Potential research subjects

Malaysia is accelerating its digital transformation through national strategies such as the Digital Economy Blueprint. Malaysia aimed to attract €14 billion in digital investments by 2025 but surpassed this early, already reaching over €22.7 billion by the end of 2023. With strong internet penetration, rising digital literacy, and increasing adoption of online services, the country is creating fertile ground for solutions in cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, big data, fintech, and e-learning. International partnerships are actively encouraged in sectors like smart manufacturing, e-commerce, and agritech.

With its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Malaysia is investing heavily in solar energy, biomass, and other renewables. Dutch expertise in sustainable energy is especially relevant, offering room for collaborative ventures and technology transfer. Also Malaysia is looking forward to be a circular economy based country in the future in line with the country’s aspiration towards green growth. This includes setting up a Circular Economy Roadmap and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The areas with business opportunities in Malaysia include Dutch companies providing technology and services in municipal solid waste management, recycling & upcycling, composting technology, incinerators, anaerobic digesters equipment supply and waste-to-energy.

Malaysia’s agricultural sector is moving toward high-tech, sustainable models. While palm oil and rubber remain dominant, there is increasing focus on precision farming, post-harvest innovation, and cold chain logistics. With a rising middle class and growing demand for halal-certified, high-quality, and sustainably produced food, opportunities exist in greenhouse technologies, agri-input innovation, and smart packaging. Tackling post-harvest food loss, which remains high in fruits and vegetables, is also a key national priority—opening the door for advanced Dutch solutions in logistics, storage, and food processing.

Malaysia is positioning itself as a leader in medical manufacturing and regional healthcare services. Exports of medical devices, including gloves, syringes, and diagnostics, continue to grow, while digital health, elderly care, and connected care systems are expanding rapidly. Regulatory developments and infrastructure upgrades support foreign investment in pharmaceuticals, biotech, e-health, and hospital systems. Malaysia’s popularity as a medical tourism destination adds further momentum to this sector.

Thanks to its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure, Malaysia serves as a logistics and trade gateway to Southeast Asia. Major hubs like Port Klang, Tanjung Pelepas, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport support a thriving freight and e-fulfillment ecosystem. As e-commerce continues its rapid rise, there is growing demand for last-mile delivery, cold storage, and smart logistics solutions. This opens up strong opportunities for Dutch companies active in areas such as supply chain automation, cold chain technology, and sustainable transport. Malaysia also offers various incentives for foreign logistics firms, particularly those bringing innovative solutions in green logistics, data-driven operations, and integrated warehousing.

Malaysia is facing challenges with its water resources, deteriorating water supply, and water quality. Malaysia plans to invest in more efficient water supply and conservation systems, as floods and severe droughts affect many of its citizens annually. This creates business opportunities for Dutch companies with technologies to upgrade existing infrastructure (e.g., water treatment plants, piping systems), solve unreliable water supply and quality, and companies with experience in utilizing alternative sources of water supply, such as underground water.  

Malaysia’s ports are strategically located amidst major maritime trade routes and function as an entry point into this region. To further expand the growth of the port industry, there is a need to innovate and modernize their operating facilities through digitalization and automation. Market opportunities exist for Dutch organisations that can add value in these areas. There are also long term expansion and land development plans around these major ports for which Dutch dredging technologies are in high demand. In order to gain access to these projects, collaborating with a local partner or having a positive rapport with relevant stakeholders can be essential.