INVESTING IN MALAYSIA
This guide provides vital economic, geographic, and regulatory insights and guidance that business investors, managers, or expats need to understand Malaysia, and chart their path to a healthy business. Find spotlight and explainer articles, news updates and factsheets, useful tools, as well as webinars and videos featuring on-the-ground advisors that contribute to the Doing Business in Malaysia knowledge.
Powered by ASEAN Briefing, the experts at Dezan Shira & Associates, and their partners.
Why Invest in Malaysia
The Malaysia is uniquely positioned as a global crossroads - bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its strategic location makes it an unparalleled gateway for international trade and investment, offering access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets. With world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art logistics networks, and free trade zones, Malaysia provides businesses with the perfect platform to expand globally while benefiting from its tax-friendly policies, stable economy, and investor-centric regulations.
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Economic Indicators and Malaysia’s GDP, FDI, and Trade Trends
Setting up and Operating in Malaysia
Explore the full process of building and managing a business in Malaysia with ease. Understand key requirements, local advantages, and steps to stay compliant, get the insights that matter.
Where to Invest
Choose the ideal business location in Malaysia. Compare top states, tax benefits, workforce access, and logistics strength to maximise success.
Sector Insights
Malaysia welcomes foreign investors with 100% equity in key sectors. Learn how to expand, partner, and succeed in this fast-growing economy.
- Investing in Healthcare
- Foreign Investment Prospects in Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Latest Trends in Tourism
- Challenges and Opportunities in Semiconductor Manufacturing
- Latest Trends in Data Center and Cloud Market
- Investing in Food and Beverage
- Latest Trends in Data Centers
- Top Sectors in Malaysia
- Foreign Investment Prospects in E-Commerce
- Foreign Investment Prospects in Trade
Setting Up a Business in Malaysia
Understand Malaysia’s corporate structures—Sdn Bhd, Labuan, branch, and representative offices—and how tax, control, and compliance differ.
Taxation and Accounting
Understand Malaysia’s tax system, including corporate, personal, SST, withholding tax, incentives, and cross-border compliance requirements.
Human Resources and Payroll
Grow your business in Malaysia with full HR compliance - from hiring and payroll to visas and fair labour practices that protect your workforce.
More Guidance and Resources
Ready to implement your plans or seeking other resources?
Find guidance and expertise to help realize your plans, read recent news by ASEAN Briefing, and join upcoming Malaysia business events. To look beyond Malaysia, choose another country to explore via our online Doing Business guides to support your growth plans for Asia.
Events in ASEAN
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27Jan
[Webinar in Vietnamese Language] Updated Vietnam Corporate Accounting Regime: Circular 99 Explained | Thông tư 99: Điểm Mới Quan Trọng & Hướng Dẫn Chuyển Đổi Hiệu Quả
Hội thảo trực tuyến / Webinar | Thời gian: 15:00 – 16:00, ngày 23 tháng 12, 2025 | Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, December 23, 2025
Insights from On-the-Ground Contributors
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Malaysia offers investors an exceptional blend of stability, strategic positioning, and pro-business policies. With strong infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce, it’s one of the most compelling markets to build and scale a business in Asia. 
Quinn Lu Senior Associate -
From my regional vantage point, Malaysia stands out because it enables foreign investors to execute growth plans faster than in most emerging markets. Its combination of cross-border connectivity, talent mobility, and modern infrastructure creates a launchpad that accelerates real regional expansion—not just on paper, but in day-to-day operations.
Marco Förster Director ASEAN -
After years advising companies across Asia, I’ve learned that investors prioritize markets where decisions lead to real results, and Malaysia delivers exactly that. Its combination of predictable policies, efficient processes, and commercially minded leadership allows businesses to move faster and achieve measurable outcomes.
Alberto Vettoretti Managing Partner Hong Kong Office