“Malaysia would also intensify its investor outreach in priority markets, particularly in the said sectors,” he said, adding that ASEAN continues to position itself as an open, integrated and execution-focused bloc.

Tengku Zafrul highlighted the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan (RIPAP), endorsed by ASEAN economic ministers last year, as an example of initiatives the bloc took to attract investors.

As ASEAN’s first region-wide framework for coordinated investment promotion, RIPAP provides practical tools highly valued by the investor community.

“Projects under RIPAP demonstrate that ASEAN can generate credible opportunities and present them country by country, yet coherently based on the key principles of one unified region,” he said.

Tengku Zafrul pointed out that this coherence remains ASEAN’s competitive edge amid evolving supply chains driven by geopolitical shifts and trade tensions.

Meanwhile, the minister also outlined three imperatives shaping ASEAN’s collective investment efforts, namely coherence, facilitation, and inclusivity and sustainability.

“Coherence will be achieved by aligning national promotion efforts with regional sector strategies, creating a clear and connected investment landscape.

“As for facilitation, we are focused on improving approval processes, aftercare services and digital investor interfaces to make ASEAN not only attractive but also easier to invest in,” he said.

Finally, regarding inclusivity and sustainability, Tengku Zafrul said the goal is to ensure that every investment supports skills development, domestic linkages, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women-led businesses, and industrial decarbonisation.

Tengku Zafrul also acknowledged the role of external partners, noting that the United Kingdom’s Green Transition Fund has helped advance RIPAP through the ASEAN Green Investment Catalyst Project.

“This has played a key role in developing some of the investable projects featured here today,” he said.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to Oct 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The summit is expected to be one of the largest meetings in the bloc’s history, serving as a crucial platform to foster deeper collaboration while addressing regional and global challenges in a cohesive and inclusive manner.

More than 30 heads of state and government, including ASEAN leaders and key dialogue partners such as the United States (US), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, are expected to attend.

This marks the fifth time Malaysia has taken up the ASEAN Chair since 1967, with previous chairmanships in 2015, 2005, 1997 and 1977.

-- BERNAMA