With its strategic position in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is the perfect place to establish a business in this part of the world. Malaysia has a fascinating national culture and a challenging business environment, but the country is a straightforward place to start a business in. However, be prepared for the process to take some time. Additionally, Malaysia is a real multicultural society, so be aware of the cultural differences.
Among the established more than 5,000 foreign companies, there is a high level of confidence in the future. One proof is the continuous foreign investments in the country, and another is the diversification and expansion of their operations. Another notable aspect is China’s growth, which in recent years has benefited Malaysia due to the demand for commodities such as oil/gas and palm oil.
Most important for the coming years is the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), covering the period 2021-2025. The Malaysian economy is projected to grow by an average of 4.5% annually. This plan continues to emphasize the need to strengthen small and medium-sized firms and economic growth to improve the global competitiveness of the Malaysian economy.
The key factors for Malaysia’s business success are efficiency and the technological infrastructure. Malaysians in the business sector are well educated, with all entering the labor market having at least 11 years of school education. English is one of several languages in which Malaysians are proficient, and it is the language they use in their international business relations.