KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — The Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025 opens today against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty shaped by ongoing geopolitical tensions and unilateral United States (US) tariffs, as well as heightened anticipation for the upcoming Asean Summit later this month.
Taking place from today to Saturday (October 11) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the summit could not have come at a better time — serving as a crucial platform for Selangor to strengthen trade linkages, attract investment, and reaffirm its role as Malaysia’s economic engine amid shifting global dynamics.
Such is its growing prominence that the state government has repositioned SIBS 2025 as an official component of the Asean Summit programming, a clear signal of Selangor's elevated diplomatic and economic role in the region.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari stated that the state would utilise its flagship trade event to position Selangor as a key economic hub in Asean, capitalising on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship to showcase its economic potential and investment opportunities.
SIBS also comes on the back of record-breaking investments and a significant contribution to Selangor’s gross domestic product (GDP), as well as a steadily expanding regional footprint.
The state contributed RM432.1 billion to the national GDP in 2024, accounting for 26.2 per cent of total economic activity, up from 25.9 per cent the previous year.
Apart from the usual focus on trade, investment, and industrial growth, this year’s summit will also highlight emerging sectors like the care economy and aerospace, reflecting Selangor's efforts to diversify its economic base.
The Selangor International Care Summit will make its debut tomorrow, running for three days and bringing together key stakeholders, researchers, and academics to discuss the industry’s future direction.
It follows the launch of the Selangor Care Economy Policy (DEPNS) (2024-2030) in November last year, outlining the state’s long-term strategy to develop a sustainable and inclusive care economy.
This year’s summit will also introduce the rebranded Selangor Aerospace Summit (SAS), previously known as the Selangor Aviation Show.
The revamped SAS will shift to an indoor expo and conference format, focusing on the aerospace sector in commercial, general and business aviation, without a static aircraft display.
Alongside the two new events, SIBS will continue to feature its four core sub-conferences: the Selangor International F&B Expo, the Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo, the Selangor Asean Business Conference, and the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention.
Last year's summit recorded a remarkable RM13.86 billion in potential transaction value across two series, more than double 2023’s figure of RM6.12 billion.
Held over two parts for the first time, the 2024 edition attracted 52,845 visitors and featured 664 exhibitors across 994 booths. It also saw the signing of 82 memoranda of understanding.
This year, the state government has set a modest target of RM10 billion in transaction value and 50,000 attendees, although state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han expects the figure to be higher than last year's.
Amirudin is scheduled to launch SIBS 2025 this afternoon, with the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof among those expected to be present.
