Gobind: Malaysia remains trusted, attractive investment destination

Putrajaya is taking practical steps to stay prepared amid global uncertainty, while Malaysia’s digital economy continues to strengthen.

KUALA LUMPUR: The global environment is becoming increasingly complex – shaped by economic shifts, evolving security challenges, and rapid technological change.

In such a landscape, growth must go hand in hand with resilience, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

“We are also witnessing heightened geopolitical tensions globally, with developments beyond our borders already affecting energy prices, supply chains, and market stability.

“These shifts remind us that even distant events can have real consequences on our economy and the daily lives of our people.

“Malaysia’s approach is clear – we remain committed to stability, restraint, and constructive engagement, while focusing on safeguarding our national interests and the wellbeing of our rakyat.”

He added that Putrajaya is taking practical steps to ensure preparedness.

“Our security and economic agencies are actively assessing potential scenarios – including impacts on energy supply, trade flows, and cost pressures – so that we can respond early and effectively to any disruptions.”

Despite global uncertainty, Gobind said the government’s focus is to ensure Malaysia remains stable, secure, forward-looking, and firmly positioned as a trusted and attractive destination for investment and business.

“I am proud to share that Malaysia’s digital economy remains firmly on track to meet our 30 per cent target by 2030, supported by strong fundamentals and consistent policy direction.

“This momentum is reflected in our record-breaking performance in 2025, where Malaysia secured RM426.7 billion in approved investments – the highest in our nation’s history.”

He said this at the 25th anniversary of Standard Chartered Global Business Services (GBS) Malaysia and the inauguration of the company’s first global Fusion Centre in Bukit Jalil today.

Gobind added that the services sector, including GBS, continues to be a key driver of growth, reflecting sustained international confidence not only in Malaysia’s capabilities, but also in its stability and reliability.

“For 25 years, Standard Chartered GBS has evolved from a traditional back-office hub into a high-value technology arm supporting over 50 markets worldwide.

“This evolution mirrors Malaysia’s own transformation – from a cost-based economy to one driven by value, innovation, and intelligence.

“Malaysia’s GBS sector has grown significantly in recent years, with a 66.8 per cent increase in companies since 2022, now exceeding 700 entities. Investments have surged from RM730 million in 2021 to RM9.87 billion in 2024.

“We currently rank third globally in the Global Services Location Index – a position sustained through continuous innovation, talent development, and investor confidence.”

Beyond the numbers, Gobind said the true strength of the ecosystem lies in its people.

“I am encouraged to note that of your (Standard Chartered) 4,000 employees, 80 per cent are Malaysians. This reflects the strong local-global synergy that we continue to champion.”

He added that through the Malaysia Digital initiative, the government is committed to ensuring Malaysians are not just users of technology, but creators, innovators, and guardians of it.