By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari has reassured local and international investors that Selangor remains a stable and open destination for business, and prioritises economic growth and social mobility for its people.
Speaking at the 14th Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference (MCEC), Amirudin said that Malaysia, and, by extension, Selangor, is firmly rooted in moderation and rejects all forms of extremism.
“For those of you here for the first time, I must assure you Selangor is open for business and will remain stable. Selangor has room and space for all.
“I must also stress that Selangor, along with Malaysia, is peaceful and moderate, with no place for extremism,” he said in his keynote address at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today.
Also present were state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han and Invest Selangor Bhd chief executive officer Dato’ Hasan Azhari.
Amirudin highlighted Selangor’s key economic initiatives, including efforts to develop more opportunities in advanced industries like artificial intelligence and semiconductors, with the aim of catalysing upward social mobility for its residents.
He also noted the upcoming launch of the second phase of the Selangor Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Park, which is designed to strengthen the state’s position in the semiconductor value chain.
“Early next year, we plan to launch the second phase of the park, as the first phase has been quickly taken up,” he said, referring to the project in Cyberjaya.
This follows the successful opening of Selangor’s first IC Design Park in Puchong, which is now fully occupied.
[caption id="attachment_376286" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari attends the 14th Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference, held in conjunction with the Second Series of the Selangor International Business Summit, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on October 17, 2024. — Picture by AHMAD ZAKKI JILAN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Amirudin added that sustainability remains a central pillar of Selangor’s development, as detailed in the First Selangor Plan, with a focus on clean renewable energy and environmentally conscious growth.
“That is the driving force behind a new generation of industrial parks, developed with a green focus to better adapt to the rapidly changing climate, whether it be floods or droughts.
“As I understand, some foreign representatives will be visiting Selangor’s industrial parks after the conference to explore investment opportunities available in our golden state.
“Selangor boasts well-developed infrastructure, with ports and an international airport serving as gateways for investors into Malaysia. Our industrial parks are highly attractive, and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn about the advantages of investing in Selangor.”
On regional geopolitics, Amirudin said Asean remains the most peaceful bloc of nations, especially in contrast to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe.
“In Asia, especially within Asean, we have demonstrated that the ‘Asian way’ — rooted in mutual respect, dignity, and dialogue — can successfully ensure the world continues towards a peaceful future rather than one of destruction.
“This is crucial to show that we, as a civilisation, have learnt from the mistakes of the past. It is more important than ever that we focus on peace, security, and stability, for without them, we will be unable to fully commit to economic growth and expansion.”
This year’s MCEC marks the 14th edition of the conference and coincides with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
MCEC is being held under the auspices of the Second Series of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), which includes major events such as the Selangor International Expo Food and Beverage, the Selangor Life Sciences Conference, and the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Conference.
SIBS, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, ends Saturday.
