A new survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reveals that 91% of Mainland Chinese enterprises plan to develop business in ASEAN, with Malaysia emerging as a key destination for manufacturing and innovation-driven industries. The findings, released ahead of HKTDC's flagship event 'Think Business, Think Hong Kong' in Kuala Lumpur on 11 August, underscore ASEAN's growing importance as companies seek new markets, diversify supply chains, and capture opportunities in emerging sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and new energy.
Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, noted that ASEAN has become a priority for Mainland companies pursuing international growth. 'Companies are not only looking to expand their sales networks, but also establishing regional supply chains, investing in higher value-added activities and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors,' he said. The survey also found strong demand for Hong Kong's professional services, with 83% of surveyed enterprises interested in leveraging Hong Kong's expertise in legal, accounting, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, financing, and risk management to support their regional expansion.
Malaysia's attractiveness is underpinned by its mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and competitive business environment. Initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone are strengthening the country's position as an advanced manufacturing and technology hub. Economic ties between Hong Kong and Malaysia have deepened, with Malaysia being Hong Kong's third largest ASEAN trading partner in 2025. At the end of 2025, Hong Kong was Malaysia's second largest investor after Singapore, with cumulative FDI of US$34.8 billion.
The upcoming 'Think Business, Think Hong Kong' symposium in Kuala Lumpur will bring together business leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss opportunities in RMB internationalisation, sustainability, green innovations, and healthcare. The event will feature a Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon showcasing Hong Kong service providers and start-ups, along with one-on-one business consultations and on-site matching. For more information, visit the symposium page at https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2026-kuala-lumpur/symposium/en/index.html.
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