DHL has renewed its strategic partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), mobilizing all four of its business units: DHL Express, DHL Supply Chain, DHL Global Forwarding, and DHL eCommerce. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain capabilities and promote Malaysia as a leading investment destination in the region.
The renewed agreement builds upon the success of the previous partnership, which attracted significant investment in key sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace. This move comes as Malaysia's global competitiveness has risen considerably. The country recently climbed 11 spots to 23rd in the World Competitiveness Ranking and recorded 89.8 billion RM in approved investments in Quarter I/2025, with 67% originating from foreign sources.
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Representatives from DHL and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) at the strategic partnership signing ceremony. Photo: Logistics Asia |
Representatives from DHL and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) at the strategic partnership signing ceremony. Photo: Logistics Asia
Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, noted that Malaysia's logistics sector is making remarkable progress, becoming a hub for innovation and the application of advanced technology. "The renewed partnership with DHL is a strategic alliance that will accelerate Malaysia's journey towards becoming a leading smart logistics hub in the region, underpinned by artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced robotics," he said.
Under the agreement, DHL's subsidiaries will collaborate to provide comprehensive logistics solutions for international businesses investing in Malaysia. This integration aims to enhance supply chain resilience and enable businesses to capitalize on opportunities in high-growth sectors.
Each DHL unit plays a distinct yet complementary role. DHL Express handles cross-border express shipping for high-value industries such as electronics and life sciences. DHL Supply Chain offers contract logistics, warehousing, and automation-driven value-added services. DHL Global Forwarding manages large-scale freight forwarding by sea and air, while DHL eCommerce ensures domestic and international delivery amid the booming digital economy.
This partnership also serves as a platform to realize the goals of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, which aims to develop sustainable industries, create high-value jobs, and increase economic complexity. With efficient, sustainable, and intelligent supply chain solutions, the DHL-MIDA alliance plays a key role in digitalization, emissions reduction, and deeper integration into the global value chain.
As global supply chains are being reshaped, this close partnership reinforces Malaysia's advantages as a stable and efficient destination in ASEAN. As multinational corporations seek to diversify geopolitical risks and adopt a "China +1" strategy, Malaysia's strategic location and DHL's global network offer exceptional value. This further strengthens the country's position as a crucial trade and investment gateway to the dynamic Southeast Asian market.
DHL leaders affirmed their long-term commitment, stating that recent investments in logistics infrastructure, including new centers in Penang and southern Malaysia, are fully aligned with MIDA's vision. This alliance will connect global supply chains with Malaysia's dynamic domestic market while promoting the effective implementation of the NIMP 2030, solidifying the country's status as a modern logistics hub ready for a new wave of investment.
Hai My (Logistics Asia)
