Despite criticisms that ASEAN is falling short of its lofty aspirations, its policy drive has had a notable impact on Malaysia’s trade and investment relationships in South-east Asia. As a net capital exporter and investor in its own right, the country has made significant inroads in neighboring Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and, most recently, Myanmar. This growth in cooperation points t
Malaysian retailers are looking to overcome the effects of a weaker ringgit and the introduction of a goods and services tax (GST) last year in the hopes of stronger sales in 2016. Modest expectations for the early part of 2016 come on the heels of subdued sales growth last year – which saw turnover rise by just 1.4% to RM96.2bn ($24.7bn), as per figures from consultancy firm Retail Group Malaysia…
At the heart of Malaysia’s growth story is the transformation of its industrial base from a resource extraction and export-driven economy to that of a high-tech, value-added manufacturing and services sector. As Malaysia increases its global trade via participation in trade agreements such as ASEAN and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), enhancing efficiencies and competencies is becoming…
While growth in the Malaysian retail sector was slower in 2013 than in recent years, the industry remains an important driver of local services and ranks as one of the more robust markets in the South-east Asian region. Bolstered by steady economic growth, urban migration, political stability and rapidly developing infrastructure, the sector has attracted interest from numerous large international…
With Asia now playing a key role within the global economy, Malaysia is looking to capitalise on trade expansion by bolstering its shipping industry in a bid to meet the growing needs of both itself and its neighbours. Led by manufacturing and offshore oil and gas activity across the region, demand for maritime services is only set to increase, providing substantial opportunities for a wide spectrum…
One of the most evident examples of Malaysia’s ongoing push to build a high-tech economy is the development of its aerospace industry. The sector encapsulates a number of strategic areas outlined under the government’s national development priorities, including advanced manufacturing operations, research and development (R&D) and value-added services. The current distribution of the aerospace…
Interview:Alois Hofbauer What are some of the complexities that foreign food and beverage companies need to understand when entering the Malaysian market? ALOIS HOFBAUER: There are a few factors to consider. First, Malaysia has a growing population (around 2% a year). It is not yet an ageing population, and there isn’t the sort of stagnant growth one sees in other parts of the world. A second…
A key contributor to the economy, manufacturing accounted for 24.5% of Malaysia’s GDP in 2013, ranking it second only to the services sector (55.2%) and well ahead of mining (8.1%), agriculture (7.1%) and construction (3.8%). As Malaysia increases its global trade via participation in trade agreements such as ASEAN and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), enhancing efficiencies and competencies…
Malaysia’s GDP per capita is the highest in South-east Asia, with the exception of smaller countries like Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, reaching $10,548 in 2013 based on a GDP of $307.25bn and a population of almost 30m. The country produces 39% of the world’s palm oil and 44% of its exports, and increasing global demand for the commodity bodes well for the industry. Malaysia has seen its s
A gradually improving economic climate is expected to support continued retail growth in Malaysia in 2013. However, downside risks from the international environment and political uncertainty may affect economic expansion before the year is through.In January, local press reports suggested the retail market would grow by 5-6% this year. The sector is expected to track or even outstrip broader economic…
