KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should reform or recalibrate its response to changes in the global architecture, especially in trade, as they occur, said Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the country should also remain mindful of its strategic positioning as a middle power, leveraging its strengths while addressing concerns about energy security, technology, and overall resilience to remain part of both the United States and China’s supply chain ecosystems.

"For MIDA and Malaysia, we know our strengths, but at the same time, we must be ready for challenges ahead,” he said during a panel session at the CNBC Converge Live programme titled ‘Redrawing The Global Trade Map’, hosted by its Morning Call anchor, Morgan Brennan, today.

He said Malaysia needs to continue engaging with the US and China as the two economies account for nearly 30 per cent of the country’s total trade.

Tengku Zafrul further noted that while China remains Malaysia’s and ASEAN’s largest trading partner, the US is Malaysia’s largest investor and export market and possibly for the broader region as well.

"We have been consistent and will engage with both countries, as we are talking about supply chain security and technology security, and they want to have trusted supply chain partners.