- Malaysia and Taiwan strengthen trade ties in AI, ICT, and semiconductors.
- Taiwan Expo 2025 set to showcase advanced technologies and collaboration.
- Bilateral trade hits US$39.1 billion, marking a record 38.5% growth in 2024.
Malaysia's strength in electronics and information technology manufacturing and Taiwan's strength in information and communication technology design make these two countries complementary partners. Taiwan External Trade Development Council (Taitra) Deputy Executive Director of Market Development, Keven Cheng, said both countries have collaboration opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), software development, green technology, health care, and ICT design.
"We are good at ICT design. Malaysia is very strong in the semiconductors sector, especially testing," Cheng said at the launch of the Taiwan Expo 2025.
"Under the current geopolitical and supply chain shift, we can cooperate and create more synergy, especially in semiconductors, ICT, advanced manufacturing, green energy and intelligent healthcare."
Cheng said the Taiwan Expo in Malaysia has attracted over 1,200 Taiwanese companies since it was first held in 2017 and hosted around 160,000 visitors, generating more than US$400 million in business.
"In today's evolving global supply chain, Taiwan's advanced technologies in AI, smart healthcare, and sustainability align closely with Malaysia's development blueprint for the next phase of industrial growth towards net-zero emissions.
"There is significant potential for collaboration between both countries to build a sustainable, technology-driven future," he said.
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Phoebe Yeh, Representative from the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Malaysia, announced that bilateral trade between Malaysia and Taiwan was US$39.1 billion in 2024, marking a record-breaking 38.5 per cent year-on-year growth.
She stated that Taiwan has become Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner, with Taiwan's investment more than doubling in the same period to US$1.29 billion.
"This makes Taiwan the seventh largest source of direct foreign investment in Malaysia.
"Currently, over 1,700 Taiwanese companies have significant investments in Malaysia, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two partners," she said.
Taiwan Expo 2025 will take place from June 23 to 25 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, marking its eighth edition in Malaysia. More than 200 Taiwanese exhibitors are expected to showcase products and services related to the five themes of AI & Industry 4.0, health and wellness, green and sustainability, smart lifestyle, and culture and tourism. The Expo will have 10 thematic pavilions representing five industry zones, business matching sessions, an AI seminar, and workshops.