Kuala Lumpur serves as a strategic regional operations hub for businesses seeking to expand their reach across Southeast Asia. Its strategic location, coupled with a favorable business environment, makes it an ideal choice for companies looking to establish a presence in the region.
Regional Operations Hub
KUALA LUMPUR
TUN RAZAK EXCHANGE
What We Offer
The Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) is a 70 acre development poised to be Malaysia’s new international business and financial district. Companies moving operations to the TRX will enjoy a number of incentives, including:
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Income tax exemption of 70% of statutory income from the disposal of any building or rights over a building, or part thereof, for five years up to year of assessment 2025, for property developers in TRX.
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Income tax exemption of 70% of statutory income from the rental of any building, or part thereof, for five years up to year of assessment 2027, for property developers in TRX.
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Additional 50% tax deduction of rental payment incurred by TRX Marquee status companies for buildings used for business in TRX.
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10% industrial building allowance for TRX Marquee status companies for qualifying building expenditure that is incurred up to 31 December 2025.
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Accelerated capital allowance incentive for renovation costs incurred by TRX Marquee status companies up to 31 December 2025.
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Single deduction for prescribed relocation costs incurred by TRX Marquee status companies for relocation that takes place not later than 31 December 2025.
The TRX has been under development for more than ten years, and is a subsidiary of the government‑owned Minister of Finance Inc, which oversees its development. The area features modern infrastructure and has a workforce population of more than 30,000, including 20,000 knowledge workers.
World-Class Office Space
Kuala Lumpur's international connectivity is a key factor contributing to its status as a regional and global business center. The city is served by Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), one of the busiest airports in Southeast Asia, offering direct flights to major cities around the world. Its impressive connectivity is underscored by the following statistics:
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Passenger Traffic: In 2023, KLIA handled over 80 million passengers, solidifying its position as a major international aviation hub.
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Cargo Volume: The airport also processed a significant volume of cargo, with over 1.5 million tonnes of cargo passing through its facilities.
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Airline Routes: KLIA is served by over 100 airlines operating flights to over 300 destinations worldwide.
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Direct Flights: The airport offers direct flights to major cities in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia, making it a convenient gateway for travelers and businesses.
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Cargo Destinations: KLIA is a major cargo hub, connecting Malaysia to key markets in the region and beyond.
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International Connectivity
Kuala Lumpur has been ranked 8th out of 49, and third in Asia for being the best city to live in, in the Expat City Ranking 2023. Furthermore, Malaysia was ranked as the fourth-best country in the world for expats to live, behind Mexico, Spain, and Panama. It performs best in the Personal Finance Index (4th). Expats are very satisfied with both their financial situation (5th) and the general cost of living (4th). In addition, 86% say that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to lead a comfortable life (vs. 73% globally).
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Liveability
Malaysia ranks as the world’s third-most competitive GBS location, trailing only behind India and China. Malaysia is now home to nearly half of all analytics-based services in ASEAN. The GBS industry in Malaysia generated US$4.95 billion in revenue in 2022 - and is expected to grow to US$6.7 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 6.2%. This growth is driven by factors including the increasing adoption of digital technologies, the growing demand for shared services, and the expansion of multinational companies into Malaysia.
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Global Business Services
INSIGHTS