Recently, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) released preliminary results of its latest survey, indicating that ASEAN has become a primary focus for Mainland Chinese enterprises’ international development strategies, with continued strong demand for Hong Kong’s professional services. 91% of surveyed Mainland enterprises plan to further expand into ASEAN, reflecting the growing importance of the ASEAN region for enterprises seeking new markets, advancing supply chain diversification, and seizing emerging industry opportunities.
Pang Ming, Director of Research at HKTDC, stated that Mainland Chinese companies are not only focused on expanding their sales networks, but are also actively laying out regional supply chains, investing in higher value-added businesses, and exploring development opportunities in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and new energy.
Among various ASEAN markets, Malaysia is particularly favored by Mainland Chinese enterprises. The survey shows that Malaysia is one of the main destinations for Chinese manufacturing and service enterprises seeking to expand into ASEAN, especially attracting companies engaged in semiconductors, industrial materials, AI, and other innovative industries.
The survey identifies Malaysia’s competitive advantages as stemming from its sophisticated industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, competitive business environment, and policies driving industrial upgrading. Recent initiatives such as the "New Industrial Master Plan 2030," the "National Semiconductor Strategy," and the "Johor-Singapore Economic Zone" further strengthen Malaysia’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing, technology, and services in ASEAN.
Economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Malaysia also continue to deepen. In 2025, Malaysia is Hong Kong’s third largest trading partner among ASEAN member countries. By the end of 2025, Hong Kong is the second largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Malaysia after Singapore, with a cumulative FDI of USD 34.8 billion. In the same year, Hong Kong’s net inflow of direct investment to Malaysia ranked second, only behind Singapore.
To this end, the HKTDC will host its flagship overseas promotional event, "Think Business, Think Hong Kong," in Kuala Lumpur on August 11, bringing together business leaders, investors, representatives of innovation and technology enterprises, professional service providers, and policymakers from Malaysia and Hong Kong to exchange ideas, jointly explore investment and business opportunities, and establish new cross-border collaborations.
About 30 Hong Kong professional service organizations and startups will also showcase flagship products and innovative solutions at the Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon exhibition areas, promoting collaboration with Malaysian enterprises.