Mainland Chinese companies are increasingly turning their attention to ASEAN markets as they seek new growth opportunities overseas, with Malaysia standing out as a key destination for business development and investment, according to preliminary findings from a Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) survey released today.
The survey, conducted by HKTDC Research, found that 91% of surveyed Mainland enterprises plan to develop business in ASEAN, reflecting the region's growing importance as companies pursue new markets, diversify supply chains, and capture opportunities in emerging industries. Bruce Pang, Director of HKTDC Research, said: "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, such as AI, semiconductors and new energy."
As these companies expand overseas, the need for professional support has become critical. The survey found that 83% of respondents planning to expand into ASEAN expressed interest in using Hong Kong's professional services, including legal and accounting compliance, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain management, financing, and risk management. Pang noted: "At the same time, businesses recognise the growing complexities of operating across different markets. This explains the strong demand for Hong Kong’s professional services, and reinforces our city's role as a superconnector and super value-adder facilitating opportunities for enterprises across ASEAN and beyond."
Among ASEAN markets, Malaysia is attracting significant interest, particularly for businesses involved in semiconductors, industrial materials, AI, and other innovation-driven industries. The country's appeal is underpinned by its mature industrial ecosystem, skilled workforce, competitive business environment, and 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 also deepened. In 2025, Malaysia was Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner among ASEAN member states, and Hong Kong was Malaysia’s second-largest investor after Singapore, with cumulative FDI of US$34.8 billion.
Against this backdrop, HKTDC will bring its flagship overseas promotional event, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), to Kuala Lumpur on 11 August. The full-day symposium at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur will gather business leaders, investors, innovators, and policymakers from Malaysia and Hong Kong to exchange insights and explore opportunities. Topics will include RMB internationalisation, sustainability and green innovations, and healthcare solutions. 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 guests of honour at the opening ceremony.
The event will also feature an exhibition with around 30 Hong Kong service providers and start-ups showcasing their products in the Business Support Zone and InnoVenture Salon, along with one-on-one business consultations and on-site business matching. A group of about 100 government officials and business leaders from Hong Kong will travel to Malaysia for networking and deal-making.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit the official TBTHK page.
