Blogs

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Can Foreigners Own 100% of a Company in Malaysia? (2026 Guide) Date Posted: 01/09/2026

Malaysia continues to attract foreign investors due to its strategic location, strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly environment. One of the most common questions international entrepreneurs ask is whether foreigners can fully own a company in Malaysia. The short answer is yes, foreigners can own 100% of certain businesses in Malaysia, depending on the industry and business structure. However, ownership regulations may vary across sectors, and some industries stil..

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How to Start a Childcare Centre or Kindergarten in Malaysia: TASKA and TADIKA Licensing Guide Date Posted: 31/08/2026

Opening a childcare centre or kindergarten is more than starting a business. It involves responsibility for children’s safety, welfare, learning and early development. In Malaysia, a TASKA and a TADIKA are regulated differently. Before registering the business, choosing premises or beginning renovation, the operator must identify the correct category and understand the relevant ownership and licensing requirements. TASKA or TADIKA: What Is the Difference? A TASKA, or Taman Asuhan ..

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How to Set Up a Data Centre or Digital Infrastructure Company in Malaysia Date Posted: 31/08/2026

Malaysia is rapidly emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most important destinations for data centres, cloud infrastructure and AI-ready digital investment. According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia approved approximately RM144.4 billion in data centre and cloud computing investments between 2021 and June 2025. MIDA attributes this growth to rising AI demand, Malaysia’s expanding digital ecosystem and national strategies such as MyDIGITAL and the ..

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Cost of Registering a Company in Penang Date Posted: 31/08/2026

Starting a business is an exciting step for entrepreneurs, startups, and foreign investors. However, many business owners underestimate the actual cost involved in setting up and maintaining a company in Malaysia. While the basic registration fee may appear straightforward, there are several additional expenses involved beyond incorporation alone. Understanding these costs early helps businesses budget properly and avoid unexpected surprises later. For entrepreneurs planning to establish a..

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How to Choose a Company Secretary in Penang Date Posted: 31/08/2026

Starting and managing a company involves more than business operations alone. In Malaysia, every Sdn Bhd is legally required to appoint a qualified company secretary to ensure proper corporate compliance and administration. For business owners, especially startups and foreign investors, choosing the right company secretary in Penang can significantly impact long-term compliance, operational efficiency, and overall business management. With many providers available, selecting the right secr..

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Can a Foreign Company Open a Branch in Malaysia? (2026 Guide) Date Posted: 31/08/2026

Malaysia has positioned itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for international expansion. With strong infrastructure, a strategic ASEAN location, and a relatively structured regulatory environment, it continues to draw multinational companies looking to establish a regional presence. One common entry structure used by overseas corporations is a foreign branch office. This allows a company to operate in Malaysia without creating a separate legal entity. For b..

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Invest in Penang: Set Up Your Business in Malaysia’s Silicon Valley of the East Date Posted: 17/08/2026

Penang is no longer known only for its heritage, food and tourism. Today, it is one of Malaysia’s most established investment destinations and a strategic base for companies entering the Malaysian and Southeast Asian markets. Often described as the “Silicon Valley of the East,” Penang has built a strong ecosystem in semiconductors, electrical and electronics, medical devices, precision engineering, automation, technology and advanced manufacturing. According to InvestPenang,..

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How to Set Up a Manufacturing Company in Malaysia: Licenses and Compliance Guide Date Posted: 17/08/2026

Malaysia is a strategic manufacturing base for businesses seeking access to Southeast Asia and international supply chains. However, incorporating a company is only the beginning. Before production starts, manufacturers must identify the company registrations, tax obligations, business licenses, safety approvals and environmental requirements applicable to their products, premises and operations. Here is a practical guide to setting up a manufacturing company in Malaysia. 1. Incorporate a ..

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How to Set Up an F&B Company in Malaysia: A Compliance Guide for Local and Foreign Investors Date Posted: 17/08/2026

Penang is widely recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading food and tourism destinations. Its diverse Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and international influences have created a vibrant market for restaurants, cafés, bakeries, food kiosks, catering businesses and new food concepts. A successful F&B business, however, requires more than a great menu and attractive location. It must begin with the right business structure, sufficient capital, proper tax registration and the nec..

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How to Set Up a Healthcare Business in Malaysia Date Posted: 17/08/2026

Penang is widely known for its heritage, food and island lifestyle. It has also developed a strong reputation as one of Malaysia’s leading healthcare-travel destinations. InvestPenang highlights Penang’s recognition as “Medical Travel Destination of the Year” at the 2020 International Medical Travel Journal awards. The state’s established private hospitals, medical specialists, international connectivity, accommodation and multilingual environment support its app..

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How to Open an Elderly Care Home in Malaysia: Registration and Compliance Guide Date Posted: 17/08/2026

Malaysia’s ageing population is creating increasing demand for professionally managed elderly care, assisted-living and senior day-care services. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, people aged 65 and above represented 8% of Malaysia’s population in 2025, compared with 7.6% in 2024. This demographic trend supports the growing need for safe and sustainable elderly-care services. However, opening an elderly care home requires more than registering a company and re..

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How to Register a Foreign Branch in Malaysia (2026 Update) Date Posted: 03/06/2026

Expanding your business into Southeast Asia can open access to a rapidly growing regional market, and Malaysia continues to be one of the preferred destinations for foreign investors due to its strategic location, business-friendly environment, and strong infrastructure. For overseas companies planning to establish a direct business presence, setting up a foreign branch in Malaysia is one of the available entry options. Understanding the registration process, legal requirements, and complianc..

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What Changed in Malaysian Payroll in 2025 & 2026 Date Posted: 21/04/2026

Malaysian payroll rules have changed significantly over 2024 and 2025, with ongoing implications in 2026. For businesses seeking reliable payroll services in Penang or considering payroll outsourcing in Malaysia, staying compliant is essential to avoid penalties and operational risks. This article breaks down every major payroll change clearly and accurately, with sources, so you know exactly where your obligations stand today. The following sections outline each regulatory change, includi..

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Common Payroll Mistakes Malaysian Employers Should Avoid Date Posted: 21/04/2026

Payroll management in Malaysia involves strict compliance with statutory requirements such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Employment Insurance System (EIS), and Monthly Tax Deduction (PCB). These obligations are governed by specific laws and enforced by multiple authorities. Recent regulatory updates between 2024 and 2026, including the increase in minimum wage to RM1,700, mandatory EPF contributions for foreign workers, and revisions to SOCSO wag..

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Beneficial Ownership Reporting in Malaysia: What Companies Need to Know Date Posted: 20/01/2026

Introduction Beneficial ownerships (“BO”) was introduced with the implementation of the Companies Act 2016 in Malaysia on 31 January 2017. In 2020, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (“SSM” or “CCM”) has issued a guideline in identifying the “real owner” vide the BO reporting framework. Recently, SSM has also issued a consultation paper to seek opinion from public to further enhance the implementation of BO reporting. What..