TLDR:
- The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) will introduce a Venture Capital (VC) Golden Pass to streamline the registration process for international VCs setting up in Malaysia.
- The SC will expedite the VC registration process from six weeks to two weeks, and introduce a skills development program tailored to professionals in the VC industry.
In a recent announcement, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) revealed its plans to introduce a Venture Capital (VC) Golden Pass to streamline the registration process for eligible international VCs setting up in Malaysia. The SC chairman, Datuk Seri Awang Adek Hussin, shared that the commission aims to expedite the VC registration process from the current six weeks to two weeks by introducing a green lane process. This process will be subject to the fulfillment of requirements under the SC’s Focused Scope Assessment framework.
As part of their comprehensive developmental plan, the SC is looking to welcome experienced international VCs seeking to establish a strong presence in Malaysia to address domestic and regional needs. Additionally, the commission will enhance the vetting process for speedier employment pass issuances to facilitate the relocation of non-Malaysian personnel.
To nurture talent within the capital markets, the SC will introduce a comprehensive skills development program tailored to professionals in the VC industry and the broader Malaysian private markets. The Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), the SC’s talent development arm, will offer an array of capacity-building programs to support this initiative.
Furthermore, the SC is in the final stages of launching a 5-year roadmap to enhance access to capital market financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-tier companies (MTCs). The roadmap comprises over 30 initiatives focusing on regulatory and product innovation, market infrastructure, and capacity building. Emphasizing a “whole-of-nation approach,” the roadmap underscores collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders to unlock the full potential of MSMEs and MTCs while fostering sustainable growth and development.