MIDA, Invest Hong Kong Renew Pact to Boost Bilateral Investment

Malaysia's Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a strengthened commitment to fostering bilateral investment between the two regions. This renewed pact aims to invigorate investment relationships across the ASEAN region, the Greater Bay Area, and mainland China.

The updated agreement supersedes the original MoU signed in 2014. MIDA's Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, emphasized the timeliness of this collaboration, particularly in navigating global supply chain shifts and new alignments. He noted that the partnership provides a reliable gateway to ASEAN for Hong Kong investors and serves as a bridge for Malaysian companies seeking to penetrate mainland China and global markets.

The signing ceremony, held during the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Seminar, was witnessed by Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Sim Tze Tzin, and Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau. Data from MIDA reveals Hong Kong's significant role as a foreign investor, with nearly 1,000 approved manufacturing projects valued at over RM60 billion between 1980 and March 2026, generating approximately 197,000 jobs. In 2025 alone, Hong Kong ranked third in approved manufacturing investments in Malaysia, totaling RM12.4 billion.

InvestHK's Director of Investment Promotion, Alpha Lau, described Malaysia and Hong Kong as natural, complementary partners. She highlighted Hong Kong's capacity to offer capital, robust connectivity, and world-class professional services for companies building resilient, future-ready operations. Conversely, Malaysia offers a skilled talent pool, a strong industrial ecosystem, and strategic access to ASEAN markets. The renewed MoU is expected to act as a crucial catalyst for smoother business flows between the two markets and facilitate expansion into other international markets. The collaboration will focus on high-value-added investments in sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, new energy, and pharmaceuticals.