Kuala Lumpur, 28 May 2025 - Perak is staking its claim as a future-forward economic hub with the signing of two strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) by the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) — one with the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore cooperation in food security and strategic investment, and another with CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, a global infrastructure firm. The MoUs were signed today in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit 2025 and witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The agreements focus on three high-impact sectors: the development of the Bagan Datuk International Sea-Hub Multipurpose Terminal (BDI-SMT), the establishment of a Halal and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Industrial Hub in Perak, and collaboration on sustainable food security initiatives. These partnerships signal growing confidence in Perak’s strategic role as a regional investment hub and its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

One MoU was signed with CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, outlining plans to develop the BDI-SMT and establish a Halal and AI Industrial Hub in Perak. The other was formalised with the Government of the United Arab Emirates to explore collaboration in food security and investment opportunities related to the BDI-SMT project.

"This initiative reflects Perak's readiness to lead in sectors that will define the future of global trade and economic resilience. We welcome forward-thinking investors who share our vision under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda, and we are proud that today's milestone contributes directly to Flagship 9: Investor-Friendly Programme and Flagship 13: Port & Maritime Hub. The partnerships demonstrate a clear shift towards commercially led initiatives prioritising agility, innovation and long-term value creation,” said YAB Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak.

The MoU with CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, part of a globally recognised infrastructure group outlines a plan to jointly develop the BDI-SMT as a vital trade gateway to link China, ASEAN, and GCC nations to the world. This partnership also includes the establishment of a Halal and AI Industrial Hub in Perak, designed to strengthen ethical manufacturing, promote industrial digitalisation, and position Perak as a catalyst for emerging economic sectors.

The MoU with the Government of the United Arab Emirates outlines a framework to explore potential cooperation in sustainable food security and strategic investment opportunities related to the BDI-SMT project. The collaboration will assess innovations in agricultural technology, regional trade linkages, and long-term supply chain resilience.

Perak Corporation Berhad will lead the development of the Bagan Datuk International Sea-Hub Multipurpose Terminal (BDI-SMT). This strategic project supports Perak’s vision for the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LUMIC) as a new engine of growth anchored on maritime, logistics, and industrial development. This initiative aligns with national priorities and is expected to contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economic and infrastructure development.

In parallel, the food security component will be undertaken in collaboration with relevant federal and state agencies, reflecting the nation’s long-term commitment to sustainability, regional resilience, and the stability of food supply networks.

The collaborations are rooted in strong commercial interest and built on mutual economic objectives between PKNPk and its international partners. These strategic partnerships are structured to operate within Malaysia’s established regulatory and investment frameworks, ensuring alignment with national priorities while remaining focused on delivering tangible economic value.

"These partnerships reflect the strength of commercially driven collaborations built on market confidence, aligned interests and a shared vision for Perak's economic trajectory. Through these strategic alliances, we are unlocking long-term value in logistics, port infrastructure, halal innovation, AI industries and food security while empowering local economies with job creations, stimulating industrial activity, knowledge transfer and infrastructure uplift," said Datuk Redza Rafiq, Chief Executive of PKNPk.

The BDI-SMT is projected to become a key Asian maritime trade node, boosting Malaysia's presence in regional and global supply chains. It will also be a launchpad for halal-based manufacturing and digital industrialisation in Perak. Meanwhile, the food security initiative explores joint investments in sustainable agriculture, high-tech food production and regional supply resilience.

"This collaboration sends a clear message: Perak is not just ready for the future — we are shaping it. Through bold partnerships and forward-thinking investments, we are unlocking a new era of growth that is globally connected, sustainably driven, and proudly Perak," said Datuk Redza.

With strong interest from China and strategic engagement with the UAE, the state's integrated investment push is expected to attract additional FDI, positioning Perak as a key economic growth engine for the region.