Hunan Yuneng Selects Malaysia for SE Asia Lithium Battery Hub

• Hunan Yuneng to build lithium battery plant in Malaysia.
• Project to create 200+ jobs, boost clean energy sector.
• ​Facility to strengthen Malaysia’s battery ecosystem and industry hub status.

China's Hunan Yuneng New Energy Battery Material Co., Ltd. has formally committed to building its first production plant in Southeast Asia in Malaysia.An important milestone in Malaysia's expanding clean energy sector was reached on August 7, 2025, when the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest Negeri Sembilan and SPD Tech Valley Sdn. Bhd., the company stated in a statement on Monday.

The production of lithium battery cathode materials will be the main focus of the new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant in Malaysia.  Hunan Yuneng is making its first appearance in Malaysia with this project, which is anticipated to generate more than 200 new employment opportunities and show the company's dedication to Malaysia's ongoing economic growth.

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“The forthcoming Malaysian facility will serve as Hunan Yuneng’s strategic springboard for expanding throughout Southeast Asia,” said Liang Kai, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Hunan Yuneng,

“Hunan Yuneng’s participation will materially strengthen Malaysia’s new-energy battery ecosystem, elevating the nation’s position as a comprehensive industry hub in the region,” he added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, stated that this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a noteworthy achievement that is entirely in line with Malaysia's long-term industrial transformation goals as outlined in the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.

He added that Malaysia is in a great position to fortify its global clean energy value chain thanks to Hunan Yuneng's technical know-how and solid local collaborations.

Malaysia authorized investments of MYR 89.8 billion ($21.21 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, of which MYR 30.5 billion ($7.21 billion) came from the manufacturing sector.

Notably, the subsector of chemicals and chemical products brought in MYR 4.2 billion ($990 million), placing it third in terms of manufacturing investment. This trend highlights the confidence that investors have in Malaysia's industrial diversification.