MALAYSIA will intensify efforts to scale up micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance its creative industry ecosystem as part of its five-year national development strategy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, presenting the plan in Parliament on Thursday, said the Government remains committed to creating a more progressive MSME ecosystem, targeting a 50 percent contribution to GDP by 2030.
“This includes capacity-building programmes, operational upgrades, and digitalisation support, in collaboration with government-linked companies,” he said.
Strategic funding mechanisms such as the Strategic Investment Fund and capacity-building schemes for SMEs will be introduced, alongside stronger access to working capital and project financing.
To support high-growth industries, Anwar said talent development remains a national priority. Coordination among agencies including the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, and Majlis Amanah Rakyat will be intensified.
In particular, collaboration between Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and industries will drive knowledge transfer and upskilling, especially in high-growth, high-value (HGHV) sectors.
“TVET offerings will be re-strategised to align with advanced technology and labour market demands, supporting industrial zones like JS-SEZ, KIGIP and KHTP,” he said.
The Government targets the creation of 700,000 new jobs in manufacturing and another 500,000 in the digital economy by 2030.
To encourage youth participation, a new TVET Madani Empowerment Financing Scheme and TVET Training Fund will be introduced.
Anwar also announced that TVET opportunities will be extended to tahfiz students to nurture “Madani technocrat huffaz” with both religious grounding and technical expertise.
Meanwhile, the Government is stepping up its commitment to Malaysia’s creative sector with the introduction of Co-Production Funds and Matching Grants to boost public-private investment in global-standard content.
“Malaysia’s digital creative industry has already generated RM6.3 billion in revenue, with RM850 million in exports. Local creations like Mechamato and Upin Ipin have gained international recognition, while the homegrown game Giga Bash won the Best in Play award at the Game Developers Conference,” Anwar said.
To build on this success, talent development in the sector will be reinforced through industry bridging programmes, expanded Train the Trainer initiatives, and the launch of the Junior Animator Apprenticeship.
RMK13 will guide Malaysia’s development from 2026 to 2030, with a focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and inclusive participation across all economic sectors. - July 31, 2025
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