Malaysia's
Economic Roadmaps
Malaysia continues to witness remarkable growth, with the economy estimated to expand by at least 5% in 2025. Recognising this, the Madani government has developed several economic roadmaps to drive growth in a holistic and sustainable manner.
These include:
Why ASEAN's Systematic
Industrialisation is Key to Future Growth
ASEAN’s systematic industrialisation is pivotal for future growth as it enables the region to ascend the value chain, diversify economies, and enhance global competitiveness.
A key aspect of this transformation is the strategic shift towards high-value sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and pharmaceuticals.
Additionally, the launch of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 further catalysed this transformation. By 2030, this initiative aims to:
Increase the manufacturing sector
value-add to
RM587.5 Billion
Create
3.3 Million
job opportunities
Increase median salary to
RM4,510
As such, Malaysia experienced an impressive GDP growth of 5.1%
and recorded its highest-ever amount of approved investments in 2024,
after having attracted substantial investments from global semiconductor leaders like Intel and Infineon.
Similarly, Vietnam has seen a significant increase in its export-to-GDP ratio, rising from 54.2 % in 2010 to 93.8% in 2022, reflecting its deeper integration into global supply chains. The Philippines is enhancing its business process outsourcing and electronics manufacturing sectors, while Indonesia leverages its abundant nickel reserves to become a key player in the EV and battery industries.
Collectively, these initiatives are projected to:
Generate up to
US$600 Billion
annually in additional
manufacturing output for the
region
Attract
US$22 Billion
in foreign direct investments each
year
Create up to
140,000
new jobs annually
Create up to
140,000
new jobs annually
By systematically industrialising and moving up the value chain, ASEAN countries are not only bolstering their economic resilience but also positioning themselves as integral components of the global economy, ensuring sustainable growth and development in the years to come.
New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030
Launched in September 2023 by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, NIMP 2030 aims to transform Malaysia’s industrial sector towards sustainable and inclusive growth by 2030. It is guided by four key missions, each supported by four key enablers.
The plan also emphasises the development of high-value manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, chemicals, the digital economy, pharmaceuticals, and electrical and electronics (E&E), including medical devices. By focusing on these missions and enablers, NIMP 2030 seeks to position Malaysia as a regional economic powerhouse, fostering innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.
National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS)
Introduced in May 2024, the NSS builds upon Malaysia’s existing strengths in semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging, while moving up the value chain towards high-end manufacturing, integrated circuit (IC) design, enhanced outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT), advanced packaging, and sophisticated semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
The strategy also focuses on upskilling the semiconductor workforce through extensive training and aims to establish Malaysia as a regional hub for Research and Development (R&D) across public and private research institutions.
National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR)
Introduced in 2023 and spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy, the NETR aims to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen climate resilience. The roadmap includes the Responsible Transition (RT) Pathway 2050, which seeks to shift Malaysia’s energy systems from fossil fuel-based to greener, low-carbon alternatives.
NETR outlines 50 initiatives under six energy transition levers—Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Bioenergy, Green Mobility, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)—as well as five enablers: Financing and Investments, Human Capital and Capabilities, Policy and Regulation, Technology and Infrastructure, and Governance. Additionally, 10 flagship projects and initiatives were announced in July 2023.
Green Investment Strategy (GIS)
Introduced in September 2024 by MITI, the GIS aims to attract investment in seven core areas: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Bioenergy, Green Mobility, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and the Circular Economy. In line with NETR’s goal of securing RM300 billion (US$67.3 billion) in green investments over the next decade, the GIS focuses on leveraging foreign direct investment in the green technology sector and enhancing the green investment ecosystem.
National Investment Aspirations (NIA)
Introduced in 2021 by MITI, the NIA is a strategic framework designed to attract high-value, sustainable, and technology-driven investments. It aims to enhance Malaysia’s global competitiveness by transitioning from a low-cost manufacturing hub to a high-tech, innovation-driven economy. The framework aligns with Malaysia’s broader economic plans, including NIMP 2030, NETR, and GIS.
Key implementation measures under the NIA include the New Investment Incentive Framework (NIIF), which promotes targeted sectoral investments, public-private partnerships, and stronger integration of domestic Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into global value chains. The framework also strengthens Malaysia’s position within regional trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ensuring that foreign direct investments (FDIs) contribute to long-term national development rather than short-term capital inflows.
