Caixin Interview: Malaysia Ideally Placed for High-Tech Development, Economy Minister Says

Malaysia wants an economy based on innovation and is looking for a little help from its neighbors, including China

Malaysia is preparing to capitalize on the shake up in the global supply chain, driven by intense competition in the semiconductor industry and escalating geopolitical uncertainties.

“A shifting world economic order, an empowered ASEAN and a stable Malaysia means we are no longer satisfied with playing the spectator,” said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Forum Ekonomi Malaysia (FEM2025) in January.

“In 2025, we want to double down on our geographical centrality, as a conduit for electricity, talent and supply-chain diversification,” said Anwar, emphasizing the country’s expertise in the oil, gas and semiconductor sectors.

Malaysia, the world’s sixth largest semiconductor exporter and tenth largest exporter of electronic and electrical goods, is aiming to pump investment of more than $100 billion into its semiconductor sector.