GENEVA: Clear and consistent government policies, backed by political stability, are among the key factors drawing foreign investors to Malaysia, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Speaking at a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora on Sunday, Fahmi cited the Madani Economy framework, the 12th Malaysia Plan, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as examples of coherent policies that inspire investor confidence.
"These policies provide clarity and assurance to investors. They trust that such policies won’t be changed arbitrarily," he said.
He pointed to recent data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) as proof that Malaysia continues to be a preferred destination for foreign direct investment.
In fact, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), approved investments for the first quarter of 2025 totalled RM89.8bil, a 3.7% year-on-year increase, despite global economic headwinds.
The gathering, held at Rumah Malaysia here, was attended by around 50 Malaysians, including students, professionals, and staff from the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the United Nations.
Also present was Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Datuk Nadzirah Osman.
During the event, Fahmi also highlighted Malaysia’s progress in the communications sector.
"Malaysia is among the top 10 countries in the world with the cheapest internet, and we have the second fastest internet speed in the Asia-Pacific region after South Korea," he noted.
Meanwhile, Nadzirah welcomed the gathering, saying it gave Malaysians in Geneva a chance to engage directly with the minister and hear updates from home.
"This programme allows the Malaysians in Geneva to share views with the minister and receive first-hand updates on current developments back home," she said.
Syakira Ramli, President of the Malaysian Association of Geneva, said various topics were discussed during the gathering, including areas where Malaysia could improve by learning from Switzerland’s strengths.
"Switzerland is very strong and keen on administration and keeping track of advancement as well as making progress, as a society, and moving forward in the financial, education or even infrastructure," she said.
For Malvyn Tan, Head of Commercial Fuel at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the gathering provided an opportunity for the Malaysian diaspora to share feedback and express their views.
"I think Fahmi is very open and receptive, and this made us very comfortable to share our experiences while he shares the development in Malaysia," he said.
Fahmi is currently leading the Malaysian delegation to the World Summit on the Information Society+20 High-Level Event (WSIS+20), which will be held here from July 7 to 11, as part of the Madani Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen an inclusive national communications technology ecosystem aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Bernama
