Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will continue to facilitate stronger linkages between start-ups and investors by encouraging deeper industry-start-up collaboration in high-impact sectors. MIDA chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim stated that the organization will work closely with ecosystem partners to position Malaysia as a competitive destination for innovation-led investments. He emphasized the need to leverage Malaysia's strong foundations in talent, capital, infrastructure, and national direction in a more coordinated manner to nurture start-ups and build companies capable of competing on a global stage. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the half-day Beyond4 Strategic Engagement Session 2026 aimed to foster collaboration, explore investment opportunities, and identify strategic interventions to accelerate the development of a world-class start-up ecosystem in Malaysia. Sikh Shamsul highlighted MIDA's focus on attracting investment into Malaysia by streng thening the ecosystem, emphasizing technological capabilities, and understanding long-term growth potential beyond incentives. Sikh Shamsul explained that MIDA is expanding its role by connecting multinational corporations, local industries, start-ups, research institutions, and investors, in addition to its traditional role of investment promotion. He stressed the importance of establishing clearer roles across the value chain and stronger connections between start-ups and corporates, alongside better linkages with both domestic and international investors. Malaysia offers industrial depth, regional connectivity within ASEAN, improving infrastructure, and a stable policy environment for investors. He also pointed out that start-ups have the potential to be significant partners in industrial upgrading, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience. With the right support and access, start-ups can contribute meaningfully to broader economic goals. Globally, start-ups are reshaping industries by introdu cing new technologies, improving productivity, and challenging established business models. For Malaysia, this shift presents both an opportunity and a responsibility, guided by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and related national initiatives toward a more innovation-driven, high-value economy.