Dato' Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, an Icon of Change from Malaysia

Icons of Change International Awards 2026

Dato’ Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja, D.S.P.N.
Former Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Investment Promotion and Facilitation)
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Adjunct Professor, University of Malaya
Chairman, Indah Holding Venture (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Independent Non-Executive Director, CAPE EMS Berhad
Board Member (Non-Executive), KHTP Sterilisation Services Sdn. Bhd.
Author, *Defining Moments – A Professional Memoir*
Recipient of the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (D.S.P.N.), Penang State Government (2025)

SDG Focus: Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Changemaker for Investment Promotion, Industrial Development, Economic Transformation and Strategic Public Leadership (Malaysia)

Dato’ Sivasuriyamoorthy Sundara Raja is one of Malaysia’s most distinguished investment promotion strategists and public sector leaders, whose 36 years of exemplary service at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) have played a transformative role in strengthening Malaysia’s economy, advancing industrial development and positioning the nation as one of Asia’s premier investment destinations. Through visionary leadership, strategic policymaking and international engagement, he has contributed significantly to attracting high-value investments, promoting innovation and driving sustainable economic growth.

Driving Malaysia’s Investment Transformation

Throughout an exceptional career spanning more than three decades, Dato’ Sivasuriyamoorthy dedicated himself to strengthening Malaysia’s investment ecosystem by promoting both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investment (DDI). His expertise encompasses investment promotion, industrial policy, cross-border investment, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, investment facilitation and institutional transformation.

Joining MIDA in 1989 as an Assistant Director in the Food, Beverages and Chemical Division, he steadily rose through the organisation by consistently demonstrating strategic foresight, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to national development. His extensive experience across Strategic Planning and Policy Advocacy, Investment Promotion and the Incentive Coordination and Collaboration Office (ICCO) provided him with comprehensive knowledge of Malaysia’s industrial landscape and investment priorities.

Expanding Malaysia’s Global Investment Presence

Dato’ Sivasuriyamoorthy played a pivotal role in strengthening Malaysia’s international investment outreach through two overseas postings as Director of MIDA’s offices in Germany, serving in Cologne from 2006 to 2009 and Frankfurt from 2013 to 2017.

Responsible for attracting investment from Germany and the Benelux countries, he cultivated strong relationships with multinational corporations, business chambers, government agencies and strategic investors across Europe.