A whopping 64% of Malaysians say they have experienced some form of discrimination in the past 12 months, owing to their socioeconomic status, age and ethnicity, according to the findings of a survey conducted by Malaysian youth-led non-profit organisation Architects of Diversity. The survey, which analysed 3,238 responses from participants aged 18 and above between Aug 4 and 23, 2023, found that Gen Z (aged 18 to 24) were more likely to report having experienced ethnicity-related discrimination (43%) than their older peers (22% of those aged 60 and above; 23% of those aged 40 to 59). Both men and women reported having experienced gender-related discrimination at similar rates (21% and 27% respectively).

Glaring Socioeconomic, racial discrimination in Malaysian society

The mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 13, with fresh policies and strategies aimed at tackling the nation’s current challenges, emphasising the pivotal role of technology and digital-based industries in resolving these issues.

12MP review: Supercharging digitalisation and advanced technology

Private equity (PE) has great potential to achieve large-scale positive impact. PE firms have emerged as major players in the economy, with global assets under management projected to exceed US$11 trillion by 2026. With a business model that largely revolves around creating value in invested companies, PE firms are well placed to unlock the impact potential of their portfolio companies.

How to embed sustainability in a private equity fund

Among the top Asean countries, Malaysia has committed to achieving the largest emission reduction target of 45% by 2030, underpinned by initiatives in the 12th Malaysia Plan, to foster a green economy by promoting low-carbon industries, decarbonisation, a circular economy and the clean energy transition. There has been growing interest from foreign and domestic investors in the country’s green economy.

Deals and opportunities in ESG in Malaysia

Continued population growth in South and Southeast Asia is expected to support economic expansion in the region as working-age populations will remain large compared with younger and older citizens, according to a recent report by Moody’s Investors Service. However, the rating agency says the availability and scale of labour inputs alone will not drive materially stronger economic growth or better fiscal outcomes, as other conditions such as strong education and quality infrastructure are also key to reaping the benefits.

Population growth alone not enough for economic expansion 

The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) lays out the government’s strategies for the local manufacturing sector over the next seven years. It aims to set the direction for local industries’ investment priorities, in line with Putrajaya’s aspirations to create more high-income jobs and as part of its efforts to free the country from the middle-income trap.

NIMP outlines Putrajaya’s bid to lift manufacturing sector from low-value production

Malaysia plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor industry, accounting for 7% of total global semiconductor trade. Additionally, it boasts a 13% global market share in chip testing and packaging.

E&E industry a major driver of Malaysia’s economy

Digital native customers are setting higher expectations and exercising greater control over how they engage with brands, becoming equal stakeholders in the customer experience ecosystem.

Tapping into the power of conversational commerce

Capital Markets Malaysia, an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia, has published the Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide (SEDG) with the support of sustainability consulting firm Thoughts in Gear and Lasaju Consulting.

Simplified ESG disclosure guide 

The residential property market is expected to see higher rental activities because of rising borrowing costs, according to Knight Frank Malaysia. In its  “Malaysia Real Estate Highlights — 1H2023” report, the property consultant says there have been positive movements in the average asking rents of high-end condominiums and serviced apartments in Kuala Lumpur City, Ampang Hilir, U-Thant, Bangsar and Mont’ Kiara.

Rental market to pick up amid rising borrowing costs 

El Niño is making its presence felt across the globe, particularly across Asean, where sweltering heat and dry weather prevail. In a July update, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that it saw a 90% chance of El Niño continuing to wreak havoc through the year into the winter.

El Niño to disrupt Asean-6 economies

The labour market strengthened last year, with the unemployment rate coming in lower at 3.9% compared with 4.6% in 2021, says data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM)’s annual statistics of the labour force. The nation’s labour force rose by 1.4% to register 16.02 million persons last year compared with 15.8 million persons in 2021 as the labour force participation rate improved by 0.7 percentage points to 69.3% from 68.6% in 2021.

Malaysia’s labour market and poverty rate improved in 2022

Global supply chain operations are mostly getting back to normal, S&P Global Market Intelligence says. However, the global data provider points out that there is no shortage of risks to be aware of during the rest of 2023.

S&P Global: Supply chains mostly back to normal

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are a key tenet of global and local economies. The potential impact of sustainability on and by SMEs is a major consideration in achieving necessary environmental and social goals. Therefore, more support is needed to ensure that SMEs are well equipped to survive and thrive in these uncertain times.

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