Perak: South Korea has announced its intention to become a pivotal partner in advancing the maritime and shipbuilding industry in Perak. The country aims to position the state as a competitive regional hub in the high-tech maritime sector. Ambassador Yeo Seung-bae highlighted the potential for substantive cooperation with Malaysia, particularly in Lumut, given South Korea's world-class technological capabilities and extensive operational expertise in shipbuilding.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, South Korean companies are eager to support the development of the shipbuilding ecosystem in Perak, contingent on cooperative projects with Lumut Naval Shipyard (LUNAS) being actualized. Ambassador Yeo noted the companies' readiness to commence active support in Malaysia's shipbuilding sector, especially in Perak, should they be granted the opportunity by the Malaysian government.

Yeo outlined proposed collaboration areas, including workforce training, technology transfer for local shipyards, and enhancements in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). The partnership also aims to increase the involvement of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the maritime equipment and materials supply chain.

During his visit to the LUNAS shipyard in Lumut, Yeo confirmed Seoul's confidence in the maritime industry's future in the area, currently under development as the Lumut Maritime Industrial City (LuMIC). He emphasized Malaysia's strong potential, particularly LuMIC in Perak, to evolve into a key regional hub for maritime and shipbuilding industries.

Yeo described Perak as a central component of future logistics networks due to its strategic location linking the Klang Valley in the south and Penang in the north. His courtesy call on the Menteri Besar of Perak, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, aimed to solidify the foundation for cooperation with the state government.

The visit focused on exploring practical opportunities for economic and industrial collaboration, leveraging Perak's growth potential driven by its strategic geographical position and natural resources. Yeo further affirmed that the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Perak state government will maintain close communication to transform these discussions into tangible projects to foster economic growth for both parties.