KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 -- There are two recent interconnected events that I would like to highlight. They represent key opportunities for the country, but which should also make us cautiously optimistic in the face of challenges ahead.

First, the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (Mida) recently reported that the country attracted RM378.5 billion of approved investments in the services, manufacturing and primary sectors in 2024. This is the highest value of approved investments on record, which would see 6,700 projects being implemented, creating over 207,000 job opportunities.

Secondly, we just concluded the 31st Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Desaru, Johor on 28 February 2025. The Asean trade ministers endorsed the 1...