In a strategic showcase of Malaysia’s industrial evolution, the MIDA, together with the Federal Territories and the States of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka, launched the Central Region Programme — a two-day flagship initiative held from 11-12 November 2025, to strengthen industrial collaboration, supply chain integration, and ecosystem resilience under the theme “Innovating Industries, Connecting Markets.”

The programme convened over 800 industry leaders, policymakers, investors and business communities at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing Malaysia’s Central Region as a compelling hub for high-value manufacturing and services. With established strengths in electrical and electronics, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing and global services, the region is projected to contribute RM24.5 billion annually to the country’s GDP, supported by an estimated RM12.5 billion in approved investments yearly and the creation of 5,000 high-value jobs over five years.

From Foundations to Future-Ready Growth

MIDA’s approach reflects a shift from traditional investment volume metrics towards on ecosystem integration — linking local suppliers, talent, innovation platforms and multinational anchors to enhance competitiveness and attract strategic investments.

Former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, underscored that the initiative builds on existing industrial assets, strengthening connectivity and value-chain integration rather than starting from scratch.

Regional Synergy, Shared Values

Leaders from participating regions highlighted the collaborative strengths of the programme:

• Federal Territories emphasised its role as an innovation and services backbone.
• Selangor reaffirmed their industrial capacity and infrastructure readiness.
• Melaka showcased its historic gateway strengths and hi-tech industrial parks.
• Negeri Sembilan highlighted niche capabilities in aerospace, pharmaceuticals and precision manufacturing.

Driving Knowledge & Industry Exchange

The agenda blended strategic discussions with sector-focused sessions, including topics such as supply chain development, digital transformation, talent development and industry-academia linkages. International expertise — notably from the Netherlands’ Brainport Industries — enriched insights on building high-performance industrial clusters.

From Classroom to Clusters

MIDA extended its collaborative approach into education through the Malaysia Young Science Ambassador: ScienceComm Challenge (Central Region 2025).

Organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and supported by industry mentors, the programme encourages school students to creatively communicate science and technology concepts through digital storytelling. Beyond competition, it provides a genuine bridge between classrooms and careers, exposing students directly to STEM professionals and high-value industries.

The initiative also aligns with MRI-3 under the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), which promotes the Triple Helix concept, a strategic collaboration between academia, research, and industry to produce globally competitive, highly skilled graduates.

Looking Ahead

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MIDA and Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) further signalled long-term infrastructure commitment, while high-level engagements involving federal and state leadership reinforced shared resolve to elevate Malaysia’s industrial and supply chain competitiveness.

As global manufacturing networks continue to evolve, Malaysia’s Central Region stands poised to capture expanded opportunities through coordinated ecosystem development, enhanced capabilities, and deeper partnerships across borders and sectors.