KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) will be organising the East Coast Region Investment Seminar 2026 on Sept 8, focusing on the role of local companies in shaping a more inclusive and competitive East Coast industrial ecosystem.
The seminar, themed "Driving Investment and Bumiputera Development in the East Coast Corridor”, will serve as a platform to strengthen the investment ecosystem and empower local and bumiputera companies in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, it said in a statement today.
MIDA chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said the East Coast Region has a strong economic and industrial foundation and great potential to develop as a more competitive investment corridor.
"With improved connectivity via the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project, the strength of existing sectors and opportunities in new and high-value sectors, we see significant room for local and bumiputera companies to grow alongside investments reaching the region.
"Most importantly, we want small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local companies to view this development not just as an opportunity for large companies, but as an opportunity for themselves to increase capacity, adopt technology, become suppliers to larger industries and penetrate new markets,” he said.
MIDA said that existing companies should increase production capacity, strengthen technological capabilities, increase productivity and move towards higher value-added activities.
"This is in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework to ensure that the benefits of investment development can be expanded to the local economy and community,” it said.
It said the seminar will target 300 participants, including local and bumiputera companies, SMEs, mid-tier companies, investors, industry players, financial institutions, and government agencies, to explore new growth opportunities and build strategic relationships in the East Coast Region.
The statement said MIDA’s CEO will deliver his keynote address in the seminar, followed by features such as the New Incentive Framework (NIF) session, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) forum and a session titled "From the East Coast to the World”, which will explore investment opportunities, regional connectivity and pathways for local firms to expand their businesses to a wider market.
Other sessions include a Bumiputera Economic Participation forum and a Halal Ecosystem session, focusing on boosting the participation of local firms as well as developing the halal ecosystem and food security, it said.
It said the business clinic sessions will give companies opportunities to interact directly with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Immigration Department of Malaysia, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), and other relevant government agencies for guidance and solutions on operations, compliance, workforce, approvals, and project implementation.
Due to limited seats, MIDA urged participants to register as early as possible to get the latest information, build business networks, explore investment opportunities, and gain direct access to government agencies through the business clinic sessions.
The one-day seminar will be held at the AC Hotel, Kuantan, Pahang.
Interested participants can register online at https://form.evenesis.com/MIDA-Seminar-Pelaburan-Wilayah-Pantai-Timur-2026. - Bernama
