KUALA LUMPUR (July 7): The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), self-described as “America’s deal team”, is looking to deploy part of its newly expanded US$205 billion (RM835.27 billion) investment capacity into Malaysia, which it sees as a strategic investment destination for semiconductors, digital infrastructure, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.

This renewed focus reflects Washington’s growing use of investment, alongside diplomacy and trade, to deepen its economic presence in Southeast Asia amid intensifying competition with China.

“We came to do business. We came to identify investment opportunities, build partnerships, and develop the next generation of projects that can strengthen both…