Inaugural Invest Malaysia Day 2026 Highlights How Singapore Businesses Can Tap Malaysia's Next Phase of Growth

• Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and CIMB Singapore convened businesses and investors in Singapore to explore opportunities across Malaysia's high-growth sectors while fostering dialogue on regional expansion and Singapore-Malaysia business opportunities.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its longstanding collaboration, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and CIMB Singapore yesterday concluded the inaugural Invest Malaysia Day 2026 in Singapore, bringing together over 200 businesses and investors in Singapore to explore investment insights, business advisory support and partnership opportunities across Malaysia. The forum underscored the growing importance of the Singapore-Malaysia economic relationship, connecting attendees with representatives from Malaysia's federal investment agencies, regional development authorities and ecosystem partners.

The forum was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Her Excellency Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, who delivered the keynote address. Keynote addresses were also delivered by Malaysian state investment leaders YB Tuan Ng Sze Han of Selangor, YB Lee Ting Han of Johor and YB Dato' Mohamad Nizar bin Dato' Sri Mohamad Najib of Pahang. Mr. Lee Yee Fung of the Singapore Business Federation and Mr. Benjamin Tan of CIMB Singapore also addressed the participants. 

"Malaysia offers Singapore businesses opportunities across diverse growth sectors, supported by well-established industrial ecosystems and strong regional connectivity. National initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) provide further avenues for investment across manufacturing, the digital economy, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare and advanced technologies.

As companies assess their next phase of growth, MIDA is committed to helping investors identify suitable locations, understand the regulatory and incentives landscape, and connect with the relevant federal and state agencies. Through this coordinated approach, we aim to facilitate investment decisions and support businesses in establishing and expanding their operations in Malaysia," said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.

The day's programme covered:

• A briefing by MIDA on Malaysia's evolving business landscape, priority growth sectors and the incentives, grants and investor support available to companies exploring expansion into Malaysia;
• Insights from state investment leaders on the latest investment developments and economic priorities in Selangor, Johor and Pahang;
• A session on Malaysia's sustainable transition by Ms. Luanne Sieh, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, CIMB, who shared insights on how businesses can position themselves for success by proactively navigating evolving sustainability requirements, leveraging renewable energy options and incentives, and capturing opportunities arising from the country's green transformation agenda; 
• A panel discussion on why Malaysia continues to be a preferred investment destination for Singapore businesses, moderated by Mr. Tan Teck Lee, Country Head (Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines), SBF, with panellists from MIDA, the Malaysian Immigration Department, the Ministry of Human Resources, Knight Frank Malaysia and CIMB Singapore; and 
• Parallel state breakout tracks in the afternoon, with Selangor, Pahang, Sarawak and Johor presenting sector-specific opportunities and facilitation support.

"Singapore and Malaysia share one of ASEAN's most interconnected economic partnerships, underpinned by deep trade, investment and business links. As Singapore prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, strengthening these connections will be key to unlocking new opportunities across the region," said Mr. Benjamin Tan, Head of Commercial and Transaction Banking, CIMB Singapore. "As part of a leading ASEAN bank group, CIMB Singapore is committed to supporting businesses in navigating cross-border opportunities and achieve their regional growth ambitions." 

"Malaysia remains one of the most compelling growth markets for Singapore businesses, offering a unique combination of strategic location, strong infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and clear government support for investment. Through Invest Malaysia Day 2026, SBF is supporting companies at every stage of their Malaysia journey – from exploration to expansion – with direct access to the federal and state agencies, financial partners, and industry players," said Mr. Lee Yee Fung, Chief Internationalisation & Chief Smart Enterprise Officer, Singapore Business Federation.

Alongside the conference programme, 10 exhibitors consisting of state government agencies and industrial park developers showcased investment opportunities and business support available across Malaysia, giving attendees direct access to investment agencies, state representatives, developers and ecosystem partners to discuss market-entry and expansion plans.

The strong engagement at Invest Malaysia Day 2026 reflects growing confidence in Malaysia's economic outlook and reinforces the importance of closer Singapore-Malaysia collaboration in driving regional growth and competitiveness.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN's leading banking groups and Malaysia's second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM80.1 billion as at 30 June 2026. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Singapore is one of its key markets with approximately 1,000 employees serving clients across consumer, commercial, wholesale and transaction banking products and services.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 524 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 June 2026. CIMB's investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group's leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.46% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

Sustainability is a core pillar of CIMB's Forward30 strategy and 2030 roadmap. The Group is guided by its Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services ("GSSIPS") framework, an internal taxonomy designed to deliver impactful sustainable finance. Since launching its sustainable finance framework in 2021, CIMB has progressively raised its ambitions, increasing its initial RM30 billion target to RM100 billion for 2021–2024. The Group now targets RM300 billion in sustainable finance by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to enabling a lower-carbon and more inclusive economy across the region.

About MIDA

MIDA is the government's principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my/ and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About Singapore Business Federation

Singapore Business Federation (SBF) is the apex business chamber with over 34,000 members across diverse industries. With a vision to advance Singapore towards a globally competitive and sustainable economy, SBF mobilises the business community to be future-ready and magnify transformation opportunities through policy advocacy, partnership platforms and capability programmes.

For more information, visit www.sbf.org.sg

SOURCE CIMB Singapore