91% of Mainland Firms Eye ASEAN; Malaysia Key, HK as Platform

Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly turning their gaze toward ASEAN, with Malaysia emerging as a key destination for business expansion and investment, according to a new survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The survey reveals that 91% of Mainland companies plan to develop business in ASEAN, driven by the need for new markets, supply chain diversification, and opportunities in emerging industries like AI, semiconductors, and new energy. As these companies navigate cross-border complexities, demand for Hong Kong's professional services—from legal and accounting compliance to supply chain management and financing—remains robust. Notably, 83% of firms eyeing ASEAN intend to leverage Hong Kong's expertise, underscoring the city's role as a superconnector and super value-adder in the region.

Malaysia stands out among ASEAN markets, attracting significant interest from both manufacturing and services sectors. The country's appeal is bolstered by its mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, and initiatives like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy. Hong Kong-Malaysia economic ties continue to deepen: in 2025, Malaysia was Hong Kong's third-largest ASEAN trading partner, and by end of 2025, Hong Kong ranked as Malaysia's second-largest investor with cumulative FDI of US$34.8 billion. To capitalise on this momentum, the HKTDC will bring its flagship event, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), to Kuala Lumpur on 11 August. The symposium will gather business leaders, policymakers, and innovators from both regions to discuss RMB internationalisation, green innovations, and healthcare solutions. Guests of honour include Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau, and Malaysia's Minister of Transport, YB Loke Siew Fook. The event will also feature an exhibition with 30 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups, plus one-on-one business matching sessions.

This expansion trend is not just about market access—it represents a strategic shift in global supply chains and innovation collaboration. As Mainland enterprises seek higher value-added activities abroad, Malaysia's focus on industrial upgrading and Hong Kong's professional service ecosystem create a powerful synergy. The Think Business, Think Hong Kong event is poised to facilitate these cross-border partnerships, offering a platform for networking and deal-making that could shape the region's economic landscape for years to come.