Recent international trade numbers are record breaking. In the first half of the year, it grew 22.4% year-on-year to a record RM1.796 trillion in the first half of 2026. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said exports increased 27.5% to RM971.59bil, while imports rose 16.9% to RM824.44bil, resulting in a trade surplus of RM147.15bil. Reports stated that “manufactured goods continued to underpin export growth, led by electrical and electronic products, which recorded an increase of almost RM140bil in export value.” While the Malaysia Investment Development Authority reported healthy levels of Domestic Investments, yet in this volatile international order, what challenges remain for the country’s leadership to navigate?