DEPUTY Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin urged the business community to tap opportunities created by the government, empower local supply chains, and build a stronger economic future for the country.
For three consecutive years, he pointed out that the country had shattered its own trade records.
In 2025, Malaysia surpassed RM3 trillion in trade by reaching RM3.061 trillion in global trade activities.
Up to August this year, Malaysia's total global trade has reached RM2.51 trillion, representing a 27 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
In 2025, the country recorded RM426.7 billion in total approved investments and created nearly 245,000 high-value jobs, while for the first half of this year, approved investments stood at RM218.46 billion, reflecting an 11.72 per cent growth trajectory.
Malaysia is a proponent of free trade agreements (FTAs), having signed 17 FTAs, and is currently negotiating several more in the months to come, said Sim.
Sim also urged local employers to appreciate the local workforce more by investing heavily in human capital.
"Technology can be purchased off the shelf, but talent must be nurtured," said Sim at the recent Asia CEO Community gala dinner at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Asia CEO Community is celebrating its 11th Anniversary with a regional gathering of business leaders, entrepreneurs and community partners from across Asia to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities and shape the next chapter of regional collaboration. - September 22, 2026.
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