Malaysia boosts investment in green technology, digital transformation
As part of its long-term clean energy strategy, the government, he said, is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer potential not only for decarbonisation but also for driving high-value research and development (R&D), technology transfer and skilled talent development.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang. (Photo: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA)ꦇ – Malaysia is unlocking high-impact investments at the intersection of sustainability and digital transformation, a key priority under the MADANI government’s green growth agenda.
Speaking at the Malaysia’s National Economic Forum 2025 on July 17, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said Malaysian Government is promoting innovation in carbon management, hydrogen energy, green materials and circular economy models to accelerate the nation’s low-carbon transition.
As part of its long-term clean energy strategy, the government, he said, is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer potential not only for decarbonisation but also for driving high-value research and development (R&D), technology transfer and skilled talent development.
In the coming time, Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced materials, especially rare earth elements (REE), which are essential to green technologies, electric vehicles and digital industries.
Chang further said the government is working to strengthen local capabilities across the entire value chain, from sustainable extraction to downstream high-tech applications, through strategic roadmaps such as the National Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap.
With a 17% increase in private-sector R&D investment recorded in 2024, particularly in clean energy and digital health, investor confidence is rising.
“To build on this momentum, efforts are being made to de-risk deep-tech investments through matching grants, co-investment models and collaborative public-private platforms that foster innovation and long-term growth,” Chang said.
On the National Biotechnology Policy (DBN 2.0), biotechnology is driving growth in biopharmaceuticals, industrial and agricultural biotech, with ambitions to position Malaysia as a regional bio-based hub aligned with sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.
The National Economic Forum 2025 themed ‘Turning Strategy into Reality: Institutional Delivery, Economic Resilience and Investor Confidence’, aims to serve as a platform for robust dialogues and collaborative solutions to address the evolving challenges facing Malaysia amidst global economic realignment, technological disruption and sustainable growth.
It focused on positioning Malaysia strategically for the next phase of growth by cultivating a forward-thinking economic ecosystem driven by investment, innovation and inclusivity./.
The ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Affordable ARV Drugs and Promoting Community-Based Testing (CBT) for Key Populations is organised by the Malaysian Ministry of Health from July 17 to 19 in Kuching, Sarawak. More than 15 health experts from Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Singapore and host Malaysia are attending the workshop.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said key decisions regarding the APG roadmap were expected to be finalised at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur this October, following encouraging progress made during the recent Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME).
According to Ramli, within the framework of ASEAN, AIPA will remain an important mechanism because each country’s parliament will decide on laws, policies and way forward and this will have an impact on ASEAN.
The handover ceremony was held at the Malaysian Embassy headquarters in Mexico City on August 8, with the presence of heads of diplomatic missions from ASEAN member states in Mexico.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
