Malaysia Needs To Shift From Supply Chain To The Creation Of High-Value Products - Sim Tze Tzin
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia needs to shift from merely being a part of the global supply chain to becoming a creator and owner of innovative intellectual property, technology, and brands.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Sim Tze Tzin said design plays a crucial role as a strategic driver in strengthening the nation's industrial capabilities.
“It must be integrated throughout the entire value chain, from the initial stages of product development to commercialisation, in alignment with the aspirations of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he said at the Kuala Lumpur Design Summit 2026 (KLDS 2026) here today.
His opening remarks for KLDS 2026 were delivered by Muhammad Zulhilmi Ahmad, senior director of the Services Sector Development Division at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
He noted that the increasingly competitive global landscape necessitates a shift for Malaysia, moving away from cost-based competition toward the creation of high-value products, thereby establishing design as an economic necessity.
“We need designs that translate into productivity, successful commercialisation, and a stronger Malaysian brand capable of standing confidently in the international market,” he said.
Sim noted that the creative economy also has the potential to provide greater added value to the nation’s industrial sector, particularly in the digital era.
He added that the creative sector not only creates job opportunities and generates income, but also supports entrepreneurs and creative practitioners including designers, artists and community-based businesses.
“Malaysia possesses talent, a robust industrial sector, and a holistic policy framework. What we need now is to bring all these strengths together to connect the dots and transform potential into shared prosperity,” he said.
At the regional level, the creative economy or orange economy has been identified as a priority area for the nation’s future growth within the 13MP and under the pillar of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.
In collaboration with the Malaysia Design Council (MRM), MITI has participated as part of a pioneer group in the establishment of the ASEAN Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries (ACE-CI). This centre will be set up in Manila, the Philippines, in conjunction with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
Exports of cultural and creative goods and services contributed RM63 billion, or 4.6 per cent, to the nation’s total exports of goods and services in 2024.
In 2025, Malaysia ranked second among ASEAN member states and 34th globally in the Global Innovation Index, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
“Electrical and electronic products remain the primary driver of export growth, increasing to nearly RM254 billion during the first nine months of 2026.
“Other manufactured products such as optical and scientific equipment, machinery, and various components also contribute to export growth. In these industries, design, functionality, precision and technological innovation can make a significant difference,” he said.
MRM hosted the inaugural KLDS 2026 from Nov 13 to 15 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, under the theme “Designers Driving Industry Forward”.
The summit positions design as a key driver for strengthening the capabilities of Malaysian industries, creating high-value products, and enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysian businesses in the global market.
The opening ceremony also celebrated achievements in Malaysian design through the presentation of the Malaysia Good Design Award (MGDA) 2026. This year, MRM received entries in which 49 products from 25 companies spanning 10 categories were recognised for their outstanding quality in design and manufacturing.
The event also acknowledged the latest cohort of Certified Industrial Designers (CiDe), a professional recognition programme that establishes benchmarks for industrial design competency.
The CiDe programme helps strengthen professional standards, boost industry confidence, and develop a pool of qualified industrial design professionals to support the advancement of Malaysia’s industrial sector.
-- BERNAMA