MALAYSIA has secured RM450 million in potential investments following a targeted Trade and Investment Mission to the Netherlands on 5 September 2025, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has confirmed.
The prospective investments span the electrical and electronics (E&E) and machinery sectors, underscoring Malaysia’s growing stature as a preferred destination for European high-technology firms.
The investments are expected to enhance the country’s high-tech manufacturing base, create skilled employment, and drive research and development collaboration in areas such as semiconductor technology, renewable energy, and Industry 4.0 applications.
As part of the mission, the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, held high-level engagements with the Brabant Regional Development Cooperation, East Netherlands Development Agency, and Brainport Industries — key entities within the Netherlands' semiconductor ecosystem.
“These discussions focused on deepening industrial collaboration and improving supply chain resilience, offering mutually beneficial opportunities in high-value sectors,” MITI said in a statement.
The visit also marked the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the semiconductor industry between Malaysia and the Netherlands.
The agreement was inked in The Hague by Tengku Zafrul and the Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, H.E. Mr Vincent Karremans.
“The MoC reinforces Malaysia’s role as a strategic partner in the global semiconductor supply chain,” said Tengku Zafrul.
“This mission reinforces the longstanding economic relations between Malaysia and the Netherlands. By aligning with our Dutch strategic partners and attracting RM450 million in potential investments, we are effectively accelerating the realisation of our efforts under the National Semiconductor Strategy, and getting us closer to our target of RM500 billion in high-value semiconductor and E&E investments by 2030.”
He added that the MoC also supports Malaysia’s broader goal of becoming a key global hub for semiconductors.
The Netherlands remains a significant economic partner for Malaysia within the European Union. In 2024, it was Malaysia’s largest EU export destination and second-largest EU trading partner, with total trade reaching RM41.26 billion. This momentum has continued in 2025, with bilateral trade rising by 15.9 per cent to RM25.76 billion (USD 5.92 billion) from January to July.
The Netherlands is also Malaysia’s fourth-largest source of foreign investment, with 314 manufacturing projects worth RM103.8 billion (USD 25.0 billion) implemented as of June 2025. These projects have created over 55,000 job opportunities in the country.
MITI noted that the mission is aligned with Malaysia’s strategy to attract quality investments, deepen economic partnerships, and strengthen its position in global technology supply chains. - Sept 7, 2025
