Event report
France-Malaysia Business Forum 2025: Driving Partnerships for a Sustainable Future Through Cooperation in Infrastructure, Energy Transition, and Digital Innovation
The France-Malaysia Business Forum gathered leaders from government, business, and industry to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations.
Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2025 – The France-Malaysia Business Forum 2025 gathered more than 150 leaders from government, business, and industry to strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between Malaysia and France. The flagship event was jointly organised by the Embassy of France, Business France, MEDEF International, CCI France Malaysia, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE Malaisie), and La French Tech Malaysia, in close partnership with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
The forum was officiated by H.E. Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, alongside distinguished guests including Mr. Faizal Jalaludin, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) of MIDA, Anne Genetet of the French National Assembly, Sophie Sidos-Vicat, President of the French Foreign Trade Advisors, François Corbin, Vice President of MEDEF International.
The forum focused on showcasing Malaysia as a strategic hub for French companies in ASEAN, and spotlighting French expertise in infrastructure, energy, and digitalisation, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
Another major highlight was the return of MEDEF International to Malaysia, marking its first official mission since 2017. Representing more than 750,000 companies and serving as the international arm of France’s largest business federation, MEDEF International’s renewed engagement underscores France’s commitment to expanding its economic footprint in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
A key segment featured testimonials from leading French companies such as WEEROC, THALES, PEN Aviation, BNP Paribas, CETIM, SEMMARIS, and EUPEC. These industry leaders showcased their cutting-edge technologies and sustainable innovations, and shared how French expertise can contribute to Malaysia’s growth story.
An interactive dialogue with MIDA addressed pressing questions from French businesses, covering industrial collaboration programs, high-tech sector investment, talent development, and global trade shifts.
The forum’s discussions centered around two roundtable sessions.
The first roundtable session, “Driving Sustainable Growth in Malaysia: Infrastructure and Renewable Energies Development & Synergies”, examined opportunities in infrastructure modernization and energy transition.
Moderated by Ms. Mai Phuong Do, President of CCE, and Mr. Richard Fostier, President of CCI France Malaysia, the panel brought together leaders from ALSTOM, YTL Construction, ENGIE Services Malaysia, Air Liquide, Matiere, Sunway Construction, and Dassault. Panelists engaged in discussions on how innovation and strategic cooperation can accelerate Malaysia’s sustainable growth and support its pathway toward net-zero ambitions.
The second roundtable session, “Digital Transformation Unfiltered: Challenges, Pitfalls, and What Matters Most”, was moderated by Mr. Abdou Sairi of La French Tech Malaysia.
Industry experts from MDEC, Iraya Energies, Gleamer AI, CNS Communications, and Silian Partners shared perspectives on digital adoption, the role of artificial intelligence, and the critical enablers of innovation. The session highlighted the need for agile ecosystems that can sustain Malaysia’s digital economy while fostering collaboration between French and Malaysian stakeholders.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Richard Fostier, President of CCI France Malaysia, who emphasised the importance of forums like this in building bridges between Malaysia and France and building resilient partnerships to meet global challenges and unlock future opportunities for both countries.
The France-Malaysia Business Forum 2025 is not just about strengthening partnerships-it’s about shaping a shared future rooted in sustainability, innovation, and mutual growth.
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