KUALA LUMPUR - Bernama reported, Malaysia continues to be seen as one of the region’s leading destinations for investment, according to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

ABAC international secretariat director Antonio Basilio said businesses value Malaysia for its safety, stability, and attractive investment environment.

“Malaysia is considered one of the top destinations for investment due to its stable macroeconomic environment, consistent policies and regulations, strong infrastructure,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.

He added that investment incentives, such as tax breaks, also make Malaysia appealing to investors.

“Overall, it is a very positive environment for investors. They feel safe and know that resources and regulations are in place. Above all, business people value stability,” Basilio said.

However, he noted that companies operating in Malaysia have raised concerns about a shortage of specialised talent.

“One of the main things I hear is that businesses sometimes require specific skills or talent, and they find that there may be a shortage of these skills in Malaysia,” he said, adding that the gaps are mainly in technical and specialised roles.

To stay competitive in ASEAN and the wider APEC region, Basilio said education must address the skills gap.

“To address that major challenge, more resources need to be put into education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM subjects. 

“I think this is already being done, and it will go a long way towards addressing that concern,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said Malaysia plays an important role within APEC by promoting closer economic integration.

“Malaysia has always been a strong advocate of closer economic integration. That is why the country has signed around 17 trade agreements,” he said.

Basilio highlighted Malaysia’s balanced strengths within ASEAN, compared to Singapore and Indonesia.

“In terms of per capita income and as a location for servicing other countries in the region, Malaysia is a good place,” he said, adding that the country’s strong tourism performance also attracts investors.