Kuala Lumpur:A Chinese business delegation has expressed intentions to invest US$15 billion in Malaysia, targeting six high-potential sectors including electrical and electronics (E&E), semiconductors, and the halal industry, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the indication followed discussions with 58 businesspeople from China who are exploring investment opportunities and aiming to expand their operations in Malaysia. Ahmad Zahid emphasized that the delegation's presence demonstrates Chinese investors' confidence in Malaysia as a viable investment destination, especially in high-tech and value-added sectors.
The proposed investments, totaling US$15 billion, will focus on sectors such as E&E and semiconductors, specialised industrial materials and precision engineering, digital economy and technology infrastructure, food processing and halal products, health and pharmaceutical technology, and tourism. Ahmad Zahid highlighted Malaysia's strategic position in the international supply chain for E&E and semiconductors, supported by skilled labour from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes.
In the digital economy sector, the Chinese delegation has shown interest in developing data centres, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). However, Ahmad Zahid noted that Malaysia is not currently encouraging new data centres due to the existing facilities, instead advising partnerships or acquisitions of existing operations.
For the food processing and halal product sectors, several Chinese companies, including major dairy producers, are interested in sharing technology and expanding investments in Malaysia. The health technology and pharmaceutical sectors aim to establish Malaysia as a production base for halal health products for export, particularly to the West Asian market, leveraging Malaysia's internationally recognized halal certification.
Chinese investors are also interested in the tourism sector, with plans to develop resorts and hotels and collaborate to enhance Malaysia's tourism industry. Ahmad Zahid reiterated Malaysia's focus on high-value investments based on technology and automation rather than labour-intensive industries reliant on unskilled labour.
A business matching session will be organized between the Chinese delegation and potential local investors, including chambers of commerce, business associations, and industry players, along with senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies to discuss Malaysia's investment climate and incentives for foreign investors. The delegation is expected to continue discussions and explore cooperation opportunities during their visit to Malaysia over the next one to two days.