{
  "id": 18069156,
  "title": "Talent key factor in attracting investments under global minimum tax: Tengku Zafrul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/talent-key-factor-in-attracting-investments-under-global-minimum-tax",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T04:23:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2026/11/1570456/talent-key-factor-attracting-investments-under-global-minimum"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Chairman of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), emphasized the significance of talent as a crucial factor in attracting investments, particularly in the context of the implementation of the global minimum tax. This tax requires multinational companies (MNCs) to pay a minimum effective tax rate (ETR) of 15 percent, regardless of their chosen investment destination. Tengku Zafrul stated at the Tax Budget and Me (TBAM) 2027 that talent, rather than tax holidays, is now the driving force behind investors' decisions. He stressed that investors are investing in Malaysia's talent pool when setting up investments such as semiconductor plants and chip design centers. Tengku Zafrul further highlighted that these investors will be accountable for maintaining the integrity of the investment, ensuring clean books, earned incentives, and full tax payments. The Budget 2027 also reflected the government's commitment to progressive taxation, with provisions for tax relief for the middle class, lower taxes for small businesses, increased taxes for those earning above RM1 million, and additional support for those repaying National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans. Tengku Zafrul reminded the audience that the government remains committed to progressive taxation and must maintain the trust of the investors. He urged them to hold the government accountable and ask where their money is being allocated, asserting that this social contract is functioning as intended.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the global minimum tax is changing the factors influencing multinational companies’ (MNCs) investment decisions, with the availability of skilled talent becoming increasingly important, said the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}