By South China Morning Post | Created at 2026-08-10 05:07:06 | Updated at 2026-08-10 05:32:39
28 minutes ago
Malaysia is seeking to elevate its economic partnership with South Korea beyond traditional manufacturing and trade by positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner in high-value industries, ranging from semiconductors and AI to electric vehicles, renewable energy and the fast-growing global halal economy.
In an interview with The Korea Times, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) director Redzuan Abd Rahman and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) trade commissioner Mohamad Termizi HJ Piee said the two countries’ economic relationship had entered a new phase, with growing opportunities for South Korean companies to leverage Malaysia as both an investment destination and a gateway to the wider Asean market.
“Malaysia and South Korea have built a strong and enduring economic partnership over the past several decades,” Redzuan said. “We believe the greatest opportunities lie in deepening collaboration in industries that are shaping the future of our economies.”
According to MIDA, South Korean companies have implemented investments totalling US$11.7 billion across more than 400 projects in Malaysia as of 2025, creating nearly 50,000 jobs. Those investments span chemicals, transport equipment, electrical and electronic products, petroleum products and basic metals.
Redzuan highlighted that the two countries’ respective national development strategies were highly complementary, explaining that while South Korea continued to advance its leadership in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, mobility, batteries and green technologies, Malaysia was implementing the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy and the National Energy Transition Roadmap “to accelerate industrial transformation towards higher-value, innovation-driven and sustainable industries”.
This strong strategic alignment presents significant opportunities for deeper Malaysia-South Korea collaboration in investment, technology and industrial partnerships, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a strategic destination for South Korean companies seeking regional growth.
