Malaysia attracts 78,138 foreign tech talents under startup roadmap

KUALA LUMPUR: According to the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysia welcomed 78,138 skilled foreign technology workers under the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (Super) 2021-2030 by September 30. Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal disclosed this figure, attributing it to the roadmap's initiatives to speed up visa processing and ease access for foreign talent.

This influx bolsters the nation's talent pool and technological proficiency, fueling startup ecosystem expansion and competitiveness.

Yusof added that Super has also spurred investments exceeding RM51.17 billion as of the same date, injecting capital into companies' growth and scaling. As of September 30, 5,016 local and foreign startups were registered on the MYStartup platform, featuring participants from Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These actions are pivotal for nurturing local startups, drawing substantial investments, generating skilled employment, and exporting Malaysian tech solutions to regional and international markets.

Meanwhile, the Securities Commission Malaysia's Venture Capital Golden Pass, part of the KL20 Action Plan, streamlined venture capital firm registrations, enticing global and regional firms to invest in Malaysia. For wider outreach beyond Kuala Lumpur, Yusof highlighted that Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, a ministry-linked agency, launched a RM10 million Cradle Elevate financing scheme and the Cradle Startup Accelerator Programme 2026.

Since April 28, 66 Perak-based startups registered on MYStartup, alongside eight receiving Cradle funding during the 12th Malaysia Plan period.