Ramaphosa said Malaysia’s expansion in the industry provided an opportunity to develop integrated supply chains between the two countries.

“Malaysia is rapidly expanding in the electronic, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries. You are well-versed in semiconductors and have a number of other new technology capabilities.

“This provides opportunities to develop integrated supply chains that recognise South Africa’s ambition to develop its own industrial base and add value to the minerals we extract,” he said at a public lecture after receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations from Universiti Malaya here today.

Ramaphosa said South Africa was Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Africa but still offers immense economic potential.

He added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also agreed that this cooperation had yet to reach its full potential.

“We need to do much more than what we are doing currently. We do not see ourselves as competitors. Rather, we see ourselves as complementary partners.”

Ramaphosa said both Malaysia and South Africa shared common views and interests on a number of issues, including the Gaza war, and hoped the collaboration between the two countries would continue to hold strong in the future.

“We should celebrate the rich history that binds Malaysia and South Africa. It is important for us to honour the struggles as well as sacrifices made by our forebears and strive to build a future rooted in collaboration and mutual respect.”

Others in attendance were UM chancellor, Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah, UM vice-chancellor Noor Azuan Abu Osman, higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir and science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang.