Kuala Lumpur, 24 June 2026 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) today hosted the MIDA-GreatAsic Value Chain Programme, bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry and ecosystem partners to witness the exchange of a strategic collaboration between homegrown local company, GreatAsic Technology Sdn. Bhd. and Xenith Technology Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., the Malaysian unit of China-based Xenith Technology.

The programme highlights the tangible outcomes that emerge when investments, talent development initiatives and ecosystem-building efforts converge to create meaningful opportunities for Malaysian companies and engineering talent. While centred on a single project, the collaboration reflects Malaysia’s broader aspirations to strengthen domestic capabilities, deepen industry linkages and move further up the semiconductor value chain — consistent with the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

Speaking at the event, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA, stated, “The collaboration between GreatAsic and Xenith represents more than a commercial agreement. It reflects growing confidence in Malaysian capabilities, trust in our engineering talent, and the increasing ability of local technology companies to participate in high-value segments of the global semiconductor industry.”

“Integrated circuit design is one of the highest-value segments of the semiconductor value chain, requiring specialised expertise, advanced engineering capabilities and continuous innovation. Through collaborations such as this, Malaysia is strengthening its position within the global semiconductor ecosystem while creating meaningful opportunities for our engineers and industry players to move up the value chain, supporting the objectives of the NIMP 2030 and the NSS.”

Mr. Ong Chin Hu, Founder and CEO, GreatAsic Technology Sdn. Bhd. said,“Through this collaboration with Xenith, we are not only advancing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and next-generation semiconductor design capabilities, but also opening up new technical horizons for GreatAsic and for Malaysia’s IC design landscape as a whole. This partnership reflects the growing strength and confidence in Malaysia’s engineering talent and ecosystem.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Malaysian Government, especially MIDA, for their continuous support in enabling such high-value collaborations. Initiatives like this are creating real opportunities for Malaysian companies to move up the value chain, particularly in advanced areas such as ADAS and intelligent mobility technologies.

In many ways, this is a clear example of how Malaysia is capturing the opportunities from the global semiconductor shift, while building stronger local capabilities for the future.”

Mr. William Liang Weiqiang, Director of Xenith Technology (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. said, “This collaboration with GreatAsic represents an important milestone in advancing Malaysia’s semiconductor design capabilities. By combining our expertise in advanced SoC development with GreatAsic’s strong local engineering talent, we aim to develop next-generation ADAS sensor processing solutions that address the growing demands of intelligent mobility.

Beyond technology development, we see this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen Malaysia’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem through knowledge transfer, talent development, and the creation of high-value design capabilities. We look forward to working closely with GreatAsic to deliver innovative semiconductor solutions while contributing to the long-term growth of the industry in Malaysia.”

A key highlight of the event was the “CEO Fireside Chat #BorakBersamaCEOMIDA: Developing Malaysia’s Future Semiconductor Workforce”.This interactive session featured 20 newly recruited Malaysian engineers onboarded by GreatAsic. The session highlighted the direct impact of this collaboration on local human capital development, offering these engineers hands-on experience in world-class technical design and global technology trends.

Beyond its immediate impact on semiconductor design capabilities, the collaboration is also expected to support GreatAsic’s expansion into emerging technology segments such as ADAS and EVs. These sectors represent some of the fastest-growing areas of the global technology industry and are driving increasing demand for advanced semiconductor solutions.

By participating in projects within these high-growth sectors, Malaysian companies and engineers are building the expertise required to compete in the industries of tomorrow. This aligns with Malaysia’s efforts to create a highly skilled workforce and develop indigenous technological capabilities that support long-term economic competitiveness.

The programme also underscores the importance of strong collaboration among government ministries and agencies, multinational corporations, local technology companies and ecosystem partners in achieving Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions. The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Economy, Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC), reflects a shared commitment towards advancing Malaysia’s technology ecosystem.

As Malaysia advances the implementation of the NIMP 2030 and NSS, MIDA continues to assume a key role in facilitating strategic collaborations that strengthen local supply chains, expand industry participation, and create pathways into emerging technology domains.

Through initiatives such as the Xenith-GreatAsic collaboration, Malaysia continues to reinforce its position as a leading semiconductor hub in the region and a key player within the global semiconductor value chain.

– THE END –

About MIDA

MIDA is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments in the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing opportunities arising from the current technology revolution. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About GreatAsic Technology Sdn. Bhd.

GreatAsic Technology Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based integrated circuit (IC) design company specialising in custom ASIC and System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions. Headquartered in Penang with operations in Selangor, the company provides end-to-end silicon design capabilities, supported by hardware-software co-design expertise and a team with extensive experience in successful silicon tape-outs and high-volume production. GreatAsic serves a range of applications across data centres, edge AI, automotive and intelligent computing markets, supporting the advancement of Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA

Mr. Mohd Mazlan Mokhtar
Director, Electrical & Electronics Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +603-2267 6655

GreatAsic Technology Sdn. Bhd.

Mr. Ong Chin Hu
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Email : [email protected]
Phone : +603 8066 6637

MIDA-GreatASIC Value Chain Programme Strengthens Malaysia’s Semiconductor Ecosystem Through Strategic Industry Collaboration

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) leads a five-university academic front to deploy the structured ‘MRI3’ framework for advanced industrial internships and direct employment pipelines.

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 June 2026: As Malaysia’s electric vehicle (EV) transition accelerates, Feytech Holdings Berhad (Feytech) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Consortium Automotive of Malaysian Universities (CAuto), led by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) and
witnessed by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to establish an industry-first multi-university internship pipeline connecting five major technical public universities with the automotive manufacturing sector.

CAuto’s formation unifies Malaysia’s top technical universities into a singular academic front, and this milestone agreement with Feytech delivers concrete pathways for students.

Under the joint Ministry of Higher Education Research and Industry-Infused Incubator (MRI3) framework, Feytech will provide critical work-based learning (WBL), industrial training and final year project opportunities.

It also provides competitive internship allowances and commits to full sponsorships for select student final year projects to build a resilient employment pipeline. Suitable engineering graduates will be targeted for strategic career pathways within Feytech’s ecosystem, keeping Malaysian engineering talent at the forefront of the EV and smart manufacturing era.

Witnessing the MoU signing, MIDA CEO, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said that this partnership comes at an opportune time and is instrumental in empowering local public technical institutions to align more closely with the needs of next-generation automotive ecosystems.

He said, “Malaysia’s ability to attract and sustain high quality investments depends on the strengths of its talent pipeline. As the automotive industry undergoes rapid transformation driven by electrification, automation, and digitalisation, closer collaboration between industry and academia has become more important than ever.

This collaboration goes beyond internships and industrial training. It creates a pathway for students to learn from real manufacturing environments, work with actual production technologies, solve industry challenges, and contribute to innovation even before they graduate. At the same time, it supports the development of local capabilities and talent required to strengthen supply chain localisation, enhance
competitiveness, and increase the participation of Malaysian companies in higher value-added activities within the automotive ecosystem.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Feytech, Connie Go emphasised the importance of talent development and technology advancement as the country transitions rapidly towards EV adoption.

“While the Government continues to support the industry through progressive policies, industry players must play their part by creating opportunities for students, developing future-ready talent and supporting technology transfer.

“This partnership with CAuto ensures we’re not just meeting today’s workforce needs but preparing students for the AI-integrated smart factories and EV production environments of tomorrow,” she added.

At the same time, Prof. Ts. Dr. Yatimah Alias, the Chairman of CAuto and Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, representing the five-member universities (UMPSA, UTHM,UTeM, UniMAP, and UTM), highlighted the collective strength of the academic network.

“This partnership is an important step in bringing universities and industry closer together. Through CAuto, students from five public universities will have greater access to meaningful industry exposure and practical learning opportunities in the electric vehicle and automotive manufacturing sectors.

We want our students to understand real industry expectations, apply what they learn in the classroom and be better prepared for the workplace. At the same time, this collaboration will help universities keep their programmes relevant to the changing needs of the industry,” she said.

From left to right:

1. Mohd Riduan Abd. Rahman, Executive Director, Investment Facilitation, MIDA
2. Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir, Chairman, Progressive Impact Corporation Berhad
3. Prof. Dr. Yatimah Binti Alias, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)
4. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman, Bermaz Auto Berhad
5. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO, MIDA
6. Connie Go, CEO, Feytech Holdings Berhad
7. Dato’ Mazlan Mohamad, Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Feytech Holdings Berhad

-END- 

About MIDA 

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About Feytech
Feytech Holdings Berhad is a Malaysian automotive components manufacturerspecializing in:

• Automotive seat covers
• Interior trim covers (steering wheel, door trim, gear knob, console covers)
• Fully assembled automotive seats
• PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) seat upgrading and restyling services
• Replacement and repair (REM) automotive covers for aftermarket customers

The group has been in the automotive cover business for over 20 years and expanded into full automotive seat manufacturing in 2021. Today, it supplies both national and international vehicle brands.

About Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA)

Established as a technical university in 2002, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) offers various engineering- and technology-based technical programmes, including high-level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.

Ranked as the best Malaysia Technical University Network (MTUN) in QS World University Rankings 2027 and the best in research and innovation as Non-Research University (Non-RU), UMPSA is steadfastly committed to innovating and developing unique academic programmes through strategic international collaborations.

In research, UMPSA collaborates with local industries to focus on industry-related applications. Such research collaboration enriches the teaching and learning modules at the university and simultaneously promotes the commercialisation of research output and products.

For media enquiries, please contact:

MIDA
Name: Puan Azrina Hashim
Designation: Director, Industry Talent Management and Expatriate Division
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +603-2267 3454

Feytech Holdings Berhad
Name: Ms Michelle Tan
Designation: P.A to CEO
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +6012-2188861

UMPSA
Name: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit
Designation: Director for Corporate Communications
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +6019-9887321

FEYTECH Inks the First CAuto Partnership to Address Critical Automotive Talent Gap for EV Era

ANDOVER, Mass., United States and KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 20 June 2026 — MKS Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI), a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our  world, has opened its MKS Supercenter Factory in Penang, Malaysia. Located on a 17- acre site with approximately 350,000 square feet of built-up space, the facility will support  the growing global demand for wafer fabrication equipment. Developed in multiple  phases, the project’s first phase is now complete. Upon completion of all phases, the  Super Centre Factory is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and will represent a  strategic investment of over RM400 million, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred  destination for high-value, technology-driven investments, aligned with the aspirations of  the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. 

The grand opening ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime  Minister of Malaysia, and attended by representatives from the Malaysian Investment  Development Authority (MIDA), InvestPenang and other relevant government agencies.  The milestone underscores Malaysia’s growing role as a hub for advanced manufacturing  and semiconductor innovation. 

YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, added, “MKS’s Supercenter  Factory represents a significant milestone in Penang’s continued evolution as a global  hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation, aligning with the New  Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). This  also underscores the state’s strong value proposition — from a highly skilled talent pool  to a well-established industrial ecosystem and robust infrastructure that supports hightech manufacturing.” He added, “MKS’s presence here complements our ambition to  move further up the semiconductor value chain, and we are proud to support the  company’s continued growth in Penang.” 

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MIDA,  emphasised, “MKS’ investment reflects the growing shift towards higher-value  manufacturing and technology-driven activities in Malaysia. The M&E industry recorded  RM3.5 billion in approved investments in the first quarter of 2026, reaffirming its position  as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s manufacturing landscape. Beyond its scale, this project  will deepen domestic supply chain capabilities, strengthen industry-academia collaboration in talent development and create greater opportunities for Malaysian  companies to participate in higher-value activities. In line with the aspirations of the NIMP 2030, investments such as this are instrumental in generating quality jobs, accelerating  industrial upgrading and delivering broader economic benefits for the people.” 

“MKS’ Supercenter Factory represents a significant milestone in Penang’s continued  evolution as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation,”  said Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang. “This investment underscores the state’s  strong value proposition — from a highly skilled talent pool to a well-established industrial  ecosystem and robust infrastructure. We are proud to support MKS in this journey and  look forward to the long-term economic and technological benefits this facility will bring to  Penang and Malaysia.” 

“The opening of our Super Centre Factory in Penang reflects the strength of Malaysia’s  industrial ecosystem, the depth of local talent, and our shared commitment to innovation,”  said John T.C. Lee, President and CEO of MKS. “This new facility brings us closer to our  customers and partners, enhancing our ability to deliver advanced semiconductor  manufacturing solutions while contributing to progress across the global value chain. We  are deeply appreciative of the continued support from MIDA and the Malaysian  government throughout our investment journey.” 

The grand opening celebration featured highlights of the project and technology, and recognised the strong partnership between MKS, MIDA and InvestPenang. The  investment reinforces Malaysia’s strategic role in the global semiconductor ecosystem  while supporting supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing capabilities and long term industrial growth.  

– End – 

About MIDA 

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under  the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments  into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur  Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at  every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation  for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X,  Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube. 

About InvestPenang 

InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of  investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local  investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives,  InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance  to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business  Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy), Penang  Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC  design and technology enterprises), and Penang ATE Campus (accelerating the  co‑development, qualification, and scaling of Malaysian ATE solutions by enabling first customer deployment). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp  Channel and TikTok. 

About MKS Inc. 

MKS Inc. (NASDAQ: MKSI) enables technologies that transform our world. We deliver  foundational technology solutions to leading edge semiconductor manufacturing,  electronics and packaging, and specialty industrial applications. We apply our broad  science and engineering capabilities to create instruments, subsystems, systems,  process control solutions and specialty chemicals technology that improve process  performance, optimize productivity and enable unique innovations for many of the world’s  leading technology and industrial companies. Our solutions are critical to addressing the  challenges of miniaturization and complexity in advanced device manufacturing by  enabling increased power, speed, feature enhancement, and optimized connectivity. Our  solutions are also critical to addressing ever-increasing performance requirements across  a wide array of specialty industrial applications. Additional information can be found  at www.mks.com. 

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private  Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and  Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 regarding the expected job creation  from MKS’ Super Center Factory and the amount of MKS’ strategic investment in the  Super Center Factory. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact should  be considered to be forward-looking statements. Actual events or results may differ  materially from those in the forward-looking statements set forth herein, including as a  result of the factors described in MKS’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 2025 and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with  the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. MKS is under no obligation to, and  expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter these forward-looking statements,  whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this  press release.

For more information, please contact:

MIDA
Ms. Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery and Metal Technology Division
Email: [email protected] Tel. : +603 22676769

InvestPenang
Ms. Elaine Cheah
Communications & Business Intelligence
Email:[email protected] Tel. : +604 6468833

MKS Inc.
Mr. Bill Casey
Vice President,
Marketing Email: [email protected] Tel. : +1 630 995 6384 

Ms. Kerry Kelly
Partner, Kekst CNC
Email: [email protected]

MKS Celebrates Opening of Supercenter Factory In Malaysia, Strengthening Semiconductor Manufacturing Capabilities 

Japan emerges as the largest foreign investor with a 13.8x surge, while Selangor leads as the top recipient of approved investments

• For January to March 2026 (Q1 2026), Malaysia attracted RM92.8 billion in approved investments across the services (RM60.8 billion, 65.5%), manufacturing (RM24.1 billion, 26.0%), and primary (RM7.9 billion, 8.5%) sectors. 

• While total investment value dipped by a marginal 0.2% y-o-y, approved projects are expected to create 50,226 new jobs, representing a 46.7% increase from the same period last year. 

• Foreign Investments (FI) accounted for 60.5% or RM56.2 billion of total approved investments, while Domestic investments (DI) grew 13.0% y-o-y to RM36.6 billion, representing 39.5% of total approvals, reflecting growing confidence among Malaysian businesses.

• Top five (5) sources of FI were led by Japan (RM21.5 billion, a 13.8x y-o-y surge), followed by the People’s Republic of China (RM10.1 billion), the United States (RM10.1 billion), Singapore (RM6.7 billion) and Thailand (RM2.5 billion).

• The top five (5) states that recorded the highest approved investments were Selangor (RM33.5 billion, a 3x y-o-y surge), Johor (RM16.9 billion), W.P. Kuala Lumpur (RM16.9 billion), Pulau Pinang (RM6.2 billion) and Sarawak (RM4.0 billion).

KUALA LUMPUR, 08 June 2026 – Malaysia continues to demonstrate economic resilience amid global geopolitical uncertainty, securing RM92.8 billion in approved investments for the first quarter of 2026 (Q1 2026), with Japan emerging as the largest foreign investor, and domestic investment recording its strongest year-on-year growth in the reporting quarter.

The investments comprise 1,249 projects across the services, manufacturing, and primary sectors. While the total value recorded a marginal 0.2% decline compared to RM93.0 billion in Q1 2025, approved projects are expected to create 50,226 new jobs, representing a 46.7% increase from the same period last year, underscoring stronger labour market impact from approved investments. These approved investments will continue to support income opportunities and Malaysia’s low unemployment rate, underscoring Malaysia’s economic stability amid a challenging global environment.

Among foreign investors, Japan emerged as the largest source of approved investments with RM21.5 billion — a significant increase from RM1.6 billion recorded in Q1 2025 — followed by the People’s Republic of China (RM10.1 billion), the United States (RM10.1 billion), Singapore (RM6.7 billion) and Thailand (RM2.5 billion). The strong Japanese investment performance reflected the deepening economic ties between Malaysia and Japan under the Malaysia–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in December 2023. Notably, 93.6% of Japanese approved investments in Q1 2026 were channelled into digital transformation activities, reflecting Malaysia’s growing role in regional high-technology and digital supply chains. 

Selangor recorded the highest value of approved investments at RM33.5 billion, followed by Johor (RM16.9 billion), W.P. Kuala Lumpur (RM16.9 billion), Pulau Pinang (RM6.2 billion) and Sarawak (RM4.0 billion). The top three states have solidified their standing as global data centre hubs, underpinned by a proven track record in attracting investments from tech giants. This success is driven by the integration of Cyberjaya’s mature infrastructure, Johor’s strategic positioning as a key alternative to Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur’s role as the nation’s primary network connectivity and financial heart. MIDA’s Data Centre Task Force is now highly selective, rewarding speed to market only for operators who demonstrate genuine sustainability and long term commitment.

YM Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Chairman of MIDA, said, the Q1 2026 performance reflected Malaysia’s growing ability to attract investments that are more resilient, technology-driven and value-creating for the economy:

“Malaysia’s Q1 2026 investment performance sends a clear signal –  our economic fundamentals are strong. Both global and domestic investors continue to place confidence in this nation. With GDP growing at 5.4% and Moody’s projecting Malaysia as the fastest-growing A-rated economy over the next two years, we are proving that  Malaysia is not just participating in regional value chains. We are emerging as a strategic hub for the industries that will define ASEAN and Asia’s next decade.”

“At MIDA, our focus is to turn this momentum into real value for Malaysians. Through #InvestLokal and the New Incentive Framework for the Manufacturing Sector introduced on 1 March 2026, we are prioritising quality, tech-driven investments that strengthen local industry participation and create high-value jobs. Malaysia is firmly positioning itself at the centre of global value chains –  as a resilient, future-ready investment hub for the world,” he added.

SERVICES SECTOR ANCHOR INVESTMENT MOMENTUM

The services sector remained the largest contributor, accounting for RM60.8 billion or 65.5% of total approved investments, involving 731 projects expected to create 19,758 new jobs.

Top-Performing Sub-Sectors under Services:

• Information and communications: RM38.9 billion
• Real estate: RM15.6 billion
• Utilities: RM2.9 billion
• Distributive trade: RM1.1 billion
• Hotel & Tourism: RM1.1 billion

FI in the services sector rose by 7.9% to RM37.4 billion (61.5%), while DI contributed RM23.4 billion (38.5%). Growth was mainly driven by the Information and Communications subsector, which contributed RM38.9 billion, supported by growing global demand for AI and Digital Transformation. Investments in data centres and cloud computing alone, accounted for RM34.6 billion across 33 projects — representing 88.9% of the subsector’s total approvals.

Global investment momentum in digital infrastructure continues to strengthen. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global Investment Trends Monitor No. 50 (January 2026), global greenfield investment in data centres exceeded USD270 billion in 2025, accounting for more than one-fifth of total global greenfield value, driven by rising demand for AI and digital connectivity. The report listed Malaysia among the top ten global destinations for data centre projects, reflecting growing investor confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem and regional connectivity. 

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, has further noted that Malaysia is prioritising high-value, AI-focused data centre investments, with approximately 4.6 gigawatts of capacity planned or under construction. 

This growth is further supported by the continued presence of major hyperscale operators such as Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and next-generation technologies.

Notable Projects Elevating Malaysia’s Services Sector

• Leader Solar Energy III Sdn. Bhd.: A Malaysia-based solar energy project in Kedah under the LSS5+ programme, with an installed capacity of 99.99MW (170 MWp) and an investment of RM261.7 million, is expected to generate renewable electricity and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2.99 million tonnes of CO₂e over 21 years.

• Equinox Solar Farm Sdn. Bhd.: A Malaysia-based solar energy project in Kelantan under the Large-Scale Solar (LSS5+) programme, with an installed capacity of 99.99MW and an investment of RM197.9 million, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 2.52 million tonnes over 21 years. 

• BKH Solar Sdn. Bhd.: A joint venture between local renewable energy developer, Conextone Energy, and ENGIE, a global leader in low-carbon energy and services, was established to develop a 30MW solar farm in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah under the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP). The project supports renewable energy adoption and Malaysia’s growing green manufacturing ecosystem through a long-term power purchase agreement with STMicroelectronics Malaysia.

MANUFACTURING SECTOR DRIVES HIGH-VALUE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The manufacturing sector secured RM24.1 billion in approved investments across 501 projects—a 142.0% increase in project count year-on-year, supported by continued investor interest in high-technology and advanced manufacturing activities. 

While total manufacturing investment value moderated by 20.8% year-on-year, this was largely due to a lumpy project from a single basic metal project worth RM6.6 billion approved in Q1 2025. Excluding this project, manufacturing investments recorded a positive growth of 1.0% year-on-year, with the higher number of manufacturing projects reflected a broader and more diversified pipeline of high-impact, technology-driven investments.

The sector remained the key driver of employment, with approved projects expected to create 30,468 or 60.7% of total expected jobs.  The Managerial, Technical and Supervisory (MTS) index stood at 37.4%, signalling continued progress towards a high-skilled, knowledge-intensive economy in line with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. Notably, 17.9% of these new jobs offer monthly salaries above RM5,000 — with the chemical industry recording the highest proportion at 34.7% — reflecting Malaysia’s continued move towards higher-value and higher-income employment opportunities.

FI accounted for RM16.1 billion (or 66.6%) of the total approved investments in the manufacturing sector, while DI accounted for 33.4% or RM8.0 billion.

Top Performing Industries:

• Electrical and electronics (E&E): RM6.0 billion
• Chemical and chemical products: RM3.9 billion
• Machinery and equipment: RM3.5 billion
• Food Manufacturing: RM3.3 billion
• Transport Equipment: RM2.2 billion

Notable Manufacturing Projects Strengthen Malaysia’s Industrial Base

• Nexperia Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.: A Netherlands-headquartered global semiconductor manufacturer will expand Discrete and IC Assembly/Test operations in Seremban with an additional investment of RM1.6 billion. The expansion is expected to double the facility’s existing production capacity while creating up to 500 additional skilled jobs and 800 semi-skilled jobs over time to support highly automated production line operations, advanced equipment maintenance, and smart manufacturing systems, to the benefit of Nexperia’s global customer base and Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem. 

• WaferWise Semiconductor Sdn. Bhd.: A China-origin semiconductor company will invest RM700.0 million to establish a state-of-the-art 12-inch WLCSP (Wafer-Level Chip Scale Packaging) mass production facility, specifically optimised for automotive CMOS image sensors (CIS). 

• Halo Laser Technologies Sdn. Bhd.: A US-based company and a spin-out from Stanford University is investing RM329.8 million in Malaysia’s semiconductor wafering sector. Specialising in proprietary laser-based manufacturing technologies, the company utilises advanced light-based solutions that deliver higher-quality and lower-cost silicon carbide wafers for applications including AI data centres, e-mobility, energy systems and industrial technologies. This investment strengthens Malaysia’s position in advanced semiconductor materials manufacturing while supporting the growing global demand for next-generation power and high-performance computing applications. 

• Greatech Integration (M) Sdn. Bhd.: A Penang-based Malaysian automation engineering company will invest RM322.0 million into next-generation growth sectors, including the development of advanced power modules for AI data centres, advanced systems for autonomous vehicle (AV) fleet management and expanding into the semiconductor ecosystem by developing specialised modules and components for both front-end and back-end processes. 

• Boston Scientific Medical Devices (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.: A United States medical technology company will invest RM308.0 million in Batu Kawan, Penang, to expand production of Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) devices for advanced cardiovascular treatment.

• Biocon Sdn. Bhd.: The India-origin company is expanding its operations in Johor with an additional investment of RM226.1 million, focusing on the production of insulin and insulin analogues, recombinant DNA (rDNA) therapeutic proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and sterile injectable products, as well as advanced drug delivery systems, including auto-injectors, cartridges, and pens. 

• Aixtron Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.: A Germany-based leading provider of deposition equipment for the semiconductor industry, is investing RM200.0 million (~EUR40 million) in a Global Centre of Excellence for Manufacturing and Engineering focused on Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) technology. The investment introduces Malaysia’s first front-end deposition segment for compound semiconductors, strengthening the country’s role in the global value chain for next-generation materials such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC). These advanced materials improve energy efficiency by reducing power losses and cooling requirements across applications, including AI data centres and electric vehicles (EVs).

• JPG Fuji Sdn. Bhd.: A joint venture between Johor Plantations Group Berhad (JPG) and Singapore-based Fuji Oil Asia Pte. Ltd. is investing more than RM200.0 million to develop a specialty palm oil refinery as part of JPG’s Integrated Sustainable Palm Oil Complex (iSPOC) in Sedili, Johor. Built with IR4.0 capabilities including process automation, digital monitoring and real-time data capture, the facility will produce higher value-added specialty oils and fats for domestic and export markets. Designed as a renewable energy-powered circular economy complex, iSPOC is also expected to create over 200 jobs for Malaysians through a TVET partnership with the Johor Skills Development Centre. 

• Hanan Medicare Sdn. Bhd.: A privately-owned Bumiputera company will invest approximately RM194.9 million in Rawang, Selangor, to develop advanced biopharmaceutical, small volume injectables and galenical manufacturing capabilities. The facility will focus on the production of high value-added pharmaceutical products, including insulin, anti-diabetic drugs, contrast media, and general anaesthetics, while leveraging IR4.0 technologies, automation and digitalisation to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and strengthen Malaysia’s pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and healthcare supply chain resilience. 

• Jemaluang Dairy Valley Sdn. Bhd. (JDV): A wholly Malaysian-owned joint venture will invest RM119.0 million in Mersing, Johor to develop a highly automated smart dairy farming and processing facility under the ECER Incentive Package, integrating advanced technologies and ESG-driven practices to strengthen national food security and modernise the dairy industry. 
• Sheng Long Aqua Technology (M) Sdn. Bhd.: A China-based aquaculture and livestock feed producer under Haid Group, which is a world-leading agricultural enterprise powered by science and technology, will set up a manufacturing facility in Larut & Matang, Perak, focusing on the production of aquaculture feed for both domestic and regional markets. The facility will adopt automated production processes to enhance efficiency and product quality, while incorporating environmentally responsible practices and responsible sourcing to support sustainable aquaculture development in Malaysia.

PRIMARY SECTOR MAINTAINS STABILITY AMID GLOBAL HEADWINDS

The primary sector secured RM7.9 billion in approved investments across 17 projects, a sharp 418.2% year-on-year increase from RM1.5 billion in Q1 2025, driven entirely by oil and gas projects involving offshore development and exploration activities, particularly in Sarawak. The approved investments are dominated by domestic sources with RM5.2 billion (65.5%), while foreign sources contributed RM2.7 billion (34.5%). This uplift comes amid heightened global energy supply concerns following the Middle East conflict that erupted in late February 2026, prompting Asia-Pacific energy-importing nations to diversify their supply sources — with Malaysia’s upstream resources gaining renewed strategic relevance.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK WITH STRONG PIPELINE OF HIGH-IMPACT INVESTMENTS

Malaysia’s investment outlook remains resilient, supported by a steady pipeline of quality investment proposals. As at 5 May 2026, MIDA is facilitating a solid pipeline of 182 potential projects, collectively valued at RM38.3 billion.

• The services sector continues to lead the way, comprising 105 projects worth RM14.1 billion.
• Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector maintains its strong showing with 77 projects valued at RM24.2 billion.

MIDA is also in active discussions for an additional RM91.0 billion worth of potential investments—signalling sustained investor interest and confidence in Malaysia’s long-term economic direction and pro-business policies.

IMPLEMENTATION OF APPROVED MANUFACTURING PROJECTS

Malaysia’s investment performance is driven not only by approvals but also by strong implementation outcomes. Strategic platforms such as the National Committee on Investment (NCI), the Investment and Trade Coordination Action Committee, and the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC) continue to assume a pivotal role in supporting smooth project execution.

Between 2021 and February 2026, the National Committee on Investment approved 5,148 manufacturing projects, of which: 

• 85.0% have reached various implementation stages, ranging from production to factory construction and machinery installation. 
• 11.8% are in the planning phase, focusing on site selection and consultations with developers. 
• Only 3.2% of projects were abandoned, highlighting Malaysia’s strong project realisation rate.

Annual data shows that: 

• More than 90% of approved manufacturing projects in 2021 to 2024 have been implemented. 
• Projects approved in 2025 have recorded a 70.8% implementation rate, in line with the typical 18 to 24 months development cycle for completion, depending on project complexity.

Examples of implemented projects are provided in Appendix I.

Strong implementation rates continue to reflect investor confidence and the effectiveness of Malaysia’s investment facilitation ecosystem, supported by close inter-agency coordination and MIDA’s investor aftercare services.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said Malaysia’s investment performance in Q1 2026 reflects the country’s strong facilitation and project execution capabilities:

“Despite continued global headwinds, Malaysia remains firmly on investors’ radar, supported by clear policies, strong economic fundamentals, and our ability to move projects from approval to operationalisation. The Asia Manufacturing Index 2026, ranks Malaysia second in Asia after China. This is our highest position in the index to date, and it is matched by results on the ground: of the manufacturing projects approved since 2021, over 85% had reached various stages of implementation as of February 2026.”

“At MIDA, we remain focused on supporting investors throughout their implementation journey. Through facilitation platforms such as IMFC and close collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, we continue working to strengthen coordination and accelerate project execution. This remains an important pillar in reinforcing Malaysia’s investment competitiveness,” he added.

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s resilient economic fundamentals, growing domestic investor participation, and strong pipeline in high-value sectors — including semiconductors, AI infrastructure, renewable energy and advanced medical devices — continue to position the country well for long term growth despite ongoing global uncertainty.

*End*

About MIDA

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the Government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

Explainer: DOSM’s FDI and MIDA’s approved Foreign Investment (FI)

There has been some confusion on the term Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and the approved Foreign Investment (FI) data as captured by MIDA. To clarify, the Government has determined the use of these terms since December 2023, as follows:

• MIDA reports on approved Foreign Investments (FI) – These represent proposed investment projects with foreign equity participation that have been granted licenses, incentives, permits, grants, soft loans, etc., by relevant Ministries and Agencies. They are measured based on CAPEX and OPEX, such as land, building, and resources. Approved FI reflects potential investments into the country which will be realised into actual inflows over a specified period, usually across multiple years. On average, 18-24 months is the typical duration to complete the required regulatory steps between approval and implementation, before projects get off the ground. The release of approved FI data serves as a forward-looking indicator of investor’s confidence, the strength of Malaysia’s investment prospects, and the key sectors attracting foreign investors.

• DOSM reports on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – This figure refers to investments by non-residents via transactions of financial instruments, including equity, reinvestment of earnings and debt instruments (such as inter-company loans and advances, trade credits, etc.). For instance, if a foreign investor buys shares in a Malaysian company, this would be captured by DOSM’s FDI data. FDI statistics for Malaysia are compiled as part of the balance of payments, which is compiled based on the IMF’s BPM6 guidelines.

For further information, please refer to https://www.mida.gov.my/why-malaysia/investment-statistics/

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Fatmah Ahmad
Director, Corporate Communications Division,
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Email: [email protected] | DL: +603-2267 2428

Malaysia Attracts RM92.8 Billion in Q1 2026 Approved Investments, Expected to Create Over 50,000 New Jobs; Domestic Investments Up 13%