accelerate Malaysia’s structural economic transformation.
With a five-year mandate, GEAR-uP seeks to mobilise up to RM320 billion in catalytic capital from Government-linked investment companies (GLICs), in addition to RM440 billion in steady-state public market investments. The programme targets priority sectors including renewable energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and food security—all considered vital to building Malaysia’s future economy.
Bursa Malaysia’s involvement focuses on bridging policy ambition with market access. Through its equity ecosystem, the exchange aims to support enterprises ranging from small and medium-sized firms to established corporates as they transition into public markets. Companies will have access to the LEAP Market for early-stage growth, the ACE Market for sponsor-driven listings, and the Main Market for mature businesses. A formal transfer framework also allows successful companies to graduate between boards as they expand.
Driving National Strategic Agendas
The programme is closely aligned with Malaysia’s long-term industrial and energy strategies, including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP), and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). By channelling investment into these priority sectors, GEAR-uP is expected to create a new pipeline of IPO-ready companies while strengthening the resilience and diversity of the equity market.
In parallel, Bursa Malaysia is enhancing its role as a knowledge and visibility platform. Initiatives such as the IR4U investor relations programme, the Research Incentive Scheme Plus, and in-house research arms Bursa Digital Research and Bursa Blue are designed to give early visibility to private enterprises, connect them with institutional investors, and stimulate informed participation in the capital market.
Unlocking the Capital Lifecycle
Beyond IPOs, Bursa Malaysia provides continuous post-listing visibility through flagship events such as Invest Malaysia, sector-focused roadshows, and active analyst engagement. Liquidity is also being supported through structured frameworks for market makers and institutional investors. Together, these initiatives aim to create conditions for long-term capital to thrive while enhancing governance standards and transparency.
The coordinated deployment of capital across 30 GLCs under GEAR-uP is expected to generate RM100 billion in new market capitalisation and deliver 7.5% annual shareholder returns, according to preliminary targets. Market observers believe the integration of capital market infrastructure with national policy will position Malaysia as a more compelling investment destination within ASEAN.
Towards Inclusive and Future-Ready Growth
Ultimately, Bursa Malaysia’s alignment with GEAR-uP is about more than mobilising funds—it is about shaping an ecosystem where companies can transform, scale, and deliver sustainable value. By combining catalytic GLIC capital with Bursa’s governance frameworks and capital-raising platforms, the exchange is positioning itself as a facilitator of Malaysia’s transition towards a high-value, inclusive, and future-ready economy.
