Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) has partnered with Tradeview Capital Sdn Bhd to launch the MTDC Tradeview Quantum Fund, starting with an initial capital of RM20 million. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Chang Lih Kang stated that this public-private investment collaboration is a crucial step toward strengthening Malaysia's innovation financing ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chang emphasized the importance of providing innovators and technology companies with access to capital, networks, and strategic partnerships necessary for scaling effectively. He spoke at the launch ceremony, where he witnessed the signing of a joint venture agreement between MTDC and Tradeview Capital, leading to the creation of Modal Lestari Sdn Bhd as the venture fund management company for the collaboration. The joint venture was structured on a 50:50 basis.

The collaboration aims to expand the financing options available to technology-driven companies transitioning from innovation to commercial scale through the synergy of institutional capital and private sector fund management expertise. MTDC functions as a strategic investment and ecosystem development agency under the purview of MOSTI and is wholly owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

MTDC group chief executive officer Mohammad Hazani Hassan highlighted that the fund will focus on investments in strategic sectors such as electronics and semiconductor, Industrial Revolution 4.0, green energy, agritech, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors are pivotal to Malaysia's future industrial growth.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia reports that over 3,000 establishments in the country are engaged in research and development activities, employing more than 1.1 million people in research and development roles. Malaysia is ranked 33rd out of 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2024, marking its highest position since 2016.