Malaysia’s recent affirmation of its commitment to BRICS marks a pivotal moment in the country’s economic strategy, as officials emphasize the bloc’s growing importance for trade, industrial cooperation, and sustainable development. On December 1, 2025, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), released a statement underscoring how Malaysia’s involvement with BRICS is closely aligned with national efforts to foster rapid, sustainable, and resilient economic growth.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has in recent years expanded its influence as a coalition of emerging economies. For Malaysia, joining hands with this group is more than just a diplomatic gesture—it’s a calculated economic move. According to Wisma Putra’s written reply on the Parliament website, BRICS offers significant potential for Malaysia’s exports, particularly in sectors where the country already boasts global competitiveness. These include palm oil, rubber, electrical and electronics, as well as services such as tourism and healthcare.
“In addition to market access, BRICS opens up opportunities for industrial cooperation, particularly in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and technology that are in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap,” the Ministry stated, as reported by Bernama. This signals a strategic alignment between Malaysia’s long-term industrial ambitions and the opportunities presented by the BRICS bloc.
The numbers back up the optimism. Malaysia’s total trade with BRICS member countries for 2024 has reached RM818 billion, accounting for a substantial 35.2 percent of Malaysia’s total global trade. Of this, exports to BRICS countries amounted to RM334.85 billion, representing an impressive 45 percent of the country’s total global exports. These figures, sourced from both Bernama and the Foreign Ministry’s parliamentary reply, illuminate how deeply intertwined Malaysia’s economic fortunes have become with those of its BRICS partners.
This isn’t just about moving more goods across borders. The government’s vision extends to leveraging BRICS as a platform for broader industrial cooperation. The Ministry highlighted that the bloc opens doors in energy, critical minerals, and technology—sectors that are increasingly vital as the world shifts toward sustainability and digital transformation. Such collaboration dovetails with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which aims to propel the nation up the value chain, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap, a blueprint for reducing carbon emissions and embracing renewable energy.
“Such cooperation supports Malaysia’s aspirations in green growth, digital transformation, renewable energy, and high-value industrial development,” the Ministry added, reiterating the alignment between BRICS opportunities and the country’s strategic goals. The government’s focus on green growth and digital transformation is particularly timely, as global markets place increasing emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation.
The export potential cited by Wisma Putra isn’t limited to traditional commodities. While palm oil and rubber have long been mainstays of Malaysia’s export economy, the inclusion of electrical and electronics signals a shift toward higher-value, technology-driven sectors. This is in line with the broader aspirations of the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which seeks to modernize Malaysia’s industrial base and foster innovation-driven growth.
Tourism and healthcare, two service sectors highlighted by the Ministry, also stand to benefit from deeper engagement with BRICS economies. As Malaysia positions itself as a regional hub for medical tourism and world-class healthcare, tapping into the vast populations of BRICS countries could provide a welcome boost to these industries. Similarly, the growing middle classes in BRICS nations represent a lucrative market for Malaysia’s tourism sector, which has been working to rebound from the global downturn induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Energy and critical minerals are emerging as focal points for industrial cooperation within BRICS. Malaysia, endowed with significant natural resources and a strategic geographic location, is well-placed to play a key role in regional supply chains. By collaborating with BRICS partners, the country can access new technologies, investment, and expertise to support its own transition to a low-carbon economy. The National Energy Transition Roadmap, referenced by the Ministry, outlines a path toward renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency, both of which are priority areas for BRICS cooperation.
Technology is another domain where Malaysia sees promise in its BRICS engagement. As digital transformation accelerates globally, the ability to collaborate on research, development, and innovation becomes crucial. The Ministry’s emphasis on technology cooperation suggests that Malaysia is keen to tap into the collective expertise of BRICS members, many of whom are global leaders in fields such as fintech, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Underlying all these ambitions is the hard reality of trade numbers. The fact that over a third of Malaysia’s global trade is now conducted with BRICS countries speaks volumes about the bloc’s significance. Exports to BRICS making up nearly half of Malaysia’s global exports further underscores the importance of maintaining and deepening these relationships. It’s a reminder that, in today’s interconnected world, economic resilience often depends on the ability to diversify markets and build robust partnerships.
The government’s messaging around BRICS is also a reflection of broader geopolitical trends. As global power dynamics shift and traditional alliances are tested, emerging economies are increasingly looking to each other for growth and stability. Malaysia’s proactive stance on BRICS can be seen as both a pragmatic response to these changes and a strategic bet on the future of global trade.
For ordinary Malaysians, the impact of these high-level decisions may not be immediately visible, but the potential benefits are tangible. Expanded market access for Malaysian products means more opportunities for local businesses and workers. Industrial cooperation in energy and technology could lead to new investments, jobs, and skills development. And as the country pursues its green growth and digital transformation agendas, collaboration with BRICS partners could accelerate progress and help Malaysia stay competitive on the world stage.
Of course, challenges remain. Navigating the complexities of international trade, managing competition, and ensuring that the benefits of BRICS engagement are broadly shared will require careful policy implementation. But the government’s current approach, as articulated by Wisma Putra and reported by Bernama, suggests a clear-eyed recognition of both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with deeper integration into the BRICS framework.
As Malaysia looks to the future, its embrace of BRICS stands as a testament to the country’s ambition to not just keep pace with global trends, but to help shape them. With a strong foundation in trade, a commitment to sustainable development, and a willingness to collaborate across borders, Malaysia is positioning itself to thrive in an increasingly multipolar world.