Tuesday 14/07/2026

^{Fourth from the left: YBhg. Dato' Hasan Azhari Bin Haji Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Selangor Berhad and YB Tuan Ng Sze Han, Selangor State EXCO for Investment, Trade & Mobility together with the Strategic Corporate Partners at the Official Launch of the Invest Selangor Business Linkages & Advancement Programme (BLAST)}



SHAH ALAM, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Selangor State Government through its investment promotion agency Invest Selangor Berhad today officially launched the Invest Selangor Business Linkages & Advancement Programme (BLAST). This strategic initiative is designed to accelerate the capacity building and competitiveness of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), thereby facilitating their integration into high-value global supply chains. The programme was officiated by YB Tuan Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility.

BLAST aims to enhance the operational capabilities of local SMEs by establishing strategic linkages with Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs), and industry anchor companies. By fostering these connections, the programme seeks to enable greater participation in high-value supply chains, drive long-term business sustainability, and ensure international market readiness. 

This initiative builds upon the industrial foundation established under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) and is introduced under the framework of the RS-2: Local Market Integration Programme. It reflects the state administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that macroeconomic investments yield tangible, sustainable opportunities for the domestic business community.

Selangor continues to solidify its position as Malaysia’s premier investment destination, having secured RM33.5 billion in approved investments during the first quarter of 2026. This economic momentum follows a robust performance in 2025, where the state recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM460.1 billion, contributing 26.5% to the national GDP, the highest share among all Malaysian states.

The structured six-month programme will guide participating SMEs through a rigorous curriculum of capability development, corporate mentorship and market readiness initiatives. The programme will culminate in dedicated business-matching sessions during the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2026, scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 October 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

Departing from conventional, one-off business matchmaking, BLAST focuses on institutionalising long-term partnerships between SMEs and industry leaders. This approach ensures that participating enterprises can systematically upgrade their operational capabilities, comply with stringent international standards, and expand effectively into regional and global markets.

The inaugural cohort focuses on four strategic sectors identified as key drivers of Selangor’s future economic growth: aerospace, rail, life sciences, and digital technology. A total of 12 SMEs have been meticulously selected for the pioneer batch, with three companies representing each target sector.

Speaking at the launch, YB Tuan Ng Sze Han stated “While we take pride in Selangor's continued success in attracting investments, that is only part of our mission. Our greater responsibility is to ensure that these investments generate meaningful and lasting  opportunities for Selangor businesses, particularly our SMEs. BLAST is not simply about matching SMEs with strategic corporate partners – it is about preparing them for success. By strengthening their capabilities and connecting them to high-value supply chains, we are empowering our SMEs to become globally competitive while maximising the long-term benefits of investment for Selangor."

The programme is delivered through a strategic collaboration with Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), which will lead the management and implementation of the SME capacity-building programme alongside various corporate and ecosystem partners. Together, the partners will leverage their expertise in mentorship, knowledge transfer and institutional networking to strengthen Selangor's industrial ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises.

Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC, commented “Through BLAST, we are creating structured pathways for promising SMEs to engage with anchor companies, strengthen their industry readiness and compete for  opportunities within strategic supply chains.”

Through the implementation of BLAST, Invest Selangor aims to drive a minimum revenue growth of 5% among participating SMEs by 2030, while simultaneously cultivating a highly resilient, integrated, and sustainable economic ecosystem across the state.

About Invest Selangor

Invest Selangor Berhad is the Selangor State Government’s investment promotion agency, facilitating business growth and investment opportunities in Malaysia’s most developed and competitive state. As a one-stop centre, it provides advisory services, market insights, and facilitation for local and international investors looking to establish or expand in Selangor — the gateway to ASEAN.

With a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem, Selangor continues to attract high-value investments across diverse industries, reinforcing its position as Malaysia’s economic powerhouse. Since 1999, Invest Selangor has successfully facilitated over 7,069 manufacturing projects, contributing to the creation of 508,316 jobs and securing more than RM256.6 billion in investments.

Invest Selangor also drives the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) and the Selangor Aerospace Summit (SAS), key platforms connecting industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across ASEAN and beyond. Through strategic initiatives, it remains committed to a resilient, sustainable, and innovative economy, reinforcing Selangor as the preferred destination for global investors.

For Selangor investment enquiries, please visit www.investselangor.my

About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.

As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.

MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.

Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.

Source: Invest Selangor Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Invest Selangor Berhad

Name: Nur Azyyana Abu Bakar
Email: azyyana@investselangor.my

Name: Maryani Binti Mat Saad
Email: maryani@investselangor.my

Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department:
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my

--BERNAMA