Malaysia Content Hub

Our Malaysia Launch

APSCo Southeast Asia established its Asian presence in 2013 with the launch of our Singapore trade association. We have since grown into a thriving community of international and local recruitment members and Trusted Partners, supporting staffing firms across ASEAN.

Following strong market demand and the region's emergence as a professional staffing hub, we are expanding into Malaysia. This will be marked by our first in-person event in Kuala Lumpur, coinciding with a visit to the region by our Global CEO, Ann Swain.

The Malaysian Market at a Glance

3.6 %

Economic growth

$ 12091

GDP per capita

British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce

The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC), established in 1963, has been instrumental in strengthening UK-Malaysia trade relations for six decades. Through its comprehensive business services and strategic position within both the Global Chamber Network and Britain in Southeast Asia (BiSEA) network, the BMCC facilitates international trade, networking, and market expansion opportunities. As one of Southeast Asia's most influential chambers of commerce, it serves as a vital gateway for businesses seeking to establish and grow their presence across both British and Southeast Asian markets.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

The UK and Malaysia are part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade agreement including 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the UK and Vietnam). CPTPP entered in force between the UK and Malaysia on 15th December 2024.

CPTPP is the first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and Malaysia.

3.4 bn

total UK exports to Malaysia for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

39 th

largest UK export market

0.4 %

of total UK exports for the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024

Malaysia Resource Library

APSCo Southeast Asia offers comprehensive support for recruitment businesses operating in the Malaysian market. Our expert knowledge of the local regulatory environment and business practices has been distilled into a wide range of practical resources. From detailed templates and model contracts to in-depth market analyses and regulatory updates, we provide the tools you need to navigate Malaysia's recruitment landscape effectively.

Explore our full library of Malaysia resources, where you'll find webinars, news updates, legal guides, and other valuable materials designed specifically for recruitment businesses operating in this dynamic market.

Operating in Malaysia

Malaysia's regulatory framework governs business operations through various mechanisms designed to protect market participants and ensure proper conduct. These include:

Competition oversight - The Competition Commission monitors market behaviour, reviews potential violations, and enforces penalties against companies engaging in anti-competitive practices
Consumer price protection - Regulators have authority to enforce measures against businesses charging excessive profits for goods and services
Merger regulation - The 2016 Takeover and Merger Guidelines ensure fair treatment of shareholders and maintain market transparency during corporate acquisitions
Foreign investment controls - Industry-specific regulations determine the permitted levels of foreign ownership across different business sectors

The Standards Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) serves as Malaysia's primary institution for industrial standards, quality control and technological advancement in the manufacturing sector. Its core responsibilities include:

Conducting and supporting industrial scientific research initiatives
Facilitating improvements in industrial productivity and growth
Offering expert guidance and assistance in technology adoption
Establishing national standards and promoting quality systems to enhance market competitiveness
Safeguarding public and industrial wellbeing through safety protocols

The Department of Standards Malaysia operates as the country's official standards organisation, responsible for developing and implementing Malaysian standards. As the national accreditation authority, it certifies various assessment bodies, including testing facilities, calibration laboratories, inspection services and certification organisations.

Looking to Expand into Malaysia?

Be sure to view our legal and compliance resources specific to Malaysia, or contact us today to discuss your queries.

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