Malaysia: Malaysia should place greater emphasis on strengthening trade and investment relations with Taiwan, particularly in the semiconductor industry, said Taylor's University adjunct professor, Dr Ong Kian Ming. He emphasized the potential for Malaysia to enhance its strategic engagement with Taiwan, which is Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), as well as a pivotal player in the global semiconductor supply chain. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ong, who is also a former Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, expressed these views during a panel discussion titled 'Malaysia As A Long-term Investment Base: Stability, Policy Certainty And Cost Competitiveness'. The panel was part of the Malaysia-Japan Legal and Business Forum 2026, hosted by RDS Partnership, a Malaysian law firm, and Anderson Mori and Tomotsune (AMT), one of Japan's premier full-service law firms. Ong also suggested that Malaysia should focus on strengthening poli cies related to the localization of certain supply chains. He identified the automotive sector as an area experiencing steady development. Furthermore, Ong highlighted the need for Malaysia to leverage the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) more effectively, advocating for clearer policies and stronger engagement with key investment partners. This comes amid growing interest from Singapore-based firms, including multinational corporations. He noted Malaysia's efforts to assure global investors of policy integrity and institutional consistency, even in the face of changes in government or political leadership and global challenges. Ong pointed out Malaysia's successful management of two peaceful governmental transitions while maintaining policy stability for both foreign and domestic investors. In light of geopolitical challenges, including the tariff measures imposed by the United States on many countries last year, Ong underscored Malaysia's strategic position in the region and its ability to a ttract FDI. He mentioned Malaysia's proactive approach in seeking new free trade agreements with the European Union and potentially South America, highlighting Malaysia's goal to remain friendly with all nations to continually attract foreign investments.