Bank Negara Malaysia’s Annual Report 2014 reported that Malaysia’s economy grew at a stronger pace of 6% in 2014 (2013 at 4.7%) driven primarily by the continued strength of domestic demand and supported by an improvement in external trade performance.  The recovery of the advance economies and the sustained demand from the regional economies also contributed to Malaysia’s growth.

Despite the challenging external environment, marked by uneven global growth across and within regions, escalating geopolitical risks, the declining prices of oil and other commodities and the uncertainty surrounding monetary policy normalisation in the US, Malaysia’s economy in 2015 is expected to register a steady growth of 4.5% – 5.5%.  This growth is expected to be supported by sustained expansion in domestic demand amid strong domestic fundamentals and a resilient export sector.

As we enter the 2nd quarter of 2015, we have yet to see clarity on the economic horizon.  Whilst the challenges remain before us, let us continue to stay focussed on building up the core strengths of our businesses, rein in costs and build-up our efficiencies.  The changing dynamics of the global and regional situation will offer up opportunities if we stay vigilant.

Since the last global financial crisis (2008-2010) our Malaysian external trade and investments in the South-South Countries have proven to be a  valuable sustaining force to power our economy as these emerging markets of the South evidently became new drivers of economic growth.

We want to credit our members for their vision to put their collaborative efforts together to complement and supplement each others’ investment capacities in order to maximise outbound investment efforts multilaterally.  Today, we see the fruits of these efforts as many of these emerging markets have become capable investors as well as markets for one another.  

We want to thank our development partners in the Government, namely Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) for the close cooperation to make available timely information and various support facilitation to make business deals happen.

We also value the relationship with many Embassies and High Commissions of the developing countries that are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Your cooperation and support for MASSA have been invaluable to create successful and lasting bonds of business between our private sector.

MASSA also appreciates the continuing support and cooperation of members and also not forgetting our Executive Council members.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President