When Selangor Grows, So Do Malaysia and Asean — DPM Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Selangor is a key driver of Malaysia’s economic transformation and a vital contributor to Asean’s future, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

At the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2025 opening ceremony, he said coordinated efforts between state and federal governments and the broader region are key to driving growth, attracting investment, and reinforcing economic resilience against global challenges.

“The message is clear: Selangor is not operating in isolation. It is a driver of Malaysia’s economic transformation and a key contributor to Asean’s future.

“When state and federal governments work hand in hand, and when Malaysia and Asean act together, we amplify growth, attract investment, and strengthen resilience in the face of global uncertainty.

“When Selangor grows, Malaysia prospers, and when Malaysia prospers, Asean stands taller,” Fadillah said in his opening speech.

Citing Selangor’s five-year blueprints, the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) and the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2), Fadillah said the frameworks complement national planned policies, such as the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“This alignment creates clarity and confidence for investors. When they look at Selangor, they see a state fully integrated into a national and regional vision.

“The federal government’s responsibility is to ensure Selangor’s dynamism fits into Malaysia’s national strategy and contributes to Asean’s collective growth,” he said.

Selangor’s role in regional interests

As Asean chair this year, Fadillah said the nation is tasked with ensuring inclusivity and sustainability, and that Asean members will pursue growth that aligns ambition with practicality and prosperity with accountability.

He added that the federal administration cannot achieve success on its own and highlighted the need for close collaboration between governments, agencies and even its Asean partners.

“The federal government cannot succeed alone. We need strong collaboration with state governments, including Selangor, as well as with the private sector, civil society, and our Asean neighbours. Only through this spirit of partnership can we ensure policies translate into tangible progress for businesses and for the people.

“I commend the Selangor government and Invest Selangor for their leadership in hosting this conference. I look forward to more events like this, where dialogue between state, federal, and regional actors can continue getting stronger,” he said in reference to the annual SIBS, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from today to Saturday.

“Let us move forward together, building a competitive Malaysia, a resilient Asean, and a sustainable future for generations to come. Asean is not waiting to be led, we are ready to lead.”

In the face of global uncertainties, Fadillah cited several regional strategic moves, such as the Asean Power Grid, that could define Asean’s role in the global economy.

He said Asean’s future is dependent on striking a balance between ambition and responsibility, as well as between growth and sustainability.

“Malaysia stands ready to play its part not only as Asean 2025 chair, but as a trusted partner to every state, investor, and community that shares this vision.

“We are committed to advancing this agenda, but we cannot do it alone. Our strength lies in collective effort. If Asean moves together, we will not only meet the challenges of climate disruption and resource scarcity; we will turn them into opportunities for investment, innovation and new industries,” Fadillah added.