MINISTER of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said today that Malaysia faces mounting global supply chain pressures amid geopolitical tensions and climate disruptions, but with strategic reforms and strong partnerships, the nation’s SMEs are poised to become key drivers of economic resilience.
Opening the MBSB Group Anchor Companies Open Day and Vendor Business Matching Sessions, Tengku Zafrul painted a challenging picture of a shifting global landscape.
He highlighted factors such as the US-China tech decoupling, rising protectionism, climate-induced disruptions, and volatile freight costs that have complicated sourcing and exports, especially in semiconductor and electronics sectors.
“The world is changing, and we, too, must change,” he said, emphasising the need for Malaysia to diversify supply sources, strengthen industrial linkages, and invest in smart logistics and sustainability as global players shift towards nearshoring and friendshoring strategies.
Tengku Zafrul reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to industrial reform under the National Industrial Masterplan 2030 (NIMP2030), which aims to deepen local sourcing and build strategic clusters in key sectors including electrical and electronics, aerospace, chemical, and green technologies.
“The more we elevate Malaysian SMEs into the supply chains of large companies, the more empowered they are to innovate, grow, and create high-quality jobs,” he noted, stressing that SMEs constitute approximately 98 per cent of registered businesses in the country.
The Minister welcomed the MBSB Group’s initiative to bring together 20 anchor companies with around 400 local firms, describing it as a timely complement to MITI’s Supply Chain Intelligent Management System (SCIMS), a digital platform scheduled to launch in December 2025 that maps critical supply chains across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, PPE, E&E, automotive, and food sectors.
“This platform focuses on building relationships that can truly strengthen Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and value chain,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul also highlighted the vital role of financing in supporting SMEs and anchor companies, applauding MBSB Bank and the Malaysian Industrial Development Finance (MIDF) for providing fully Shariah-compliant financial products tailored to help vendors scale up and meet large client standards.
He introduced the Global Market Access Accelerator (GLOMAX), a RM100 million MITI-backed programme aimed at supporting at least 50 promising SMEs and mid-tier companies to expand internationally with a blend of financing and advisory services.
“With Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, strengthening our local vendor ecosystem now will enable our companies to leverage regional partnerships for new supply chains and investment opportunities,” he added.
Tengku Zafrul also stressed the need for policy clarity and agility amid uncertain times, saying: “The MADANI Government and MITI will do our best to deliver. Together, let us build a resilient domestic supply chain and empower our SMEs to rise as true champions of the Malaysian economy – and beyond.” - September 30, 2025
