KUALA LUMPUR (July 22): Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan has urged Malaysian companies to invest in growth, sustainability and innovation to bolster Malaysia's economic trajectory and bid to rise up the value chain.

Speaking to business leaders at The Edge Malaysia Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024 ceremony on Monday, Amir Hamzah stressed the necessity of a collective national effort to realise meaningful economic transformation.

“To this end, and within the frame of the current upward trajectory of our economic growth, I urge your companies to invest. Invest to expand, invest for sustainability, and invest in technology and innovation.

"This directly contributes to efforts in raising the ceiling by creating more space for economic participation and moving key industry sectors further up the value chain,” Amir Hamzah said.

Highlighting the Madani economy framework, corporates, he said, have the potential to “collectively create a wave of change” through action that can drive substantial social transformation, such as more robust social protection.

“This can be achieved through decisive actions within your own spheres of influence: such as making commitments to better jobs and higher wages; by ensuring equal opportunities through better gender representation at both board and management levels; and through continuous upskilling and training of employees," he said.

He also encouraged mid-cap companies to enhance their visibility and brand presence.

"Beyond pursuing business growth, I also urge mid-cap companies to actively put yourselves out there and be seen. Through interesting and engaging branding strategies, for example. Build a great work environment where employees become your ambassadors.

"Champion social causes with pride and passion. I certainly look forward to seeing and hearing more from the Centurion Club members to bring more vibrancy to corporate Malaysia," he said.

“While the government works on policy, on national-level blueprints, and on ensuring the rakyat continue to be protected in the wake of necessary economic reforms, I call on all of you from this high-potential group to lend your support," he stated.

In his speech, Amir Hamzah congratulated the 2024 Centurion Club award winners, emphasising their role as examples and mentors in the corporate sector.

"Your achievement is a beacon of what can be aspired to, and I hope it inspires you not only to pursue greater heights of success, but also to mentor and nurture others who are on their own growth journeys,” he concluded.