KLANG, Dec 22 — Supported by a strong talent pipeline and faster project execution, Selangor is fast becoming a preferred base for Malaysians returning from overseas to build their careers and businesses.
State executive councillor for investment, trade, and mobility Ng Sze Han said more Malaysians who built their careers abroad are now choosing Selangor to start new ventures, bringing back with them global expertise and advanced technologies, which has in return positioned Selangor as a regional talent hub.
“They are (coming) home with the knowledge they learned overseas and bringing back the best technology and investments,” he told reporters after a groundbreaking ceremony for Syntec Intelligence Technology Sdn Bhd in Bandar Bukit Raja here today.
He said this would especially involve high-impact sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, which have the potential to generate high-income jobs for young graduates.
With more than 100 higher learning institutions based in Selangor, Ng said the state has been able to produce a strong pool of quality graduates.
During the event, Ng said Malaysians working abroad play a critical role in connecting Selangor to global networks, citing Syntec global director Otis Siah’s return after more than a decade as an example, after gathering expertise in markets including Taiwan and the United States.
Ng highlighted improving global sentiment towards Malaysia, citing the strengthening ringgit and renewed investor confidence, which he said reflects optimism over the country’s economic resilience and its link to global technology cycles.
“This connects to how we view Globalisation. It is a two-way street. One lane is Malaysia stepping out boldly to earn from the world. The other lane is pulling the world’s capital and technology into our ecosystem.
“Our mission is clear but challenging; we want Selangor to be the regional headquarters and operation centre for the key industries of tomorrow. We want to be the brain, not just the hands,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ng said Selangor’s ability to move quickly has strengthened investor confidence, as evident by Syntec’s decision to establish operations in the state within months of initial engagement.
“There is an old saying that trust is built in drops and lost in buckets, but here in Selangor, we are proving that trust can be built rapidly, and can be solidified in concrete and steel just as quickly,” he said in his speech.
“We are gathering at a very interesting time. If you look at the global financial monitors, the sentiment is shifting. The markets are bullish on Malaysia.
“Global funds are flowing back in. Analysts are upgrading their forecasts. Why? Because in a world of uncertainty, Malaysia represents economic resilience. We are seeing a renaissance in our asset markets and a strengthening ringgit,” Ng said.
The ringgit outperformed regional currencies this year, having appreciated 8.2 per cent against the US dollar and 3.3 per cent against the Singapore dollar.
Among those present at the groundbreaking ceremony today were Syntec Group independent director Grant Kuo, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia (Teco Malaysia) deputy representative James JM Buu, Klang Mayor Dato’ Abd Hamid Hussain, and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) Selangor director Sherulanuar Abd Karim.
