- Malaysia secures RM26 billion in aerospace investments, creating over 18,000 jobs.
- Maritime sector expands with green shipbuilding, tech-driven shipyards, and export-ready capabilities.
- Strategy focuses on sustainability, digitalisation, and global-local industrial partnerships.
Malaysia is positioning itself as a leading regional hub for aerospace development through strong engineering capabilities, world-class MRO services, and strategic partnerships with global players like Boeing.
In parallel, the country is modernising its shipbuilding sector by investing in automation, local robotics, and sustainable vessel design. Projects like the Kuantan Maritime Hub and Lumut Maritime Industrial City are enabling Malaysia to pivot from traditional shipbuilding to a high-tech, export-oriented maritime economy, further supported by a robust 4,600-km coastline and growing regional demand.
Malaysia’s Twin Engines: Aerospace and Maritime Sectors Power Future Growth
Malaysia‘s aerospace growth is driven by a deliberate shift toward value-added manufacturing, including the production of complex composite components and the development of local avionics systems. The involvement of OEMs like Boeing strengthens Malaysia’s foothold in global supply chains and enhances local workforce expertise.
MIDA’s strategy includes not only attracting high-quality FDI but also empowering domestic SMEs to co-develop technologies and own intellectual property. The goal is to ensure Malaysian firms play a larger role in advanced design, systems integration, and sustainable innovation.
In shipbuilding, Malaysia is aiming to distinguish itself from low-cost producers through technological innovation and precision engineering. Local companies are deploying advanced tools such as virtual prototyping and real-time simulations to boost design accuracy and operational efficiency.
Export potential is rising, especially for high-specification vessels in the defence and leisure segments. Malaysia’s shipyards are now supplying to markets in Europe, Nigeria, and Australia — demonstrating the global competitiveness of its SBSR industry and the impact of focused infrastructure investment.
By integrating sustainability, advanced technology, and strategic investment, Malaysia is crafting a future-proof industrial ecosystem — one that could redefine its role in the regional and global economy.
“At MIDA, our strategy hinges on high-quality investments, fostering local-global partnerships and advancing key enablers such as industrial digitalisation and sustainability.” — Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim, CEO of MIDA
