Five foreign direct investors have been selected to use Johor’s fast-track initiative, which reduces red tape and accelerates processes significantly, says state executive councillor Lee Ting Han.

The Johor investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman said the pilot project involves biofuel, food processing and logistics companies in Pasir Gudang and Iskandar Puteri, while the other two are still under negotiation.

“The five projects, including those from Japan and Singapore, are in Johor. They have made their commitment to invest in the state.

“These will be announced in stages, with the earliest one – a Japanese-funded project – expected to break ground in Pasir Gudang in mid-February,” he said in an interview.

Lee said the five companies are part of a pilot project to use the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor (IMFC-J), where they can enjoy more ease of doing business in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

“We have discussed the matter with Singapore for the companies to test the IMFC-J and Johor Super Lane (JSL) initiatives.

“If there is a need, we will improve it further and adjust our regulatory and approval processes. We have also come up with a client charter to show the amount of time saved under the initiative,” he said.

On Nov 21 last year, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced that the state would standardise processes and improve the ease of doing business in the JS-SEZ with the introduction of the JSL initiative.

He said the JSL is part of the IMFC-J, which acts as a one-stop centre involving government agencies and local authorities.

According to Lee, the IMFC-J would have dedicated account managers handling the back-end processes for investors. This includes processes such as dealing with local authorities, utility providers and other licensing providers.

“For example, some processes which used to take 30 days could be reduced to just seven days while consideration for building plans, which could take up to 57 days previously, could be done in 18 days,” he said.

He added that the IMFC-J’s physical office has been set up in Forest City, Gelang Patah, and would be launched very soon.

“Moving forward, we hope that the IMFC-J will be expanded beyond just being a post office.

“We hope the Federal Government will also delegate more decision-making power to the Johor government or Iskandar Regional Development Authority, which will also attract more foreign investment,” he said.On JS-SEZ, Lee said the government intends to hold a dialogue session to promote the initiative among existing and potential investors, as well as local industry players.

He said the state hopes to invite Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong to engage with businesses and further explain the opportunities available.

Source: The Star

Five foreign firms get JS-SEZ fast-track green light

Malaysia’s relationship with China goes beyond trade and investment, encompassing mutual understanding and respect for the cultures and civilisations of both countries, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said this unique aspect of Malaysia-China’s ties must be nurtured alongside economic collaboration.

“During my conversation with President Xi Jinping, we discussed not only economic relations, trade and investment but also the need to build this friendship on trust and mutual respect.

“As the Chinese proverb says, after traversing mountains and rivers, we arrive at a bright village surrounded by willows and flowers,” he said.

He said this at the 2025 Chinese New Year celebration jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China.

Anwar said China’s emphasis on promoting cultural respect aligns with Malaysia’s principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every Malaysian has a place in the country.

He said the Spring Festival, known in Malaysia as Chinese New Year, is a testament to the unity of Malaysia’s multicultural society.

“This celebration brings together people from all communities, cultures and regions across Malaysia. It reflects our shared commitment to harmony and mutual appreciation.

“Together, we have moved beyond uncertainties to embrace a future of thriving partnership and shared goals,” he said.

The prime minister also highlighted local initiatives such as cultural performances, projection mapping and calligraphy exhibitions in Melaka and Penang as examples of how Malaysia embraces diverse traditions.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi; Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli; and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Source: Bernama

Malaysia-China relationship goes beyond trade and investment – PM Anwar

Focus would be on manufacturing, E&E sectors as state moves towards becoming silicon researach and incubation hub, says chief minister

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed optimism about the future of investments from the People’s Republic of China in the state.

Chow said he is confident that China will solidify its position as a partner and friend to Malaysia, given the Consulate-General of China’s active engagement with the northern region states.

“I am looking forward to more Chinese-funded enterprises and investments in Peninsular Malaysia’s northern states, with the assistance of the Consulate-General in Penang,” he said during a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Consulate-General of China at the Chinese Town Hall on Tuesday.

The chief minister said from January to June last year, the approved manufacturing investments from China reached RM411.8 million.

“To date, Penang houses 53 Chinese companies. From that number, 46 are in manufacturing, five in global business services, and two in logistics,” he said.

Chow added the focus remains on the manufacturing and electrical and electronics (E&E) sectors to maintain bilateral ties and explore new avenues, especially now that Penang is moving forward as a silicon research and incubation hub.

He also discussed Malaysia’s role as Asean chair this year, stating that there is a responsibility to reshape Asean and emphasise its principle of centrality.

He mentioned that as a member state, the country is committed to contributing through collaborations, cross-cultural exchanges, and intensifying economic activities.

Meanwhile, Consul-General of China in Penang Zhou Youbin highlighted the deepening ties and strong economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.

“In 2024, China-Malaysia bilateral trade reached a record US$212.031 billion (RM942.19 billion).

“China’s investment in Malaysia surged to RM10.8 billion from January to September 2024, making it the second-largest foreign investor in Malaysia,” he said.

He added that these investments included the northern states, particularly Penang.

Zhou also mentioned the completion of several noteworthy Chinese investment projects, such as the Penang 275kV Cross-Sea Transmission Line Project, and the development of the 24.5MW Hydropower Project in Perak.

The consul-general noted the importance of tourism growth, pointing out that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia has risen significantly, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

“According to Tourism Malaysia, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia in 2024 has exceeded three million, which is 2.3 times more than in 2023, and has surpassed the number for 2019, the year before the epidemic,” he said.

Zhou also highlighted the ongoing exchanges between Chinese and Malaysian governments, citing cultural events such as performances by the China Railway Art Troupe and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.

“These exchanges play an integral role in strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties between China and Malaysia,” he said.

Both leaders expressed hopes for a prosperous and fruitful year, with continued growth in China-Malaysia relations.

Source: The Sun

Penang optimistic of more Chinese investments

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is seen as a transformative project for both nations, with substantial economic, social and industrial benefits.

Anchored by strong bilateral commitment, the zone is expected to deliver significant growth across the property, infrastructure and high-technology sectors.

Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB) expressed optimism following a recent visit to Johor, which included discussions with state officials, property developers and site inspections of key locations.

“Our recent visit to Johor, a week after the signing of the JS-SEZ agreement, reaffirms our confidence of its success.

“The cherry on top of our trip was the meeting with the Mentri Besar of Johor who shared his views and the commitment of both Malaysia and Singapore to see this agreement through,” the research house stated.

The property sector emerged as a direct beneficiary of the JS-SEZ, with Maybank IB identifying several companies well-positioned to capitalise on the opportunities.

“The market has reacted positively as the signing of the JS-SEZ agreement validates the implementation of the government’s initiatives. The direct beneficiary of JS-SEZ is the property sector,” it said.

On this note, Maybank IB picked Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld) as its JS-SEZ proxy.

Apart from property players, Maybank IB also liked certain oil and gas players, data centre players and plantation companies with exposure to Johor.

These include ITMax System Bhd, Dialog Group Bhd and YTL Power International Bhd, as well as plantation companies with landbank in Kulai which are primed for potential development, including SD Guthrie Bhd, Genting Plantations Bhd and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd.

Maybank IB highlighted that EcoWorld’s Quantum Edge site in Kulai and Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn Bhd’s Danga Bay site near the rapid transit system (RTS) track, which will link Johor Baru and Singapore, as prime assets.

Additionally, the rejuvenation of a prime shopping mall in the Johor Baru City Centre or JBCC, next to the RTS link, was seen as a potential catalyst for urban renewal and increased property values.

It noted that the Sedenak area, a data centre hotspot, was identified as a critical zone for high-tech investment.

“Our site visit to Sedenak reaffirms our conviction on the data centre play, which remains a hotspot of activities,” said Maybank IB.

This aligns with the broader JS-SEZ goal of fostering high-growth, high-value and high-technology projects over the next decade.

“A view of the progress of the RTS suggests that the project is on track to complete by end-2026,” the research house stated, adding that the RTS link would enhance connectivity and economic integration between the two nations.

Further, it noted that a JS-SEZ blueprint, expected in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), will detail the zone’s ambitious targets, including 50 to 100 high-growth projects over the next five to 10 years.

Maybank IB anticipated that the blueprint would outline projected economic impacts, including an annual gross domestic product boost of US$28bil (RM125bil) for Malaysia, and social benefits such as the creation of 20,000 skilled jobs in the first five years.

Source: The Star

JS-SEZ game changer for Malaysia, Singapore

Malaysia’s economy is poised for growth in 2025 as domestic demand is likely to strengthen further with sustained consumer spending and ongoing increase in investment activities, said Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd.

In a statement today, the bank said the country’s strong fundamentals and diversified economic structure, coupled with renewed government focus to spur higher economic growth, will help ensure Malaysia’s growth trajectory remains on the uptrend.

It anticipates Malaysia will achieve firm gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2025, aligning with the government’s 2025 GDP growth projection.

Alliance Bank group chief executive officer Kellee Kam Chee Khiong said Malaysia’s economic growth momentum continues to be underpinned by the robust employment market, which has been growing from strength to strength.

“We are encouraged by the country’s improving unemployment rate of 3.2 per cent and the increasing labour force participation rate of 70.5 per cent in October 2024.

“This should bode well for Malaysia, given that domestic demand forms the bulk of our economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alliance Bank said private investments are expected to benefit from the improved external environment while the government continues its expansionary fiscal policy to drive economic growth.

“By assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia is well-positioned to enhance its global standing. ASEAN has consistently proven its resilience and appeal as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI),” it said.

More importantly, Alliance Bank noted that ASEAN’s rising prominence as a major hub for the global supply chain underscores its competitive advantage in positioning itself as a partner for multinational companies.

Moreover, the bank expects further progress in 2025 with more initiatives facilitating investment and trade as well as the smoother transfer of people and goods in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) to be announced.

Alliance Bank added that the ASEAN chairmanship and JS-SEZ come at an opportune time for Malaysia to further propel its economic growth and raise the country’s profile.

Source: Bernama

Economic growth in 2025 to be driven by domestic demand, investments – Alliance Bank

Rising foreign direct investments (FDIs) and domestic direct investments (DDIs), particularly by large multinationals in data centres and chip design and manufacturing, will drive growth in the industrial subsector this year.

“The better trade performance recorded by the country in 2024 could ultimately contribute to a higher demand for industrial space as manufacturers expand capacity. Moreover, the country has succeeded in attracting a higher level of committed FDIs and DDIs in 2024.

“The higher level of committed investments secured, including from several large and well-known multinationals like AWS, Google, Microsoft, Amazon and Alibaba, will benefit and provide a boost to the industrial property sub-sector, and this could translate into increased demand for business and industrial space,” said Henry Butcher Malaysia chief operating officer Tang Chee Meng.

The volume of industrial transactions in Malaysia increased 6.5 per cent in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period a year ago, while the value of the transactions rose 22.8 per cent.

Selangor continued to dominate the market, contributing the most to the national transaction volume (33 percent), followed by Johor (18.5 per cent). Terraced factories contributed the highest to the total volume of transactions, followed by vacant plots.

Additionally, Tang said the government’s 30-day visa-free programme for travellers from several countries is expected to boost the retail, leisure, and residential subsectors.

The weaker ringgit since the third quarter of 2023 will encourage international tourists to spend more during their trips in Malaysia.

“At the same time, the higher cost of airfares as well as the weak ringgit will encourage more Malaysians to spend their holidays within the country instead of travelling abroad,” he said, adding that Retail Group Malaysia has forecast a four per cent growth rate for the Malaysian retail industry in 2025.

Commenting on the stamp duty increase to a flat four per cent for foreign individuals and companies in 2024, Tang said the impact is likely to be minimal, as Malaysian real estate prices remain significantly more affordable than in other countries in the region.

He also said global challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating conflict in Gaza and China’s sluggish economic recovery, have created uncertainties for economic growth and Malaysia’s property market.

However, Malaysia’s more stable political environment, sustained economic growth and an anticipated tourism boost from Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026) are expected to cushion the impact of these global headwinds.

With gross domestic product (GDP) growth projected by the government at 4.5 per cent to 5.5 per cent in 2025, and barring any adverse global events, Tang said the company is confident that Malaysia’s resilient property market will continue to experience positive growth in 2025.

“This year, we are optimistic that the residential, commercial, industrial, retail, and hospitality subsectors of the real estate market will remain stable and continue to grow positively,” Tang said.

Source: NST

FDIs, DDIs to drive industrial sector growth: Henry Butcher

The Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority will announce the New Investment Incentive Framework (NIIF) by the middle of this year.

Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said the NIIF builds on the National Investment Aspiration introduced in 2022.

“This framework evaluates investments based on a six-point scorecard, focusing on factors like economic complexity, job creation, and wage growth. For instance, investments in less-developed states like Kelantan and Terengganu, or those prioritising environmental, social, and governance practices, will score higher,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of HSBC’s first wealth centre in Malaysia today.

Liew said the framework will shift the focus from only attracting investment volumes to assessing their outcomes. “We aim to generate better economic results, such as higher wages and stronger local supply chains, rather than just counting the ringgit value of investments.”

The government is also targeting foreign direct investments (FDI) that boost domestic direct investments (DDI), he said.

“Of course, we want FDI. I mean, we welcome FDI, we welcome domestic investment, but we also want to stress that we want more FDI that will generate stronger DDI. For instance, we want to have investments that create a strong local supply chain,” Liew explained.

As part of this shift, he said, the National Semiconductor Strategy sets goals, including developing 10 Malaysian semiconductor companies with annual revenues of US$1 billion (RM4.4 billion) each and another 100 companies with annual revenues of RM1 billion.

“These are aspirations, difficult. We understand this is difficult, but this is an opportune time for us to pursue these lofty ideas to position Malaysia as a high-value investment destination,” Liew said.

HSBC opened its flagship wealth centre in Malaysia at Menara IQ at the Tun Razak Exchange for HSBC’s Premier Elite and high-net-worth clients. HSBC said the opening aligns with the positive growth seen in Malaysia’s wealth market, as the country progresses towards achieving high-income status.

According to estimates, the value of liquid assets held by high-net-worth individuals in Malaysia in 2024 stood at US$176.62 billion and will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% from 2024 to 2028.

With Malaysia assuming the Asean chairmanship in 2025, the establishment of the flagship wealth centre also aligns with the region’s growing importance as a wealth producer, investment destination, and wealth management market, HSBC said.

The centre was officially opened by Liew and witnessed by HSBC Bank Malaysia CEO Datuk Omar Siddiq and international wealth and premier banking country head Linda Yip.

On the centre, Yip said Malaysia’s strong economic fundamentals provide a foundation for the growing wealth segment, which is important to the country’s aspirations to become a high-income nation. “Therefore, the timing is right for HSBC to open its flagship Wealth Centre in Malaysia.”

Yip said HSBC sees increasing demand for more sophisticated and specialised wealth solutions to help customers navigate life’s journey and achieve their goals.

HSBC also has wealth centres in mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Source: The Sun

New Investment Incentive Framework to be announced by middle of this year

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is one of a kind and a phenomenal move between Malaysia and neighbouring Singapore, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised yesterday.

“There is an element of trust in working together on a joint programme that will benefit one another.

“This Johor-Singapore economics, in my mind, is a phenomenal sort of a move, because (it) must be based on trust and common policies. And it is happening,” he said at the “Country Strategy Dialogue” session on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025 here.

Anwar was responding to a question asked by a participant on his expectation of the recently penned JS-SEZ collaboration during the session moderated by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he is still grappling to find any other region or subregion arrangements, “maybe they have some sort of regional understanding, but not to the extent of the Johor-Singapore economic zone,” he added.

The Prime Minister said he was confident that the JS-SEZ would propel the economy in terms of investments, where both Malaysia and Singapore can benefit.

“We are really enthusiastic, and so is Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong when we had the discussion, and I think that should be a very important showcase for Malaysia and Singapore and also for the region, for Asean and beyond,” he said.

Earlier this month, Singapore and Malaysia formalised the agreement of the JS-SEZ during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat to boost economic cooperation and attract investments.

The JS-SEZ is a mega development project covering areas such as the Iskandar Development Region, Desaru, Johor Baru, Iskandar Puteri, Tanjung Pelepas, Tanjung Bin, Pasir Gudang, Senai, Skudai and Sedenak.

Among others, JS-SEZ targets to attract 100 projects in 10 years.

Source: Bernama

PM: JS-SEZ is one of a kind, phenomenal

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held high-level meetings with business leaders from six multinational companies (MNCs) including AstraZeneca, Fortescue, DP World, Medtronics, Nestle, and Google.

Arranged by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), the one-on-one meetings took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Summit 2025 at the Mountain Plaza Hotel, here, where Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, led the Malaysian delegation.

Also present were MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, and the chief executive officer (CEO) of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, along with government officials.

Anwar spent half an hour in each meeting with the business leaders, starting with AstraZeneca’s chief strategy officer Marc Dunoyer, followed by a meeting with the executive chairman and founder of Fortescue, Minderoo Foundation, and Tattarang, Dr Andrew Forrest AO.

The prime minister and Malaysian delegation then met with DP World, led by its chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, and also held discussions with Medtronics, represented by its senior vice president, Eurasia, Majid Kaddoumi.

The prime minister also sat down for a conversation with Nestle’s executive vice president and CEO of Zone Asia, Oceania and Africa, Remy Ejel.

Finally, Anwar and the Malaysian officials had discussions with leaders from Google, represented by Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google.

Anwar is currently leading the Malaysian delegation on a three-day working visit to attend the WEF Annual Summit 2025, here. This marks his first participation in the WEF since taking office in 2022.

With the theme “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, the high-level summit, which began yesterday and runs until January 24, will discuss, among other topics, the role and contribution of emerging technologies and the latest innovations in addressing global economic issues.

The discussions will focus on five thematic priorities – Industries in the Intelligent Age; Rebuilding Trust; Reimagining Growth; Investing in People; and Safeguarding the Planet.

Source: Bernama

Anwar meets 6 MNCs including Google, Nestle on the sidelines of WEF 2025

The resumption of negotiations for the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) serves as a significant milestone in enhancing trade relations between Malaysia and EU.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the ministry and the EU commissioner for trade and economic security Maroš Šefčovič welcomed the resumption of negotiations.  

“These negotiations have begun at a historic moment. In the current, ever-changing geopolitical landscape, it is crucial to build new partnerships, foster cooperation, and explore new opportunities, and that is exactly what we are doing through these negotiations,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added that a modern and dynamic free trade agreement will bring mutual benefits, open doors to new business opportunities, and enhance the resilience of supply chains.   

“We look forward to the first round of productive negotiations in the coming months.”

Malaysia and the EU have resumed negotiations for MEUFTA, which had been stalled since 2012.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was agreed upon together with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen during his working visit to Brussels, Belgium from Jan 19-20.

In a statement today, the Prime Minister’s Office said the renewed engagement marks a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s economic ties with one of the world’s largest trading blocs.

Source: NST

Resumption of FTA talks a milestone for Malaysia-EU ties: Tengku Zafrul

Sarawak’s green methanol projects and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) are projected to boost Malaysia’s economic growth and attract foreign investments over the next two to three years, according to Nomura Asset Management.

Country head for Malaysia Leslie Yap said these initiatives position Malaysia as a destination for global investors seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia for the long term.

“Those (JS-SEZ and Sarawak’s green methanol) are areas where they need capital and want to grow. Some of these projects are pretty good. There’s going to be quite a decent amount of investment going in, so hopefully it comes to fruition. The economy can benefit from that,” he said at the Nomura Asset Management Malaysia’s Breakfast Conference 2025 today.

Yap said the current foreign selling and overall index pressure on the Malaysian equity market is short term. He explained that short-term fund flows tend to be influenced by concerns about the global economy, US interest rates and political factors, such as the new Trump administration’s trade policies.

“When you talk about fund flows, which are more short-term in nature, global investors will say, ‘Let’s pull it back to dollar-class assets. Let’s keep it there. Make sure we see more certainty and clarity in what they’re trying to do – meaning the US and Trump – before we have a view on emerging markets.”

Yap said many regional or foreign investors will come back and relook Malaysia, given its relatively stable political situation. “Our team also believes and hopes that these factors can continue – basically political stability to drive economic growth. At the end of the day, politics are politics. That’s short-term.”

When it comes to diversification of the supply chain in electronics, Yap commented, “Yes, tariffs are there in the near term, but we should continue to see more investment in the Malaysian space from global investors.

“Infineon, for example, has mentioned something in the region of €2 billion over 10 years (for Malaysia). They’re going to commit to that, and then next year, pull out? No. It’s a fixed asset investment, not like the stock market.”

Additionally, Yap said Malaysia, relatively small to other emerging markets as a whole, has done well because it has positioned itself as a place for data centres. “We are also supported by the availability of liquidity in the domestic market, meaning the funds, pension funds, and national funds are here to support,” he added.

Separately, Nomura Asset Management Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian fund management unit of Nomura Holdings Inc, today launched the Japan Shariah Active Core Fund to offer investors syariah-compliant exposure to Japan’s dynamic equity market.

The Nomura Japan Shariah Active Core Fund is the first Malaysian unit trust fund that primarily invests in syariah-compliant companies domiciled in or derive their earnings from Japan. The fund is available for a minimum initial investment of RM1,000 or US$1,000 (RM4,500).

The active core strategy of the fund is designed to capture the essence of Japan’s evolving economy without being tied to either value or growth investing, ensuring that the portfolio remains balanced and resilient. This dual focus allows the fund to capture opportunities in high-growth sectors while maintaining a foundation in value-oriented investments, offering a proposition to investors seeking both stability and growth.

“Being one of Japan’s largest asset managers, we have been managing active equities worldwide for over 60 years, beginning in Japan. We are thrilled to introduce the Japan Shariah Active Core Fund, which blends our extensive expertise in Japanese equities with the values of syariah principles,“ said Nomura Islamic Asset Management managing director Atsushi Ichii.

Source: The Sun

Sarawak green methanol projects, JS-SEZ will spur Malaysia’s growth and attract foreign investments: Nomura Asset

The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) says it has achieved RM13.4 billion in realised investments for 2024, a 56 per cent increase compared to the previous year. 

This marks the highest annual investment figure ever recorded for the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).  

ECERDC, in a statement today, said since 2018, private investments have totalled RM44.7 billion, bringing the council closer to its RM49 billion target under the ECER Master Plan 2.0 (EMP2.0), which concludes in 2025.  

A key highlight of 2024 was the RM7.7 billion expansion of Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd at the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park, further solidifying ECER’s position as a leading manufacturing hub.

Other key investments included the expansion of Eastern Steel Sdn Bhd’s steel plant, the development of an integrated waste management facility by Greenverse Sdn Bhd, and the construction of a luxury hotel on Pulau Perhentian Kecil by Ikhasas Land Transit Sdn Bhd.  

ECERDC’s initiatives created 3,305 jobs and supported 641 entrepreneurial opportunities in 2024.

The fisheries sector also experienced growth with the completion of the Endau-Mersing Fish Processing Park, which has positioned Mersing as a vital fisheries hub by creating high-value seafood products and boosting market competitiveness. 

ECERDC highlighted its target to achieve RM55 billion private investment under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030). 

This will come from initiatives such as the ECER Islands Master Plan and the development of 17 recreational vehicle parks along scenic routes to promote eco-tourism and sustainable travel.  

The council said agriculture would remain a key focus, with the completion of Jemaluang Dairy Valley in Mersing by mid-2025 and expansion of livestock production in locations such as Segamat, Setiu, Dungun and Hulu Terengganu.  

ECERDC also noted its ongoing efforts to support sustainable industrial growth. This is through the development of renewable energy zones and advanced technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage facilities, aligning with Malaysia’s climate action goals.  

ECERDC chief executive officer Datuk Baidzawi Che Mat expressed optimism about the council’s ability to drive inclusive and sustainable development. 

“Through collaboration with federal and state governments, private investors, and local communities, we are committed to unlocking the region’s potential and delivering greater prosperity to the people of ECER,” he added.

Source: NST

ECER attracts 56pct more realised investments to RM13.4bil in 2024

A modern and dynamic free trade agreement will bring mutual benefits, open doors to new business opportunities and improve supply chain resilience.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said that in the current ever-changing geopolitical landscape, it is important to build new partnerships, foster collaborations and explore new opportunities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, today announced the resumption of negotiations on the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA).

The announcement was made in conjunction with the prime minister’s working visit to Brussels, Belgium on Jan 19-20, 2025.

“Following the announcement, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security of the European Commission, Maros Sefcovic welcomed the resumption of negotiations on the MEUFTA, an important moment in the improvement of trade relations and economic integration of both parties.

“We welcome a productive first round of negotiations in the coming months,” MITI said in a statement today.

Source: Bernama

MITI: Modern, dynamic free trade agreement will bring mutual benefits