Malaysia Should Strengthen Trade, Investment Ties With Taiwan In Semiconductor Sector
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should place greater emphasis on strengthening trade and investment relations with Taiwan, particularly in the semiconductor industry, said Taylor’s University adjunct professor, Dr Ong Kian Ming.
He said there is scope for Malaysia to adopt a more strategic approach in engaging with Taiwan, given that it is Malaysia’s fourth-largest trading partner, sixth-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), and a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.
“Taiwan is an important player in the semiconductor ecosystem, and Malaysia should look at ways to deepen cooperation in this sector," he said.
Ong, who is also a former Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, said this during a panel discussion titled 'Malaysia As A Long-term Investment Base: Stability, Policy Certainty And Cost Competitiveness' here today.
The panel discussion was held during the Malaysia-Japan Legal and Business Forum 2026, organised by RDS Partnership, a Malaysian law firm, and Anderson Mori and Tomotsune (AMT), one of Japan's largest and most prestigious full-service law firms.
At the same time, Malaysia should also focus on strengthening policies on the localisation of certain supply chains, said Ong, adding that the automotive sector is one area that has undergone steady development.
The nation should also leverage the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) more effectively through greater policy clarity and stronger engagement with key investment partners, amid growing interest from Singapore-based firms, including multinational corporations, he said.
He highlighted that Malaysia has done enough to assure global investors that policy integrity and institutional consistency will endure despite changes in government or political leadership, as well as global headwinds.
He noted that the country has demonstrated its ability to manage two peaceful transitions of government while largely maintaining policy stability for foreign and domestic investors.
Geopolitical headwinds, including the tariff measures imposed by the United States on many countries last year, have further highlighted Malaysia’s position in the region and its ability to attract FDIs, said Ong.
“You can see Malaysia wanting to go out to sign new free trade agreements with the European Union, maybe later on with South America.
"I think that kind of approach puts Malaysia in the spotlight in terms of us being friends with everyone so that we can continue to attract FDIs into Malaysia,” he added.
-- BERNAMA