KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Selangor is no longer content to rest on its laurels as Malaysia’s economic powerhouse.
At the opening ceremony for the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025 yesterday, the state government unveiled a bold vision that looks beyond its domestic achievements to capture opportunities across a 680 million-strong Asean market.
In his welcome address, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said Selangor cannot afford to be complacent, and warned the state must keep adapting to stay ahead in an increasingly volatile global economy.
While the state continues to anchor its hi-tech ambitions on flagship projects like the Selangor Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Park and the upcoming Selangor Aero Park near KLIA, Amirudin’s emphasis on rail infrastructure and life sciences marks a shift in changing demographics and economic needs.
“We intend to open new fronts in the rail and life sciences sectors. These are two areas Selangor must focus on — one to increase the use of public transport, and the other to prepare for life in an ageing society,” he said at the four-day event held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Engine of growth
The summit’s opening ceremony, graced by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, saw the launch of two major state policies that reshape how Selangor does business.
The first, Selangor’s Agenda for Green Economy (SAGE), is a comprehensive three-volume framework addressing clean energy, circular economy principles, and green mobility. It represents the state’s commitment to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The second policy, Speed Selangor, directly addresses bureaucratic delays and streamlines investment approvals across local councils by slashing processing time from 3.5 months to just nine days.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow were among the dignitaries who witnessed the dual launch.
Selangor was lauded for its initiative to host the business summit, and it was said that its continuous partnership with the federal government and other agencies is exemplary.
Fadillah, during the launch, said Selangor’s coordinated efforts between state and federal governments and the broader region are key to driving growth, attracting investment, and reinforcing economic resilience against global challenges.
“The message is clear: Selangor is not operating in isolation. It is a driver of Malaysia’s economic transformation and a key contributor to Asean’s future.
“When state and federal governments work hand in hand, and when Malaysia and Asean act together, we amplify growth, attract investment, and strengthen resilience in the face of global uncertainty.
“When Selangor grows, Malaysia prospers, and when Malaysia prospers, Asean stands taller,” Fadillah said in his opening speech.
Innovating for sustainability
Selangor unveiled its IoT-Enabled Industrial Parks (IEIP) programme yesterday, a blueprint to transform its industrial parks into intelligent, sustainable hubs equipped with Internet of Things (IoT), 5G connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart utilities. Around 70 per cent of the 17 chosen parks are ready for intermediate or advanced development.
“IEIP is our blueprint to build intelligent industrial parks that are investor-ready, technology-driven, and safeguard the environment,” said state executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah.
Meanwhile, at the concurrent Selangor Investment and Industrial Park Expo (SPARK) 2025, the state launched a Global Business Services (GBS) white paper aimed at positioning Selangor as a premier destination for shared services and outsourcing operations.
State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han revealed that a “dedicated GBS talent development programme” will be rolled out next year. It aims to capitalise on Selangor’s multilingual workforce and infrastructure to address persistent talent gaps in the sector.
Beyond policy announcements, SIBS 2025 showcased tangible solutions to real-world challenges facing Selangor’s industrial base.
Menteri Besar Selangor Incorporated (MBI) introduced a Micro WRP water recycling machine designed specifically for the manufacturing sector.
According to MBI group chief executive officer Dato’ Saipolyazan M. Yusop, the technology, operated by subsidiary Air Lestari Sdn Bhd, can clean and recycle “70 to 80 per cent” of factory wastewater.
The summit, which runs till Saturday, has been diversified this year. Apart from the usual focus on trade, investment, and industrial growth, this year’s summit will also highlight emerging sectors, such as the care economy and aerospace, reflecting Selangor’s efforts to diversify its economic base.
For the first time, the Selangor International Care Summit (SICS) is featured at the event, a nod to the life sciences and elderly care sectors that Amirudin identified as critical growth areas. It gathers key stakeholders, researchers, and academics to discuss the industry’s future direction.
It follows the launch of the Selangor Care Economy Policy 2024-2030 in November last year, which outlined 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, SPARK, the Selangor Asean Business Conference (SABC), and the Selangor Smart City and Digital Economy Convention (SDEC).
The state looks to surpass last year’s summit RM13.86 billion in potential transaction value and targets 50,000 attendees this year.
Day two of the trade summit today includes a dialogue with Amirudin on the state’s aerospace sector, the official launch of SICS by state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari, and the opening and closing sessions of the SABC.
