Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must strive to nurture more technology-driven companies that can grow into ASEAN-based multinational corporations and eventually establish a global footprint, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong. He emphasized that while there is often talk of supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in practice, more efforts are needed to develop local champions and create the region’s technology-based MNCs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Liew highlighted the need for a shift in perspective within the capital market regarding the future roles of Malaysian companies. He suggested that Malaysia should adopt bold new ideas to shape the capital market and the region, aiming for sustainable economies and societies where prosperity and fulfillment are widespread.
Liew further noted that Malaysia cannot continue to rely solely on the United States as the consumer of last resort. Instead, there is a need to diversify export markets. However, he cautioned that diversification alone is insufficient if other markets are not wealthy enough to consume Malaysian goods. He emphasized the importance of creating consumers by fostering a richer, middle-class society within Malaysia and hoping for similar economic growth across ASEAN.
The SIDC-CASI Sustainable and Responsible Investment Conference 2025, where Liew delivered his keynote address, was organized jointly by the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC) and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI). The three-day conference, held at the Securities Commission Malaysia, attracted over 300 local and international delegates under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of ASEAN Business in Sustainability.’
A significant event during the conference was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SIDC and CASI. This MoU formalizes a long-term collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable finance education and talent development across ASEAN and other developing regions. SIDC stated that the MoU outlines a strategic framework for academic and professional cooperation, focusing on mutually beneficial areas and future joint initiatives to support capacity-building in sustainable finance, particularly within emerging markets.
In conjunction with the conference, SIDC also launched the Certified Capital Market Professional in Sustainable and Responsible Investment 2 (CCMP-SRI 2), a 12-week advanced certification program for mid- to senior-level professionals.