14/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 14, 2025 theSunday Special III

3. The global gold standard of halal Halal certification may seem admin istrative, but Malaysia turned it into an internationally recognised

5. Shaping tomorrow’s technology Malaysia’s ambitions also extend into high-tech manufacturing. Local players, such as Silterra Malaysia and Inari Amertron, contribute to the global semiconductor

benchmark. Through JA KIM (the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia), the country

supply chain, producing the microchips that power smartphones, cars and numerous electronic devices. Though invis

developed a rigor ous and transparent system to verify compliance with Islamic dietary and ethical stan dards. The system,

ible to everyday consumers, these components are indispensable to modern life. Their SURGXFWLRQ UHÀHFWV decades of invest ment in engineer ing talent, research facilities and industrial infrastructure, highlighting Malaysia’s growing role in the

which is voluntary but highly respected, JDYH FRQVXPHUV FRQ¿ - dence in halal-labelled products while attracting multinational corporations such as Nestlé and Unilever to certify in Malaysia. It also positioned the country as a hub for halal food, pharma ceuticals and cosmetics, industries now worth billions worldwide. Malaysia’s model demonstrates how thoughtful governance can shape both culture and commerce. 4. Brewing heritage in an instant Innovation does not always require a laboratory. In Ipoh, the birthplace of ZKLWH FR̆ HH HQWUHSUHQHXUV WUDQVIRUPHG a local brewing tradition into a global product. Brands like OldTown White &R̆ HH DQG &KHN +XS SLRQHHUHG WKH PRYH into instant sachets, packaging heritage for the modern pace of life. T RGD\ 0DOD\VLDQ ZKLWH FR̆ HH LV VROG from Melbourne to London, carrying with it the aroma of a kopitiam and the spirit of reinvention. By transforming a humble hometown brew into an export success, Malaysian brands demonstrated that cultural pride can also drive global business.

global technology landscape.

who could contribute to growing sectors like electronics, aerospace and biotechnology. Collaborations with global universities and research centres also ensured local talent was exposed to international standards, equipping them to compete on the world stage. Public-private partnership Unlike many countries where innovation remains confined to laboratories, Malaysia has fostered strong partnerships among government agencies, research bodies and the private sector. The establishment of the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation and agencies like Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation provided funding, incubation and commercialisation support for home-grown ideas. This collaborative approach bridged the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that innovations reached consumers and markets more quickly. The startup surge In recent years, Malaysia’s start-up scene has begun making headlines. Kuala Lumpur and Penang, in particular, have become fertile grounds for entrepreneurs. Platforms like Carsome (Southeast Asia’s largest used-car platform) and Aerodyne (a global leader in drone-based solutions) exemplify how local Innovation is not only technological. Malaysian designers have reimagined traditional textiles, such as batik and songket, showcasing them on global fashion stages. Renowned names such as Jimmy Choo and Zang Toi, alongside newer labels like Fern Batik, have blended craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. The result – heritage reinterpreted for international runways. From Kuala Lumpur to New York, Malaysian creativity demonstrates that history can be seam lessly integrated into forward-looking fashion, earning admirers worldwide. “Made in Malaysia” is no longer just a label for manufacturing. It is a promise of quality, originality and ambition. From WKH ÀDVK GULYH LQ \RXU SRFNHW WR WKH FR̆ HH in your cup, Malaysia’s ideas travel further than you think, carrying with them the unmistakable spirit of a nation quietly shaping the future. 6. Fashioning modernity from tradition

players are expanding their reach region ally and globally. What sets many of these ventures apart is their focus on solving everyday challenges, whether in mobility, logistics, agriculture or digital services through technology and creative design. Culture meets creativity Malaysia’s diversity has also enriched its innovation landscape. With Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures intermingling, the country has long been a melting pot of ideas, tastes and traditions. This cross-pollination often sparks unique approaches, whether in food, design, technology or business models. The result is products and services that feel both authentic and adaptable, resonating with global audiences. Looking to the future, Malaysia’s innova tion agenda is being shaped by mega trends: Sustainability, digital transformation and global interconnectedness. Initiatives like the National Energy Transition Road map and the push towards Industry 4.0 are aligning local capabilities with international needs. For young Malaysians, this means opportunities to tackle climate change, build smarter cities and pioneer fields such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy.

The innovation DNA of Malaysia

WHEN people talk about “innovation hubs,” countries like the United States, Japan or South Korea often dominate the conversation. Yet Malaysia, despite being a relatively young nation, has steadily culti vated an ecosystem that enables creativity, problem-solving and entrepreneurship to thrive. Roots in resourcefulness Malaysia’s innovation journey has always been tied to necessity. The early rub ber and palm oil industries, for example, demanded constant improvements in processing, efficiency and product di

versification. Researchers at institutions like the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia pioneered techniques that not only sup ported domestic industries but also influenced global agricultural practices. This culture of problem-solving, making the most with the least, remains a distinctive trait of Malaysian ingenuity. The education factor The government’s emphasis on technical education since the 1980s has laid a founda tion for today’s knowledge economy. Poly technics, vocational colleges and universities nurtured engineers, scientists and technicians