Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In its latest report, Bank Negara Malaysia noted that the country saw a stronger growth of 8.9% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to 5% in the first quarter.
It attributed this strong showing to an increase in domestic demand, underpinned by the steady recovery in labor market conditions and ongoing policy support. The central bank also said the higher growth was reflective of normalizing economic activity as the country moved towards endemicity and reopened international borders.
The country’s Finance Ministry said foreign direct investment flowing into Malaysia in Q2 2022 remained positive, totaling US$3.63 billion (RM17.3 billion), buoyed by sectors such as manufacturing, financial and insurance, wholesale and retail trade primarily from the United States and Singapore.
Malaysia’s trade performance has also seen an uptrend. The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation noted that trade surged by 56.7% to US$55.7 billion (RM265.7 billion) compared to August 2021.
Bright Outlook for Local Companies
As recovery gains momentum, Malaysian companies, such as Silverlake Axis, have also done well and experienced marked growth this year despite the impact of the pandemic. The company has a strong reputation in Southeast Asia and counts over 40% of the top 20 banks and three of the five largest financial institutions in ASEAN among its customers.
But despite its success, the Singapore-listed company has recognized the need to diversify its business and adapt to new market demands. The company is developing cloud-based and software-as-a-service solutions to compete more effectively with newer financial technology companies. It has also successfully made inroads into Thailand with these new products, with Indonesia as its next growth target.
Another company that is diversifying into new business is Gentari, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS, which has identified the world’s need for clean energy demand within three important areas: renewable energy, hydrogen and green mobility.
The newly-formed company aspires to be a low carbon hydrogen producer that will supply its hydrogen value chain to industrial, power and transportation customers in domestic and export markets. It has plans to build an overall energy capacity of 30 to 40 gigawatt in key markets by 2030 through utility-scale projects across solar, onshore and offshore wind, and battery storage.
Open for Business
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s international financial center, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), has opened its doors to three financial institutions—Affin Bank, HSBC and Prudential Assurance.
The 70-acre development has been benchmarked against the most stringent international standards and offers a unique proposition to potential investors and tenants as it employs biophilic designs, which bring in natural light and better air circulation.
These innovative designs support the future of work, where workers want to be agile and mobile and have seamless connection between outdoor and indoor spaces. TRX also emphasizes sustainability, with 23% of the district dedicated to green and open spaces and where the buildings are sustainably-designed and user-oriented.
Looking forward, Malaysia’s future looks bright following the country’s transition to the endemic phase and the opening of international borders. Its economic growth is expected to be supported by more vigorous economic and social activities, as well as strong domestic and foreign demand.
“While external demand could face headwinds from slower global growth, the Malaysian economy will continue to be supported by firm domestic demand. Growth would also benefit from improving labor market conditions and higher tourist arrivals, as well as continued implementation of multi-year investment projects,” says Nor Shamsiah, Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia.