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Japan-founded science and technology venture Leave a Nest Group plans to increase its investment in Malaysia to about US$10 million (RM39.2 million), supporting around 50 local startups over the next five years. The amount is up from its current RM19 million investment across 18 Malaysian startups. Leave a Nest Malaysia managing director Abdul Hakim Sahidi said the group focuses on early-stage startups, particularly those emerging from universities, and helps them expand regionally and into Japan. He said the group also brings in technologies from Japan and Europe to co-develop solutions with local talent, especially in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and robotics. Leave a Nest founder and group CEO Dr Yukihiro Maru said Malaysia serves as a key base for expanding innovation across Southeast Asia, with the group also aiming to help at least one Malaysian startup list publicly within the next three years. He added that Leave a Nest, which operates globally, has already supported several startups in Japan that have gone public and continues to expand its innovation ecosystem across multiple markets.

Renewable energy manufacturer Jinko Solar Co’s decision to sell control of its Florida facility marks the latest sign of a wider retreat by Chinese clean technology companies from the United States, as they face tighter policies and reduced incentives. Chinese firms in the sector have cancelled about US$2.8 billion (RM11.0 billion) worth of planned US manufacturing investments in 2025, according to Rhodium Group data. More than half of proposed projects announced since 2022 have been cancelled, delayed or paused. The pullback comes after a surge in investment during the Biden administration, when tax credits encouraged Chinese clean-tech firms to commit about US$5.6 billion in US projects in 2023. However, policy shifts under President Donald Trump, including stricter rules on foreign-linked manufacturers, have reduced the attractiveness of the US market. Jinko Solar recently agreed to sell a 75% stake in its Florida solar plant to FH Capital, citing the need to optimise its overseas assets and reduce operational risks. The company also pointed to compliance with US manufacturing requirements. Other Chinese clean-tech players have also scaled back US exposure, including Trina Solar and JA Solar, which have sold or reduced stakes in American facilities. Analysts say the tightening policy environment and limited access to US tax credits are putting Chinese-owned factories at a significant disadvantage compared with domestic producers, weakening incentives for further investment.

Serial tech investor Balaji Srinivasan has been engaging Malaysian policymakers to promote his “Network School” initiative, while also proposing policy support to strengthen its presence in the country. According to people familiar with closed-door meetings last month, the former Coinbase executive met officials including Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo to discuss closer collaboration between the government and his startup school project, which aims to attract global tech talent to Southeast Asia. He also presented ideas including a revamped Malaysian visa application system and suggested fast-track visa arrangements for Network School participants, allowing longer stays than standard tourist passes. The discussions reportedly covered opportunities in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, digital finance and cross-border ecosystems. Srinivasan launched the Network School in 2024 as part of his broader vision to build tech-focused communities, an idea linked to his concept of “network states” outlined in his 2022 book The Network State: How to Start a New Country. The programme has been based in Johor’s Forest City development, where it has attracted tech entrepreneurs and hosted industry figures including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. During a visit in April, Minister Gobind Singh Deo toured the site, met participants and was briefed on various blockchain and AI-related projects. He later described Malaysia as a rising destination for global tech talent in a social media post, which was subsequently removed for unclear reasons. The initiative comes amid growing interest in digital assets and blockchain in Malaysia, with government leaders and industry players increasingly exploring regulatory frameworks and innovation opportunities in the sector.