A recent survey by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has found that Mainland Chinese enterprises are increasingly targeting ASEAN markets for international expansion, with Malaysia becoming a key focus. The preliminary findings indicate that 91% of surveyed Mainland companies plan to develop business in ASEAN, reflecting the region's growing importance as companies seek new markets, diversify supply chains, and capture opportunities in emerging industries such as AI, semiconductors, and new energy.
Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, commented: 'ASEAN has become a priority destination for Mainland enterprises pursuing international growth. Companies are not only looking to expand their sales networks, but also establishing regional supply chains, investing in higher value-added activities and exploring opportunities in emerging sectors.' Pang also noted that the growing complexities of operating across different markets are driving strong demand for Hong Kong's professional services, reinforcing the city's role as a superconnector and super value-adder.
The survey found that among enterprises planning to expand into ASEAN, 83% expressed interest in using Hong Kong's professional services, including legal and accounting compliance, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, financing, and risk management. This underscores Hong Kong's position as a preferred business services platform for companies entering the region.
Malaysia is attracting significant interest from Mainland enterprises, ranking among the leading destinations for both manufacturing and services companies looking to establish or expand regional operations. The country is particularly attractive for businesses involved in semiconductors, industrial materials, AI, and other innovation-driven industries. Malaysia's appeal is underpinned by its mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, competitive business environment, and commitment to industrial upgrading, supported by initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Economic ties between Hong Kong and Malaysia have deepened. In 2025, Malaysia was Hong Kong's third-largest trading partner among ASEAN member states. At the end of 2025, Hong Kong was Malaysia's second-largest investor after Singapore, with cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) of US$34.8 billion, and was also Malaysia's second-largest source of FDI after Singapore in terms of net FDI flow.
To capitalize on Malaysia's growing strategic importance, the HKTDC will bring its flagship overseas promotional event, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), to Kuala Lumpur on 11 August at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. The full-day symposium will bring together business leaders, investors, innovators, professional service providers, and policymakers from Malaysia and Hong Kong to exchange insights, explore investment and business opportunities, and forge new cross-border partnerships. The event will feature discussions on RMB internationalisation, sustainability and green innovations, Hong Kong's role as an international financial and business centre, and healthcare solutions and innovations.
Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, will be the guests of honour at the opening ceremony. Additionally, some 30 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups will showcase their products and solutions in the exhibition's Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon, with one-on-one business consultations and on-site business matching to facilitate deals and cooperation. A group of around 100 government officials, business leaders, innovators, start-ups, and professional service providers from Hong Kong will travel to Malaysia for the event.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit the official event website at https://thinkbusinessthinkhk.com/2026-kuala-lumpur/symposium/en/index.html.
