KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) exports surged 57.1 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, up from 23 per cent in the preceding quarter, amid strong external demand linked to the global artificial intelligence (AI) technology cycle, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said.
Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said Malaysia was well-positioned to benefit from the growing adoption of AI, given its role in the global AI value chain through semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging and electronics manufacturing services.
“The tech cycle will continue to remain strong.
“Based on our assessment, the tech cycle will continue to be strong at least until 2027. And this will continue to support the economy,” Abdul Rasheed told a joint press conference here today.
He added that the latest growth was driven primarily by semiconductors and equipment, reflecting strong external demand amid the global AI technology cycle, according to BNM.
Abdul Rasheed said BNM’s engagement with multinational companies showed that their order books had strengthened.
“When we engaged with them earlier this year, they shared with us their order book is about four to six months.
“But we engaged with them recently in June, they indicated their order book was between three to eight months.
“So that shows strong demand is coming from this AI,” he said.
Abdul Rasheed added that global AI production was still at an early stage, with the potential for it to grow and for demand for Malaysia’s products to remain high.
The central bank’s numbers showed that E&E export growth had also been supported by contributions from the United States, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other markets.
