MIDA Milan: Catalysing Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Growth in Italy and Switzerland

MIDA Milan Office has been actively forging pathways to position Malaysia as a leading investment destination across Italy and Switzerland in early 2025. By connecting industrial transformation, innovation, and international partnerships, MIDA Milan has consistently showcased Malaysia’s dynamic industries, robust talent pool, and pro-business environment.

MIDA Milan began the year by spotlighting Malaysia’s potential in energy and advanced manufacturing at the Baker Hughes Annual Meeting in Florence, Italy. Engaging with global energy leaders, policymakers, and investors, MIDA Milan emphasised the nation’s strategic role in the global energy transition. Opportunities in oil and gas services, green technology, the hydrogen economy, and advanced materials were highlighted, underpinned by Malaysia’s vision outlined in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).

MIDA Milan carried its promotional efforts beyond industry boardrooms to the academic stage through the exploreASEAN project organised by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). During a brief on “Innovation in Malaysia’s Halal Industry, ”the team showcased how Malaysia has embedded advanced technologies and sustainable practices into its Halal ecosystem—underscoring the nation’s role as a global leader in this high-value sector. By engaging directly with future decision-makers and industry leaders, Malaysia’s innovation-driven capabilities were positioned at the forefront of international attention. This seminar also coincided with the 10th anniversary of explore ASEAN, which continues to strengthen economic and educational bridges between Switzerland and Southeast Asia.

Malaysia’s commitment to high-tech manufacturing was further reinforced at the Roundtable on Semiconductor Diplomacy in Bern, Switzerland. Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, the discussion held on 10th of April 2025, underscored the urgency of diversifying global semiconductor supply chains. MIDA Milan showcased Malaysia’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, skilled workforce, and readiness for international collaboration, reinforcing the country’s strategic relevance in a critical global industry.

MIDA Milan’s efforts seamlessly extended to Southern Italy on 29 May 2025, where the office participated in a business roundtable organised by Unione Industriali Napoli. Presenting Malaysia’s industrial landscape, investment incentives, and facilitation services, MIDA Milan aided Italian companies in envisioning tangible opportunities in Malaysia. Real-world success stories, such as that of Fassi Asia Pacific, highlighted how Italian firms could thrive in Malaysia’s market, strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

These strategic initiatives dovetailed with Malaysia’s broader diplomatic efforts, including the High-Level Visit of YAB Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Switzerland from 20th to 22nd of January 2025 in conjunction with the “World Economic Forum (WEF)” and Italy from 1st to 3rd of July 2025. MIDA Milan played a pivotal role in organising business meetings that complemented bilateral discussions, bridging government priorities with investor opportunities and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a forward-looking, innovation-driven economy.

Through a combination of industrial, educational, technological, and diplomatic engagements undertaken since January till July 2025, MIDA Milan has effectively highlighted Malaysia’s strategic advantages: a skilled workforce, robust industrial ecosystem, and commitment to sustainable growth. From clean energy and semiconductors to the Halal industry—where Malaysia has successfully integrated technology with trusted global standards—MIDA Milan continues to catalyse investment, nurture partnerships, and elevate Malaysia’s presence in the global economy.