SHAH ALAM: Malaysia aims to become a regional hub for sports technology and innovation, turning passion into careers, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said that the multi-billion dollar sports industry in the country and Asean holds much promise that could only progress with proper policies and political will.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said this while opening the Asean Sports Industry Expo 2025 on Friday (Oct 17).
The event was also attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and sports industry players.
“With a combined population of over 680 million, Asean holds immense potential to become the next global hub for the sports economy - encompassing a comprehensive value chain that spans sports tourism, wellness, talent development, high-value manufacturing, marketing, digital innovation, and professional services,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He further said that Malaysia’s sports sector was valued at USD 4.17bil in 2022, and recorded a remarkable 12.1% year-on-year growth.
“This is surpassing the global average. Malaysia aims to become the regional hub for sports technology and innovation - a place where young people can turn passion into careers, creativity into enterprise, and innovation into the future.
He called for closer Asean sharing of expertise, building training networks, saying that the Expo was a space where ideas could become partnerships, and where the region’s best minds come together to shape the future of sports.
“All these efforts align with our National TVET Policy 2030 in nurturing skilled, innovative, and visionary young Malaysians ready to lead the next era of Asean sporting excellence,” said Ahmad Zahid.
He also said that the government had strengthened its investment in TVET development.
“The government increased allocations from RM6.8bil in 2024 to RM7.5bil in 2025, and in the most recent 2026 Budget, the allocation received another significant boost - reaching RM7.9bil.
“This is clear proof of the government’s commitment to positioning TVET as a national priority and a key driver of future growth.
“I am confident that the sports industry can become a new, sustainable, and competitive engine of growth - not only for Malaysia, but for the entire Asean region.
At a media session later, Ahmad Zahid said that sports industry policies should not change with the change of ministers in charge of the portfolio.
Earlier at the same event, Sports and Youth Minister Yeoh stated that the Asean Sports Industry Expo 2025 will see key sports industry players signing four memorandums worth a total of RM36.1bil.
She also called on sports industry players to gather data on their businesses.
“I wish to encourage the gathering of data as data put together will be a powerful tool for us to come out with meaningful policies to support and grow the sports industry,” said Yeoh.
