Signal Malaysia Seeks Deeper Tech Partnership With Korea Amid Surging Bilateral Trade

Summary

Officials from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation said Korean companies had invested $11.7 billion across more than 400 projects in Malaysia as of 2025, creating roughly 50,000 jobs. Bilateral trade in the first half of 2026 rose 52.3 percent year on year to $19 billion. Over that period, Korean exports to Malaysia grew 44.2 percent while imports grew 58.9 percent. Officials said Malaysia is seeking to deepen its strategic partnership with Korea further in high-value sectors including semiconductors, AI, electric vehicles, renewable energy and the halal economy. The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur as a follow-up opportunity to continue this engagement.