Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s growing pool of high-potential companies, awarded the prestigious Malaysia Digital (MD) status and focused on high-value digital services, are exactly the partners that the United Kingdom is looking to work with, said Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo. He emphasized that the partnership between Malaysia and the UK is a vital step for Malaysia to become deeply involved in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the importance of adopting and adapting AI in every possible way.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gobind noted that such collaborations could extend beyond ASEAN. He expressed the Malaysian government’s commitment to promoting ‘Made in Malaysia’ products, suggesting that with UK collaboration, this initiative could be expanded to ‘Made in Malaysia, Made for ASEAN.’ He encouraged UK companies to consider Malaysia as a strategic bridge to expand their presence in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the region. These remarks were made during his speech at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) 6th Business Excellence Awards.
The UK is also ready to collaborate closely with Malaysia to enhance digital trade between the two countries. The UK Trade Envoy to Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei, George Freeman, stressed the importance of leveraging the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which represents the first free trade agreement between the UK and Malaysia. He highlighted the necessity of building strategic alliances with allies in uncertain times.
Freeman recounted the unexpected changes in global trade dynamics, pointing out the end of early globalization days, the United States imposing tariffs, conflicts in Europe, and rising tensions in the South China Sea. He assured that the British High Commission and the Chamber are prepared to support UK and Malaysian organizations in forming partnerships, encouraging open communication to facilitate deeper partnerships and mutual growth.
Citing data from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, Freeman reported that the total trade in goods and services between the UK and Malaysia amounted to £6.4 billion in the four quarters leading to 2Q 2025, marking an 11.7 percent increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, the BMCC’s Business Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of UK and Malaysian companies across eight categories, recognizing exemplary performance and innovation. These awards underscore the accomplishments of companies that have significantly contributed to enhancing bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.