Kuala Lumpur, September 4, 2025 — Malaysia is intensifying efforts to attract high-impact, technology-driven investments, securing RM190.3 billion in approved projects between January and June this year. The surge, up 18.7% year-on-year, underscores growing international confidence in the country’s push towards advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, semiconductors, and aerospace.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong told the Dewan Negara that the government’s strong policy framework—anchored by the New Investment Policy, the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the Green Investment Strategy—has proven pivotal in enhancing Malaysia’s competitiveness.
“The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) remain proactive in introducing strategies to strengthen Malaysia’s high-tech ecosystem, ensuring our nation continues to be a trusted destination for global investors,” Liew said.
Policy Reforms Driving Growth
The government has rolled out a New Investment Incentive Framework (NIIF), directing incentives toward digitalisation and green industries, alongside the establishment of the Digital Investment Office (DIO)—a collaboration between MIDA and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)—to streamline digital investment processes.
Other initiatives include supply chain integration between multinationals and local vendors, expanded industrial training programmes, and the i-Services Portal to connect service providers with potential investors. Malaysia’s 5G rollout and the promotion of automation in manufacturing are also reducing reliance on foreign labour while aligning with MADANI Malaysia and NIMP 2030 aspirations.
Breakdown of Investments
Of the RM190.3 billion secured in the first half of 2025:
- Foreign investments contributed RM106.8 billion (56.1%)
- Domestic investments accounted for RM83.5 billion (43.9%)
In total, the approvals covered 3,011 projects, projected to create 89,294 jobs. Within the government’s National Investment Aspirations (NIA) focus sectors—spanning the digital economy, E&E, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace—Malaysia secured RM88.3 billion across 426 projects, with the potential to generate 33,891 new jobs.
Competitiveness on the Rise
These investment inflows have propelled Malaysia up the World Competitiveness Ranking 2025, where the country climbed 11 spots to 23rd place, its strongest showing since 2020.
“This achievement reflects the impact of reforms and proactive measures,” Liew noted, adding that the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is leading ongoing stakeholder engagements to further elevate Malaysia’s position, in line with the government’s goal of ranking among the world’s top 12 most competitive nations by 2030 under the MADANI Economy framework.
