Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Generates RM24.45 Billion in Investment Interest

Osaka, Japan – Malaysia’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai has delivered strong outcomes, generating RM24.45 billion in potential trade and investment interest, nearly double the initial target of RM13 billion.
The achievement reflects Malaysia’s strategic shift from a conventional exhibition approach to a more structured, outcome-driven investment strategy, reinforcing the country’s position as a competitive and resilient investment destination in the Asia-Pacific region.

Throughout the six-month Expo, the Malaysia Pavilion hosted 1,555 business meetings and 167 investment pitching sessions, leading to the signing of 79 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and cooperation agreements valued at RM6.04 billion. These engagements covered high-impact sectors including semiconductors, renewable energy, environmental sustainability, education, and modern agriculture.

Of the total investment interest recorded, RM12.79 billion involved Japanese-led companies, highlighting the strong economic ties between Malaysia and Japan. To ensure effective post-Expo follow-up, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) has implemented a structured investment pipeline management system to track and accelerate the conversion of leads into realised projects.

In addition, Malaysia entered a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to strengthen joint investment promotion efforts, facilitate trade missions, and enhance enterprise linkages between both countries.

On the trade front, MATRADE is actively monitoring the participation of 338 Malaysian companies through its Trade Promotion Management System (TPMS), supporting the conversion of business leads into confirmed export orders. The initiative has also enabled Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to gain greater exposure to regional and global supply chains.

The success of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka aligns with national development priorities, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), further strengthening Malaysia’s standing as a preferred destination for high-value investments.

In line with these national-level achievements, Melaka further reinforced its international investment profile through the successful organisation of Melaka Week @ Expo 2025 Osaka. Melaka was honoured as the seventh state selected by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to showcase its products, culture and investment potential on the global stage.

During Melaka Week, more than 20,000 visitors were recorded over the first two days, contributing to the Malaysia Pavilion’s overall footfall of over 2.7 million visitors. The programme featured high-impact engagements, including the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between state agencies and subsidiaries with local and international private sector partners, focusing on research and education, agriculture, fruit-based beverages, and bioenergy fuel supply, with an estimated value of RM1 billion.

Melaka also highlighted its role in supporting Malaysia’s halal industry strategy, reinforcing global confidence in Malaysia’s Halal certification and strengthening the country’s position as a leading halal hub in Southeast Asia. Efforts to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were prioritised, with Melaka-based products introduced to international markets to expand export opportunities and strengthen business networks.

As one of Malaysia’s most dynamic industrial hubs, Melaka recorded RM8.18 billion in investments in 2024, surpassing the initial target of RM5 billion. Strategic developments such as MCORP High Tech Park, German Technology Park (GTP), ELKAY 2.0 and the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ) continue to attract high-value investments. Currently, more than 27 Japanese companies, including Honda, Maruwa, Konica Minolta and Koa Denko, operate in Melaka across automotive, electronics, optics and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Moving forward, Melaka aims to position itself as a regional hub for green energy, electric mobility, semiconductor technology, smart logistics and sustainable tourism, offering investors a strategic location, skilled workforce and strong facilitation support for long-term growth.