KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong is confident Malaysia's economy will stay resilient and continue to improve in the very near future as it is at its best position for more foreign investments.
In his keynote address at the Malaysia Private Capital Forum 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 3, Liew said the country now has the best opportunity since the 1997 Asian financial crisis to move ahead with solid business solutions and also provide top investment opportunities.
"Malaysia is now in an excellent economic situation, and we must take this opportunity by developing solutions for businesses to flourish in the country," said Liew in his speech at the forum.
Liew also added that the shift from a global 'efficiency' model to a 'resilience' model post-pandemic presents strategic opportunities for Malaysia. On top of that, Liew stressed that the economy grew six per cent in the second quarter of 2026. For the record, this year's first-half growth was 5.7 per cent, and that shows Malaysia has shown good resilience amid global volatility.
According to Liew, the key growth drivers included Malaysia's participation in the global artificial intelligence boom, particularly in semiconductors and data centres, as well as the palm oil, oil and gas, tourism and services sectors.
"Malaysia now have a very good platform for investment opportunities. Malaysia can also transform from a trading nation into a technology nation by strengthening its role across the semiconductor ecosystem, including outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing, advanced packaging, integrated circuit design and equipment," said Liew.
The deputy minister also added that the country holds a brilliant strategic position in the global tech and tax landscape, especially as geopolitical tensions increasingly divide the world, as seen during the current chaos in the Middle East conflict involving Iran and the US. The war between Ukraine and Russia has also not helped matters.
"Malaysia also has identified urban revitalisation as a key investment opportunity. Meaning there is a call for a shift away from urban sprawl towards rebuilding inner cities, repurposing vacant buildings and creating mixed-use urban spaces," said Liew.
"Decentralising financial expertise beyond Kuala Lumpur could also unlock regional investment opportunities, particularly in Penang and Kulim for technology and semiconductors, Sarawak for energy, and Johor for cross-border supply chains.
"On top of that, Malaysia is also well-positioned to lead Asean's growth in leveraging its Islamic finance infrastructure and private capital networks and help improve regional deals and investments. And Malaysians must realise that demographic changes can come as both a challenge and an investment opportunity."
Malaysia's population is relatively young, with a median age of 31, and this remains an important source of future economic growth even though the country's ageing members are increasing.
"There is a change in local manufacturing trends these days, and it is well noted that Malaysian factories are also producing fewer baby diapers and more adult diapers due to the growing aged society. It presents challenges and opportunities in healthcare, elderly care and public-private investment in services for the elderly. And the Malaysian business society can grab these opportunities well," said Liew.
