The exchange of the MoU between Hasan (second left) with UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei (second right) witnessed by Selangor Investment, Trade and Mobility committee executive councillor Ng Sze Han (left), Amirudin (middle) and Selangor state financial officer Datuk Dr Haniff Zainal Abidin.—MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
OVER 100 organisations were honoured at the 2023 - 2024 Selangor Investor Appreciation Awards (SIAA) at Setia City Convention Centre, Setia Alam, on Nov 20 for their outstanding contribution to Selangor’s economic success.
The awards acknowledge the public and private organisations that played a significant role in making Selangor a leading investment location in Malaysia for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
Last year, the state saw a total of RM101.1bil in approved investments, almost doubling 2023’s RM55.3bil.
“This represents the increased confidence of the entire investment community, both local and foreign, that Selangor is the number one choice for long-term investment in Malaysia,” Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said in his special address.
Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris added that despite the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and inflation, the state has shown resilience and adaptability by continuing to attract investors and fostering industrial growth.
Celebrating big wins
Key awards include the Most Preferred Investment Location in Selangor, the Highest Investment Award by Foreign and Local Companies and the Special Recognition Awards for Government and Technical Agencies that supported the state’s investment growth.
Recipients of the awards were thrilled by the outcome of the night, including DimoMaint senior business development executive Muhammad Faris Omar.
“We are incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this award, having only been established in Malaysia for six years, we never anticipated reaching such a prestigious level.
“This award not only solidifies our presence in Selangor and Malaysia but also marks our potential for limitless growth and expansion within the local market,” he added.
DimoMaint placed third for the Highest Investment by a Foreign Company in the Services Sector (Expansion Project 2023) award.
He said that Selangor has provided an ideal ecosystem for the company’s Malaysian expansion.
Faris added that investment in the state has allowed the company to grow and acquire national recognition.
He said that the company plans to expand its investment in Selangor and forge stronger partnerships within the state’s business community.
“We see immense, untapped potential in the state and are committed to leveraging these opportunities for collective growth,” he said.
He also hopes to form a more direct partnership with Invest Selangor to deepen their impact and presence within the state.
Amirudin (second left) presenting the award to Muhammad Faris (second right) witnessed by Ng (right) and Hasan Azhari (left) during the Selangor Investors Appreciation Awards 2023 - 2024 at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, Selangor.—MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said he was proud to receive the SIAA recognition.
“This award means a great deal to us because it reflects the investors’ confidence in the potential of our city and the work we’ve been doing behind the scenes,” he said.
He went on to acknowledge his team at the city council for their excellent service.
“Over the past year, our team has put in tremendous heart and effort to make things easier for businesses — from improving our services and speeding up processes to creating a more welcoming and efficient environment for investment.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of that teamwork and the strong support we’ve received from our community, partners, and stakeholders,” he said.
The MBDK was named the second Most Preferred Investment Location in Selangor by Local Authority for 2024 and received the Special Recognition Award for Government and Technical Agency in Selangor.
He said the city council’s relationship with Invest Selangor was crucial in creating an efficient and successful investment landscape.
“They function as true strategic partners who share the same mission and vision of advancing Selangor’s growth. Their guidance, professionalism, and deep industry knowledge have played a crucial role in helping us attract higher-quality investments, strengthening our business ecosystem, and enhancing Klang’s competitive positioning,” Hamid said.
He said the city is continuing its efforts to improve its investment infrastructure.
“To support industrial growth and sustainable urban development, the city has prepared numerous master plans for industrial and urban expansion, including the Port Klang Free Zone master plan and the Selangor Bio Bay master plan,” he said.
He also said that the council actively engages with industry players through town hall meetings and focus group discussions to share key information and foster industry collaboration.
“We hope that, with this award, even more investors will establish industries and investments in Klang, further strengthening the city’s economic growth and future development,” he added.
The recipients were selected based on manufacturing and services investment projects approved by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The SIAA is a biennial event hosted by Invest Selangor since 1999.
Amirudin (second left) presenting the award to Abd Hamid (second right) witnessed by Ng (right) and Hasan Azhari (left) during the Selangor Investors Appreciation Awards 2023 - 2024 at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam, Selangor.
New partnerships
The night also saw the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Invest Selangor and UOB Malaysia.
The MoU aims to strengthen Selangor’s investment ecosystem.
Invest Selangor will support UOB Malaysia clients intending to establish and grow their operations in the state, while UOB provides comprehensive financial solutions, including investment financing, advisory support and corporate account services.
This MoU focuses on investment facilitation, promotion and marketing, information sharing and the supply chain development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME).
Invest Selangor is the state government’s investment promotion arm, which provides advisory services, market insights and facilitates local and international investment in Selangor.
The future of the Selangor economy
The upcoming fiscal year sees an acceleration in investment promotion efforts by the state government.
The second Selangor plan (RS2) is set to launch in 2026 with a focus on growing investment, enhancing digital infrastructure and empowering local talent.
“We are committed to advancing the state’s sustainable growth agenda and strengthening its long-term economic resilience,” said Hasan.
Selangor is also committed to solidifying its position as a gateway into Asean.
Amirudin mentioned that Invest Selangor plans to bring Selangor-based companies to explore Asean markets next year.
He added that subregional cooperation can strengthen supply chains for the manufacturing and services sector.
“Together, we will continue to build a state that stands as a model of growth, inclusivity, and opportunity for all,” he said.
