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Hong Kong and Malaysia are set to strengthen their economic relationship across key sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, according to Frederick Ma Si-hang, head of Hong Kong's Trade Development Council (TDC). Ma made the announcement as he led the city's largest delegation to Malaysia under the "Think Business, Think Hong Kong" campaign.

The delegation aims to foster more business between the two nations, capitalizing on Hong Kong's strong talent pool and expertise in semiconductor manufacturing. TDC chairman Ma emphasized that Hong Kong could serve as a "superconnector" to help Malaysian companies expand into the mainland Chinese market, especially in the Greater Bay Area.

During the trip, the delegation will host a full-day conference in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on finance, innovation, technology, and healthcare. The event is expected to draw over 200 participants from Hong Kong, making it the largest delegation yet for this type of gathering. Ma expressed optimism about Hong Kong's role as a dynamic business and innovation hub, highlighting the city's potential to attract global firms and drive greater commercial interaction with Malaysia.

The TDC plans to expand its presence in Southeast Asia by increasing staff at its Kuala Lumpur office to five, including transferring an officer from Hong Kong. The council is also working on boosting commercial ties between Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and the mainland by assisting firms in establishing local offices and leveraging Hong Kong's financial services infrastructure.

In addition to Southeast Asia, the council is increasing efforts in Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and the mainland to support businesses seeking international opportunities. Ma noted that geopolitical tensions, such as volatility in the Middle East, have prompted some foreign capital to reallocate to alternative markets, with Hong Kong emerging as a preferred destination.

He also pointed to the US-China rivalry, suggesting that while tensions would persist, Hong Kong's stable commercial environment, robust legal system, and vast talent pool could make it an attractive option for businesses. Despite acknowledging some challenges in the retail sector, Ma remains confident in Hong Kong's economic outlook, emphasizing that recovery would take time due to a structural transition in the economy.