MALAYSIA and South Korea have reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the formal signing expected at the upcoming ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in October.
The pledge was made during a bilateral meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Jung-Kwan Kim, held on the sidelines of the 15th APEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting (APEC EMM15) in Busan.
Fadillah also confirmed that a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation between the two nations will be signed.
“Certain issues were raised, particularly by companies already investing in Malaysia, including in the energy sector. I have given my commitment to review all the matters raised,” Fadillah, who also serves as Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said following the meeting.
In a series of high-level engagements, the Deputy Prime Minister also met with Chin Wan Tse, Secretary for Energy of Hong Kong, for discussions centred on hydrogen energy and other alternative green energy sources such as biogas. Hong Kong, he noted, is particularly interested in Sarawak’s progress in developing hydro-based hydrogen initiatives, signalling a potential for strategic collaboration.
Separately, Brunei’s Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Datuk Paduka Seri Halbi Mohammad Yussof, expressed keen interest in learning from Malaysia’s large-scale solar development experience. Brunei recently launched its own 30-megawatt solar initiative.
Fadillah also took the opportunity to meet with the Malaysian diaspora in Busan at a National Day dinner, attended by around 50 Malaysians including students, professionals and families residing in the region.
“Wherever you are — whether working, raising a family or studying — you are ambassadors of Malaysia,” he said. “You carry our culture and values, and show how we adapt and integrate into local communities.”
He shared updates on Malaysia’s domestic developments, including energy transition and water transformation strategies, as well as current political and economic progress.
“There are so many remarkable success stories of Malaysians abroad — some well known, others quietly excelling through expertise and commitment,” he added, expressing his pride in the Malaysian community overseas.
Over 1,200 Malaysians currently reside in South Korea. Fadillah emphasised their role in strengthening people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea, describing the diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations.
He also extended appreciation to the Malaysian Embassy in Seoul and Ambassador Dato' Mohd Zamruni Khalid for their continued support in engaging Malaysians abroad. - August 29, 2025
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