PM Luxon Secures Major Malaysian Investments in Renewable Energy and Tourism

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Malaysia this week has resulted in two landmark investment announcements that will inject hundreds of millions into the country's renewable energy and tourism sectors. The deals underscore growing international confidence in New Zealand's economy and align with the Government's message that the nation is "open for business."

Yinson Renewables to Invest in 1GW of Green Energy Projects

Malaysian-based Yinson Renewables has unveiled plans to invest in New Zealand with a portfolio of renewable energy projects expected to total around 1 gigawatt (GW) in capacity — a significant addition to the country's clean energy landscape.

Yinson, part of Malaysia's Yinson Holdings Berhad, has spent the past four years developing a pipeline of wind projects across New Zealand. The initiative has been supported by Invest New Zealand, the Government's investment attraction agency.

"This investment shows that the message that New Zealand is open for business is being heard," Prime Minister Luxon said. "It's a strong signal that international investors recognise New Zealand's renewable energy potential and long-term policy stability."

The move aligns with the Government's broader economic and environmental priorities — expanding renewable energy infrastructure, creating skilled jobs, and strengthening energy resilience as the country works toward net-zero emissions.

YTL Corporation's $160 Million Tourism Investment

The second major announcement came from YTL Corporation Berhad, a leading Malaysian infrastructure and hospitality conglomerate. YTL Hotels has completed the $160 million acquisition of the 225-room Hotel Indigo in Auckland, marking its first hotel investment in New Zealand.

The transaction is New Zealand's second-largest hotel deal of the year, and represents YTL's confidence in the country's tourism recovery and long-term growth prospects.

Mr Luxon described the investment as a "vote of confidence in New Zealand's visitor economy" and a major boost for the tourism and hospitality sector, which continues to rebound strongly following the COVID-19 downturn.

"YTL Hotels' decision to invest here solidifies their long-term commitment to the region's tourism infrastructure and signals global belief in the strength and potential of our visitor economy," Luxon said.

Both the Yinson and YTL investments have received approvals from New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office (OIO), ensuring compliance with foreign investment regulations and environmental standards.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships and Economic Diplomacy

The Prime Minister's visit to Malaysia formed part of a wider diplomatic and economic engagement mission across Asia. Over three days in Kuala Lumpur, Luxon met with Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other Southeast Asian leaders to discuss regional security, trade opportunities, and economic cooperation.

"It's critical for New Zealand to play an active role in regional settings like the East Asia Summit (EAS), where we can be heard and promote our interests," Luxon said.

The 19-member EAS, which includes major powers such as the United States, China, India, and Japan, remains one of the Indo-Pacific region's key strategic forums.

During the 50th ASEAN–New Zealand Commemorative Summit, the Prime Minister also announced the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between New Zealand and ASEAN nations — a major step in deepening political, economic, and security cooperation.

New Agreements and Economic Opportunities

Alongside the investment deals, the two governments also finalised a new halal certification arrangement, aimed at boosting New Zealand's agricultural and food exports to Malaysia and wider Southeast Asia.

"This is about helping New Zealand exporters expand into high-growth markets while ensuring our products meet international standards and consumer expectations," Luxon explained.

He added that such agreements reinforce the Government's trade diversification agenda, helping New Zealand access new markets and reduce reliance on any single trading partner.

Looking Ahead: From Malaysia to APEC

Prime Minister Luxon's visit to Malaysia concluded with strong momentum in both diplomatic relations and economic engagement. The focus now shifts to the next stage of his trip — the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Republic of Korea — where he will continue advancing New Zealand's trade and investment goals across the wider Asia-Pacific region.

"These partnerships are about more than just business," Luxon said. "They're about building long-term relationships that deliver tangible results — more investment, more jobs, and greater prosperity for New Zealanders."

With billions in potential renewable energy projects and new investment flowing into Auckland's hospitality sector, Luxon's Malaysia visit stands as a clear success for both New Zealand's international diplomacy and its economic growth agenda.