ARTICLES

Malaysia unveiled its New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030) on 1 September. The plan aspires to chart Malaysia’s industrial transformation from 2023 till 2030. Compared to previous plans, the latest master plan is ambitious, with the incorporation of action plans and a focus on implementation.

12 Sep 2023

Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan: Clear-Eyed on Implementation

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia newest industrial master plan has a stronger focus on deliverables, with a focus on action plans and the monitoring of implementation.

10 Aug 2023

Will Anwar’s “Madani Economy” Narrative Strengthen His Economic Leadership?

Cassey Lee

The “Madani Economy” narrative launched on 27 July hopes to project a stronger public image of Prime and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s economic leadership. It should be seen as an interim economic policy framework of the Unity government inspired by the Madani concept.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

28 Jul 2023

Singapore – Malaysia Economic Ties: Recovering from COVID-19

Pritish Bhattacharya|Francis E. Hutchinson

This Long Read seeks to understand the impact of the COVID crisis on the economic ties between Singapore and Malaysia. It analyses historical trends as well as recent data to assess how the different aspects of the relationship were affected and what the near-term outlook is likely to be.

Malaysia-Singapore Relations Malaysian Economy Singaporean Economy

6 Jun 2023

Malaysia’s Ample Start-up Funds Need to Be More Accessible and Accountable

Tham Siew Yean

Malaysia has established numerous funds to nurture start-ups, but must do much better in simplifying the current system, reporting relevant data, and assessing policy outcomes.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy

24 Mar 2023

Repurposing Fuel Subsidy to Facilitate Malaysia’s Shift to Electric Vehicles

Tham Siew Yean|Kevin Zhang

Malaysia seeks to ensure the poor benefit from fuel subsidies rather than the rich, but rationalisation can also contribute towards sustainability. The savings from the removal of fuel subsidies can be directed towards developing renewable or low-carbon alternatives, thereby contributing to meet Malaysia’s pledge to be “a carbon neutral country by 2050 at the earliest”.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

8 Mar 2023

2023 Budget Speech: Act One of Anwar Ibrahim’s Reform of Malaysia?

Lee Hwok-Aun

Anwar Ibrahim’s 24 February speech unveiled a budget largely replicating the October version presented by his predecessor. Given that Malaysia’s reforms extend beyond public funding priorities and allocations to institutional reforms and new narratives of nationhood, the budget speech may be just the opening act.

Malaysia Malaysian Economy Malaysian Politics

6 Mar 2023

Sarawak’s Hydrogen Ambitions Constrained by Global Demand

Tham Siew Yean

In a bid to switch to greener fuels, Sarawak has ambitious plans to produce and export hydrogen. Given a slew of challenges, however, it remains to be seen if its plans will be realised.

Borneo Malaysia Malaysian Economy transport

8 Aug 2022

Indonesia Versus Malaysia: Ruffled Feathers in Chicken Export Competition?

Siwage Dharma Negara|Peh Ko Hsu

Malaysia’s ban on chicken exports to Singapore has allowed Indonesia to join the competitive poultry export market.

Agri-Trade Asean Trade Indonesian Economy Malaysian Economy Singapore

1 Jun 2022

Malaysia’s Nationwide Minimum Wage Omits Crucial Regional Differences

Tham Siew Yean|Kevin Zhang

One of the key goals of a minimum wage is to provide employees with a wage that can sustain their basic livelihood. Therefore, a more appropriate minimum wage scale should create several tiers where wages are calibrated according to state or regional differences.

Labour Market Malaysia Malaysian Economy

A woman carries an infant upon arrival from Jakarta

26 May 2022

Uncertainties in Malaysia’s Economic Recovery

Cassey Lee

The war in Ukraine and the de-coupling of Russia from major economies are expected to dampen economic recovery and generate inflationary shocks. If inflation in Malaysia worsens, policymakers may have to implement a more restrictive monetary policy combined with fiscal stimulus funded by debt and petroleum royalties.

COVID-19 Malaysia Malaysian Economy