Tengku Zafrul says Malaysia’s RM431.1b approved investments reflect investor confidence as country courts new partnerships

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said these sectors were among the potential areas for further exploration to strengthen economic cooperation between Malaysia and other countries. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 04 Nov 2026 4:40 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 — Malaysia highlighted opportunities for cooperation in the semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, clean energy and halal industries at the B57+ Business Leaders’ Summit 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said these sectors were among the potential areas for further exploration to strengthen economic cooperation between Malaysia and other countries.

He said Malaysia also offered its strategic position as a gateway to the ASEAN market to international investors.

In a post on the X platform, he said the matters were discussed during his participation in a panel session at the summit, which also addressed the role of sovereign wealth funds in strengthening economic cooperation among developing countries.

Tengku Zafrul also highlighted Malaysia’s investment performance, which recorded RM431.1 billion in approved investments in 2025 and RM218.5 billion in the first half of 2026.

He added that 87 per cent of the 5,822 manufacturing projects approved between 2021 and June 2026 had reached various stages of implementation.

“These figures reflect investors’ confidence in Malaysia, but our work does not stop at attracting investments. Through MIDA, we are focused on ensuring that approved projects are actually implemented,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul said investment success should not be measured solely by the amount of investment secured, but also by the creation of quality jobs, technology transfers and opportunities generated for local companies.

“These are the benefits we want for Malaysians,” he added.

The B57+ Business Leaders’ Summit 2026 is an international business and investment summit held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on October 31 and November 1.

The summit aims to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation between member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and their international partners. — Bernama