Perlis has the potential to emerge as a “second Dubai” and serve as a key gateway to ASEAN countries in the coming years, says the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail.
His Royal Highness expressed confidence that the northern state could develop into a regional hub for trade, innovation and economic collaboration, citing its strategic location bordering Thailand as a major advantage for cross-border growth.
“If Dubai is recognised globally as a gateway to West Asia, I believe Perlis can also become a ‘second Dubai’ in the future,” he said during his royal address.
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin noted that with strong support from the state government, the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and the cooperative movement, Perlis is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a regional economic meeting point.
He made the remarks while officiating the Nat Antarabangsa ANGKASA Perlis 2026 event held at the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Floating Market in Perlis on Saturday night. The event was also attended by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.
Also present were Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah and ANGKASA president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah.
The Raja of Perlis added that the event was not only a platform for discussions and idea exchange but also reflected a broader regional dimension, with participation from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.
He said the growing international involvement demonstrated increasing recognition of Perlis as a trusted regional cooperative economic hub, enhancing the state’s reputation on both national and international stages.
