OCBC’s Post

In light of the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Singapore and Malaysia, our second panel at the 16th AAF explored how the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) creates opportunities for both nations to collaborate effectively, paving the way for further economic growth and integration.     In his panel keynote speech, Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi, Menteri Besar of Johor, Malaysia, emphasised the importance of fostering greater understanding amongst nations in the face of global uncertainties. The relationships between countries, especially neighbouring nations, must not be taken for granted.    Dr. Hak Bin Chua, Regional Co-Head of Macro Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group, emphasized the importance of improving connectivity for the movement of people and goods. He proposed that easing visa requirements could greatly facilitate easier access for Singaporeans and permanent residents to live and work in both countries.       Ms. Yee May Leong, Managing Director, South Asia, Equinix Singapore, highlighted the critical role of skills transfer. While skill development takes time, transferring expertise to counterparts can accelerate growth. As these skills develop, salary expectations can align more closely with industry standards.     Mr. Teo Siong Seng, Executive Chairman, Pacific International Lines (PIL), and Chairman, Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Singapore Business Working Group (SBWG) shared that the business community has a strong commitment to make the JS-SEZ a successful ecosystem. Implemented well, the JS-SEZ will create a unified ecosystem benefiting not just Singapore and Malaysia, but the entire ASEAN region.     ⏳ Stay tuned for the 16th AAF Conference Highlights for more findings and notes on the discussions.    🔗 Read the press release: bit.ly/16AAFPressRelease    👤 For membership enquiries: membership@siiaonline.org  📰 For media-related enquiries: media@siiaonline.org 

𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿-𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗭𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱! I had the privilege to attend this conference, and after hearing the report presented by Chairman of the working committee, along with the bold and insightful questions and answers from the floor and panelists, 𝗜𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟! What matters most to me is the talent availability, having the right skill sets, and attracting the right talents in Malaysia, and more importantly, across ASEAN (in my view; particularly from ID and the PH) as rightly pointed out by Mr. Sam Cheong from UOB. While infrastructure, mobility, and development are crucial for the JSSEZ's growth, I believe the lowest hanging fruit is establishing a committee dedicated to upskilling workforce. Integrating best practices from both MY and SG will effectively ramp up our talent capability in the region. P.S. Start scouting for 'great deals' in Iskandar!

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭? SuccessMalaysia has become a great place for ASEAN companies to list on a stock exchange. It has a strong economy, friendly rules for investors, and it's in a good spot for growth in the region. 🔻 Here are eight reasons why: 1. Stable and Growing Economy: Malaysia has a strong and varied economy that grows steadily, making it a good place for investment. 2. Investor-Friendly Regulations: Malaysia has clear rules that make investing easy and stock markets transparent. 3. Tax Incentives: The government gives good tax breaks to companies that list on the stock exchange, helping them save money. 4. Strong Capital Market: Malaysia has a mature capital market with lots of investors, which means companies can find many sources for funding. 5. Strategic Location: Malaysia is in a great spot to reach Southeast Asia, perfect for companies wanting to grow in the region. 6. Multilingual and Multicultural Environment: With its many languages and cultures, Malaysia helps companies hire and keep talented people from all over. 7. Government Support: The government helps the stock market grow and assists companies that want to list. 8. Access to Regional Expertise: Malaysia has strong financial skills and professional services, making it easy for companies to get the help they need. Malaysia’s strong economy, tax benefits, and supportive environment make it a smart choice for ASEAN companies looking to grow and raise money. #Simplyfi #Forecast #BusinessGrowth #ASEAN #AsiaMarket #Networking #CommunityBuilding #CapitalMarkets

As a Malaysian employer, I'm deeply concerned about the talent drain happening in our country. Malaysia is losing its brightest minds at an alarming rate, which poses a significant threat to our economic growth and social fabric. But there's still hope! Given this concern, I discuss the root causes of this pressing issue and propose actionable solutions. It's time to rewrite the narrative and create an environment where every Malaysian can thrive. This is the exact reason for GIFT's 2nd edition of Malaysia Stay & Build (MS&B) 2024. MS&B 2024 offers a unique opportunity for Malaysian companies and governmental organisations to nominate their talents to lead with purpose and drive impactful change for the country. Together, let's shape a future where every Malaysian's potential is realised.💡 More info on MS&B in the article. #MSB2024 #Malaysia #BrainDrain #FutureLeadership #LeadershipInAction Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gSMS3gtt

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭? SuccessMalaysia has become a great place for ASEAN companies to list on a stock exchange. It has a strong economy, friendly rules for investors, and it's in a good spot for growth in the region. 🔻 Here are eight reasons why: 1. Stable and Growing Economy: Malaysia has a strong and varied economy that grows steadily, making it a good place for investment. 2. Investor-Friendly Regulations: Malaysia has clear rules that make investing easy and stock markets transparent. 3. Tax Incentives: The government gives good tax breaks to companies that list on the stock exchange, helping them save money. 4. Strong Capital Market: Malaysia has a mature capital market with lots of investors, which means companies can find many sources for funding. 5. Strategic Location: Malaysia is in a great spot to reach Southeast Asia, perfect for companies wanting to grow in the region. 6. Multilingual and Multicultural Environment: With its many languages and cultures, Malaysia helps companies hire and keep talented people from all over. 7. Government Support: The government helps the stock market grow and assists companies that want to list. 8. Access to Regional Expertise: Malaysia has strong financial skills and professional services, making it easy for companies to get the help they need. Malaysia’s strong economy, tax benefits, and supportive environment make it a smart choice for ASEAN companies looking to grow and raise money. #Simplyfi #Forecast #BusinessGrowth #ASEAN #AsiaMarket #Networking #CommunityBuilding #CapitalMarkets

Unlocking Opportunities: Key Considerations for Investing in Malaysia Considering investing in Malaysia? There are several key factors to keep in mind, from understanding local regulations to identifying the best locations. Malaysia offers a wealth of opportunities, particularly in regions like Melaka, where property prices are expected to rise by 6% annually. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme provides attractive incentives for foreign investors, including long-term residency visas and tax benefits. With a stable political climate and a growing economy, Malaysia stands out as a promising investment destination. Let’s explore the essentials for foreign investors and how to maximise your investment potential in this dynamic market. #ForeignInvestment #Malaysia #PropertyMarket

Now calling Hong Kong home, but my heart still carries almost two decades of Indonesian magic with me. Those 18 years living among 17,000 islands have left an indelible mark that shapes how I see business in Southeast Asia today. Thrilled to announce our upcoming #seminar on expanding into #Indonesia, where we're partnering with UOB to bring you insights that go beyond the usual market entry talk! With Indonesia's new #cabinet taking shape and the economic landscape evolving, there's never been a more exciting time to explore this dynamic market of 280+ million people. We've assembled an A-team of experts to break it down for you: 🟠 John Timpany (KPMG) - Tax frameworks and strategies 🟠 Joe Lee (Polygroup) - Real stories from the ground 🟠 Fridoun Chee (Norton Rose Fulbright) - Legal and regulatory insights 🟠 Ricky Ng (UOB) - Your perfect moderator to tie it all together 🟠 Miguel Latorre (Acclime) - Market entry strategies that actually work Beyond the numbers and strategies, we'll share real insights about working in a country where strong relationships and trust are foundational to business success, and where opportunities often hide in unexpected places. From tax frameworks to regulatory policies, we're covering all the essentials. But more importantly, we'll help you understand the heartbeat of doing business in Indonesia – something you won't find in any textbook. Special thanks to Sarah Yip, Marietta and the rest of the UOB team for partnering with us on this exciting initiative. If Indonesia is on your radar (and it should be!), this is one seminar you won't want to miss. See you there! 🌴 Limited seats available! Please sign up using the link in the first comment below! #IndonesiaBusiness #AsianMarkets #MarketEntry #BusinessExpansion #UOB #ASEAN #Indonesia #InternationalExpansion Anne Vuillin Escott Florian Braunsteiner Samuel Houten Sam Cheong Jason Lim

Curious about what drives the resilience of Malaysia's SMEs sector and how it continues to boost the nation’s economy? 🌐 In an exclusive interview on RTM’s Biz Malaysia Programme, Associate Professor Dr Nor Shaipah Abdul Wahab Binti Abdul Wahab, Head of School for Accounting and Finance at Taylor’s University, highlighted the resilience of SMEs notably rise from the second half of 2023 to the first half of 2024. As SMEs continue to play a pivotal role in boosting the nation’s economy, the conversation is far from over. Watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/4f2Z0oK 💬 Join the conversation: What strategies do you think can help sustain and further strengthen this growth? Share your insights below! 💡Interested in diving deeper into the world of business? Discover more here: https://bit.ly/4f68RtX #TaylorsUniversity #RiseWithTheBest #RiseTogether #TaylorSphere #MSMEs #Resilience #Finance #EconomicGrowth

🇲🇾 Malaysia A Magnet for Multinational Investments 1. Malaysia continues to draw significant attention from multinational corporations (MNCs) as they set up strategic hubs in the heart of Asia. The recent arrival of global brands like Tupperware and Arnott's in Greater Kuala Lumpur highlights the nation's appeal as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. With an emphasis on high-value sectors and innovative solutions, Malaysia offers a unique combination of location, infrastructure, and talent that MNCs seek for regional expansion. 2. The nation’s pro-business policies, commitment to economic recovery, and focus on industry-specific growth have made Malaysia a priority destination for companies aiming to tap into the booming Asian market. Agencies like InvestKL are pivotal, actively facilitating these global investments and enhancing Malaysia's role in global value chains. 3. Despite recent reports of some companies ceasing local operations, Malaysia’s ability to attract new players speaks volumes about its resilience and adaptability. This influx reinforces Malaysia's strategy to position itself as a vibrant, strategic, and competitive market. 4. Malaysia's achievements reflect the country’s dedication to sustaining economic growth and fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and innovate. #MalaysiaEconomy #Investment Anwar Ibrahim | Tengku Zafrul Aziz | Rafizi Ramli | Gobind Singh Deo | Fahmi Fadzil | Anuar Fariz | Dato Idzham Mohd Hashim | Prakash Nagarajan | Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) | Iskandar Investment Berhad | Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Malaysia attracts more MNCs https://lnkd.in/gYUjzRMM

This article is incredibly encouraging for Malaysia's economic outlook! It's fantastic to see Malaysia ranked third in Asia for the fastest-growing population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. A 34.6% growth projection is nothing short of impressive and speaks volumes about Malaysia's potential for attracting high-value investments. It's also heartening to note that investor sentiment is shifting positively towards Malaysia's real estate sector, especially with the living sector topping the wishlist. This indicates a strong vote of confidence from both domestic and international investors. With such promising trends, Malaysia's economy seems poised for significant growth and development in the coming years. Control Automation Technology #millionaire #rich #malaysian #knightfrank #highnetworth #asia #southeastasia https://lnkd.in/gBVVUQgP