Exklusives Interview mit der malaysischen Botschafterin I.E. Adina Binti Kamarudin

I.E. Dr. Adina Binti Kamarudin: “Southeast Asia offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses worldwide. It is after all, one of the most dynamic regions in the world.

Firstly, connectivity. Malaysia’s location at the heart of Southeast Asia provides excellent connectivity to major ASEAN markets such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. It also has world-class infrastructure, including major ports like Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas, which are among the busiest ports in the world. In addition, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and its robust logistics network ensure efficient movement of people and goods across the region. This leads to Malaysia as a natural hub for foreign companies seeking to distribute products or establish regional supply chains.

Secondly, participation. Malaysia’s active participation in regional and international trade agreements enhances its appeal as an entry point. Malaysia has signed and implemented a total of 16 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), comprising 7 bilateral and 9 regional agreement, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which together provide access to a substantial portion of the world economy. German companies can enjoy reduced tariffs and trade barriers as well as streamlined regulations, which provide competitive advantages when entering ASEAN markets via Malaysia.

I think we need to think of mutual benefits too. Both nations have complementary strengths that create opportunities for strategic collaborations and partnerships across various sectors including electrical & electronics, medical devices & pharmaceuticals, renewable energy & green technologies, automotive and aerospace industries, among others. By combining German technological and engineering advancements with Malaysia’s cost-effective production, Malaysia and Germany can foster mutual growth and enhance their global competitiveness.

More than 700 German companies have already established operations here, leveraging Malaysia’s well-developed industrial ecosystem and free trade agreements. This includes German Mittelstands and family-owned companies, which have cemented Malaysia’s reputation as a regional hub for production, trade and innovation

If we look at last year alone, January to September 2024, Malaysia secured RM254.7 billion in approved investments—a 10.7% increase from RM230.2 billion during the same period in 2023. Foreign investors contributed RM106.7 billion (41.9% of total investments), with Germany leading at RM30.9 billion. This underscores Germany’s confidence in Malaysia as a premier investment destination.

Germany has been Malaysia’s top trading partner among all countries in the European Union (EU). In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with Germany increased by 1.7% to RM64.62 billion compared to the same period last year. Exports rose 5.7% to RM32.32 billion on account of growing exports of electrical & electronic products, while imports decreased by 2.1% to reach RM32.30 billion.

This is evidence where German companies enter, develop and grow in Malaysia, not only as a production base, but also exporting products globally.

In a nutshell, Malaysia’s strategic location at the crossroads of major air and shipping routes, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, positions it as an ideal gateway to ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific. With a robust economy, business-friendly policies, tax incentives, and a multilingual, adaptable workforce," Malaysia provides the infrastructure and ecosystem for sustainable growth for German companies.

I.E. Dr. Adina Binti Kamarudin: "Johor’s strategic location at the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, world-class infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it an ideal logistics hub. There is a lot going for Mercedes BenzT in choosing its new Logistics Centre in Johor. The Mercedes-Benz Regional Logistics Centre in Johor supports 20 countries in the Asia Pacific region, showcasing Malaysia’s capability in logistics excellence. The location, Senai Airport City is becoming attractive to investors due to infrastructure and availability of talent. In addition to that, according to the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), Johor's Port of Tanjung Pelepas ranks as the fifth most efficient container port globally.

Additionally, the recently announced Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) strengthens Johor’s appeal, enhancing cross-border trade, investment, and workforce mobility. This initiative positions Johor as a vital economic link in Southeast Asia.

Beyond Johor, there are other attractive locations as well:

• Malacca: Home to the upcoming German Technology Park, powered by renewable energy, ideal for German companies focused on innovation and sustainability.
• Negeri Sembilan: Developing the Malaysian Vision Valley (MVV), a project driven by High Technology Manufacturing, Wellness Tourism, Skill-Based Education & Research, and Specialized Services.
• Central Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Selangor): Hosts regional corporate headquarters and high-value manufacturing facilities, making it a hub for multinational operations.
• Northern Malaysia (Penang, Kedah, Perak, Perlis): Renowned for clusters in Electrical & Electronics, Medical Devices, and Precision Engineering. Perak offers diverse industrial opportunities, including shipbuilding, non-metallic minerals, and foundry.
• East Coast (Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan): Offers growth potential in biotechnology, petrochemicals, automotive manufacturing, tourism, and agribusiness.
• East Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah): Sarawak leads in clean energy generation and biotechnology, while Sabah focuses on manufacturing, agribusiness, and tourism.

Across Malaysia, German companies can find synergies in diverse sectors, leveraging the country’s strategic initiatives, regional connectivity, and strong industrial infrastructure to deepen their presence and expand their footprint in the region."

I.E. Dr. Adina Binti Kamarudin: "Launched in September 2023, Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) is Malaysia's strategic blueprint to elevate its industrial sector, focusing on economic complexity, high-value job creation, digital transformation, and ESG practices. It adopts a mission-based approach, fostering collaboration between the government and private sector to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

NIMP 2030 seeks to address challenges such as global supply chain vulnerabilities, technological disruptions and sustainability imperatives while building on Malaysia’s strengths as a manufacturing and trade hub.

To achieve the goals and targets of NIMP 2030, four key Missions have been identified while Enablers are meant to address systemic and institutional issues that the Malaysian industries are facing.

4 Key Missions

1. Advanced Economic Complexity - transitioning from low-cost, labor-intensive production to high-value, innovation-driven industries as well as strengthening the integration of advanced technologies across sectors.
2. Tech Up for a Digitally-Vibrant Nation – embracing technology and digitalisation to drive innovation, enhance productivity and create new opportunities for economic growth.
3. Safeguard Economic Security & Inclusivity - bridging the development gap between regions and social groups and ensuring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have opportunities to grow along with larger players.
4. Push for Net Zero - reducing the carbon footprint of Malaysia’s industrial sector and at the same time, encouraging green technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy practices.

All 4 missions are supported by these enablers

1. Mobilise financing ecosystem
   1. Foster talent development and attraction
   2. Establish best-in-class investor journey for ease of doing business
   3. Introduce whole-of-nation governance framework

German companies can collaborate with Malaysian firms in sectors such as E&E, machinery, automotive, and medical devices by providing advanced machinery, automation solutions, and digital transformation expertise. Malaysian companies also can leverage on Germany’s leadership in green energy, waste management, and sustainable manufacturing to help Malaysian industries meet their green economy targets.

In addition, German companies can invest in the identified key priority sectors for growth of NIMP 2030, such as electrical and electronics (E&E), automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies, which can contribute to Malaysia’s industrial development. German investors can benefit from various incentives offered by the Malaysian Government under the NIMP 2030, including tax breaks, grants, and subsidies for industries aligned with the country’s transformation goals.

NIMP 2030 also emphasising on driving Malaysia’s sustainability goals where the country is aiming to promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions and embrace circular economy practices. As one of the leaders in green economy, German companies can partner or collaborate with Malaysian companies by introducing solutions for renewable energy such as solar and hydrogen technologies in supporting Malaysia’s energy transition and implementing sustainable practices.

German companies can also tap into Malaysia’s Asia-Pacific connectivity to expand market reach and enhance supply chain resilience, especially as companies look to diversify their supply chains."

I.E. Dr. Adina Binti Kamarudin: "Malaysia’s diverse, well-educated, multilingual, and trainable workforce serves as the foundation of its economic growth. Malaysia has 20 public and over 80 private universities, along with more than 1,400 technical and vocational education and training colleges (TVET) established by various ministries to bolster Malaysia’s talent pool.

Backed by the ongoing commitment of the Government to enhance human resource development across all sectors, Malaysia possesses one of the most highly skilled labour forces in the region. The typical Malaysian is proficient in speaking at least two or three languages, with high levels of proficiency in English.

Moreover, those entering the workforce after completing their education typically have a minimum of 11 years of formal schooling.

We have the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2015-2025 which promotes collaborations between universities and industries. It allows the industrial sectors to lead curriculum design as well as partner with programmes such as apprenticeships, hands-on training, real-life simulations and specialised employer training programmes.

Malaysia is gearing the next generation with essential skill sets for future employment. The Education Blueprint 2013-2025 focuses on enhancing STEM education, exposing students to programming and subjects related to robotics, AI, and computer science.

For example, Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) is a renowned TVET institution that addresses knowledge gaps, reduces equipment costs, and ensures a consistent talent supply. Its Precision Machining and Industry 4.0 Centre serves as a platform for learning, training, and development, preparing industries for emerging technologies. Through collaboration with the German-Malaysia Institute (GMI), PSDC offers German Dual Vocational Training (GDVT), emphasising practical training at host companies to cultivate a highly skilled and industry-ready workforce.

Meanwhile, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) is making significant contributions to the TVET initiative as a leading higher learning institute. With its impressive 5-Star total score from the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2023, UMP aims to produce future-proof talents."