- Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong stated that the 2026 budget will include measures to attract investment, encourage automation, AI, and digitalization, aiming to create more high-quality jobs for Malaysians.
- He emphasized the goal is to transform Malaysia into a technology-driven economy, moving from “Made in Malaysia” to “Made by Malaysia,” with more intellectual and innovative products developed by Malaysians themselves.
- The government expects that accelerating AI and automation will help enhance competitiveness and reduce reliance on traditional manufacturing and processing models.
- In the first 8 months of 2025, Malaysia’s total trade reached RM 1.98 trillion (≈ USD 420 billion), an increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2024. Exports reached RM 1.03 trillion (≈ USD 218 billion, +3.9%), and imports were RM 945.62 billion (≈ USD 200 billion, +3.6%).
- In August 2025 alone, total trade decreased slightly by 1.9% year-on-year to RM 247.07 billion (≈ USD 52.4 billion), but exports increased for the second consecutive month (+1.9%) reaching RM 131.6 billion (≈ USD 27.9 billion).
- Export growth mainly came from electrical and electronic products, machinery, optical and scientific equipment, along with palm oil and agricultural products. Notably, exports of optical and scientific equipment reached a record value.
- Liew emphasized that this achievement is partly due to the “China Plus One strategy,” as many companies have shifted production to Malaysia in the past 2-3 years, contributing to exports exceeding the RM 1 trillion mark (≈ USD 212 billion) earlier than expected.
- The government encourages businesses to diversify products, increase supply chain efficiency, and leverage the 18 free trade agreements (FTAs) that Malaysia has signed.
📌 Malaysia is shaping a new development strategy: promoting AI, automation, and digitalization to create higher-paying jobs, while shifting from “Made in” to “Made by Malaysia.” Total trade in the first 8 months reached RM 1.98 trillion (≈ USD 420 billion), with exports exceeding RM 1.03 trillion (≈ USD 218 billion). The 2026 budget is expected to accelerate investment, innovation, and elevate Malaysia into a technology economy.
