In 2023, we have seen a few key foreign players investing in or entering Malaysia, whether it's Amazon, Tesla, or payments unicorn Xendit. Now while we often hear about the need to attract foreign companies and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the name of the country’s development, there’s an argument that not all FDI is created equal, with plenty of criticism lobbied at companies simply exploiting government incentives.

The influx of Foreign Direct Investment, or FDI, raises crucial questions about trickle down effects, domestic control, and the actual benefits to our local ecosystem. Today, we aim to explore the opportunities, challenges, and criticisms of bringing these global players into our home turf.

We speak to Prof.Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Director of the Philosophy Politics & Economics (PPE) Program at Taylor's University about the opportunities, challenges, and criticisms of bringing these global tech players onto our home turf.