MITI and the United Nations launch Malaysia SDG Investor Map

• 15 Investment Opportunity Areas identified, with information on indicative returns
• Serves as market intelligence for investors seeking SDG-aligned opportunities

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the United Nations (UN) in Malaysia has launched an online market intelligence tool called the Malaysia SDG Investor Map to help private investors find investment opportunities that are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The map provides a snapshot of 15 identified Investment Opportunity Areas (IoAs) within six sectors that are deemed to have the most potential for impact. The six sectors identified are Technology & Communications, Health Care, Renewable Resources & Alternative Energy, Financials, Food & Beverage, and Infrastructure. The map caters to investors seeking out investment opportunities that are environmentally sustainable and socially just.

The project was funded by the Joint Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund and involved bilateral consultations and panel meetings involving MITI, MIDA, Ministry of Finance, Khazanah National, Bank Negara, MDEC and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), among others.

“It is only when there is a concerted government-wide policy push that a nation can mobilise serious capital, move the needle and facilitate impactful outcomes towards achieving its sustainability agenda. To this end, the SDG Investor Map – with its actional data and insights, and when aligned to the appropriate investment and tax incentives – could prove to be a powerful platform for channelling valuable capital towards investments strategically aligned to the SDGs,” said Tengku Zafrul, MITI Minister.

Karima El Korri (pic), UN Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Malaysia added, “The map is a prescient and timely intervention. SDG financing must include the marshalling of all available resources – national and international, public, and private. This is coupled with the recognition that the private sector must be engaged, influenced, and incentivized to contribute to delivering the SDGs. The objective is to go beyond ESG efforts, through the hardwiring of sustainability and inclusion within business, and by securing direct investment in SDG-aligned ventures.

Malaysia is home to the largest bond market in Southeast Asia, valued at US$363 billion (RM1.7 trillion). That, coupled with the US$5.56 billion (RM26 billion) raised from the equity markets in 2022 suggest that there is ample liquidity in the market but the lack of clarity on SDG-aligned investment opportunities has remained a challenge. “The map provides on-the-ground market intelligence on where investors and policymakers can channel capital to accelerate progress towards sustainable development”, added Fabienne Michaux, Director, UNDP SDG Impact.

The map is freely available at both the UNDP SDG Investor Platform and MIDA’s website.