KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — Malaysia must reposition itself as a technology nation by becoming a creator of technologies instead of just a user, said Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.
While Malaysia may take 10 to 15 years to reach the level of advanced technology creators such as the United States, China and Japan, the country could still play a leading role in “middle technologies” by building capabilities that feed into the global supply chain, he said.
“We can create technologies for Malaysia and for the rest of the world as long as we are part of the supply chain to advanced technological nations,” he said at a document exchange to mobilise RM50 million in aerospace financing as well as the pre-launch of Aeromart Summit Kuala Lumpur here today.
Liew stressed the importance of expanding funding channels for technology, urging government-linked entities such as Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and government-linked companies (GLCs) like MBSB Bank to explore innovative financing models.
“This will help local firms move beyond serving multinationals to eventually becoming niche technology owners and creators, with sustained investments in research and development (R&D),” he said.
Speaking at a press conference later, MTDC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat said MTDC has initiated a pilot aerospace financing programme to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) ready to move up the value chain.
The programme mobilises RM50 million in aerospace financing through partnerships with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF) and MBSB Bank.
This includes RM10 million in equity funding from MTDC under the Aerospace and Electrical and Electronics Ecosystem Investment Fund (AEEEIF) for Micron Concept Aerostructures Sdn Bhd, complemented by RM40 million in debt facilities from the financial partners.
Meanwhile, MTDC group chief executive officer Mohammad Hazani Hassan said the mobilisation showed how government-linked investors and financial institutions could accelerate Malaysia’s aerospace ambitions.
“Through AEEEIF, we are investing in firms that commit to certification and human capital growth so that every ringgit drives competitiveness, creates better jobs and strengthens links to global original equipment manufacturer supply chains,” he said.
The initiative supports the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 (MAIB 2030), which targets RM55.2 billion in annual revenue and 32,000 aerospace jobs by 2030, as well as the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, particularly Mission 2: Tech Up for a Digitally Vibrant Nation.
Under AEEEIF, MTDC may invest up to RM10 million per eligible company via redeemable convertible preference shares.
According to MTDC, the fund prioritises firms that pursue international certification, capacity building and advanced technology adoption, and targets growth in highly skilled technical jobs.
Meanwhile, Rahman said the Aeromart Summit Kuala Lumpur on December 10 and 11, held for the first time in Southeast Asia, aims to connect buyers and sellers while attracting global investors to Malaysia’s aerospace industry.
“We also hope this event can grow into a national platform for the aerospace industry in the years to come,” he added.
