MalayMail/Bernama-Jan 16, 2026
Malaysia continues to be viewed by the business community as one of the region’s top destinations for investment, according to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). ABAC international secretariat director Antonio Basilio said regional businesses view Malaysia as a safe and attractive place to invest, with stability being a key factor valued by investors. “Malaysia is considered one of the top destinations for investment due to its stable macroeconomic environment, consistent policies and regulations, strong infrastructure,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026. He added that Malaysia also offers attractive investment incentives, including tax breaks, which contribute positively to investor sentiment. “Overall, it is a very positive environment for investors. They feel safe and know that resources and regulations are in place,” he said. However, Basilio noted that businesses operating in Malaysia have highlighted a shortage of specialized talent as their main concern. On how Malaysia can remain competitive within ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region, Basilio said addressing the skills gap through education is key. On Malaysia’s position within ASEAN, he said Singapore is often seen as a financial hub, Indonesia has the region’s largest population, and Malaysia stands out for its balanced economic strengths. Read more at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/01/16/better-than-singapore-how-malaysias-balanced-economy-is-winning-over-global-businesses/205598
