Rethinking Malaysia from a Trading Nation to a Technology Nation

All in all, the ultimate goal of ESG is to build resilience. In this time of disorder, this resilience is important so that we can shape, to a certain extent, the global order.

Efficiency is no longer the only priority, and derisking is key to many corporations. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is well-positioned to build a future-ready regional supply chain with enhanced economic security and resilience. This was the key message I shared at my panel discussion during the inaugural JS-SEZ Joint Business and Investment Forum. The session was moderated by Mr Wong Meng Yew, Global Trade Advisory Leader at Deloitte SEA, and featured fellow panellists Dr Robert Yap, Executive Chairman of YCH Group; Mr Ahmad Adly Alias, Vice President of PETRONAS; and Ms Lim Pei Jet, Head of AirTrunk Malaysia.

I am proud of the United Local Synergy program, an initiative that brings together seven Malaysian companies in collaboration to enhance our local supply chain, drive innovation, and jointly build Malaysia’s international presence. I joined Chief Minister of Penang Sdr Chow Kon Yeow at the launch of United Local Synergy earlier today. Our aspiration is not to chase cutting-edge technologies. What we want to do is fortify Malaysia’s position as the indispensable middle. We can work with the European bloc, US bloc, and China bloc, where we provide excellent technology and create Malaysian technology. I applaud the seven companies – Greatech, Eng Teknologi, Swift Bridge Technologies, Berjayapak, Aurelius Technologies, Coraza Systems, and Prodelcon – for their visionary approach in strengthening the Malaysian semiconductor supply chain.