Bank Negara Malaysia  announced that the Malaysian economy expanded by 5.8% in the second quarter of 2017.  This commendable growth was supported by domestic demand, particularly private sector spending.  From the supply side, the improvement was driven by a broad based expansion across all major sectors.  Going forward, the Malaysian economy, barring unforeseen circumstances, can expect to grow more than 4.8% in 2017. 

On the global stage, growth momentum is expected to sustain, considering the recovery in the manufacturing, trade and commodities, stronger investment activities and financial markets that continue to stay buoyant.

Closer to home, ASEAN as a regional grouping is anticipated to rise to the occasion.  Its growth outpaces that of the European Union and the United States and it is expected to become the fourth-largest economy by 2030, behind EU, US and China.  ASEAN’s growth potential presents immense opportunities for business, trade and investment.  The region’s collective potential is underpinned by strong fundamentals due to its young and vibrant workforce, a growing middle class and increasing intra-regional trade flows.  For this to be realised, Malaysia needs to shift its economy to a level driven by talent and skill based productivity in sync with the ecosystem that is being transformed by the Industrial Revolution / Industry 4.0 that we are facing today.  As we strive to meet these challenges, our South-South connections will also benefit and grow in tandem.

I am most happy to take this opportunity to congratulate our Vice President, YABhg Tun Michael Chen Wing Sum on receiving his “Darjah Kebesaran Seri Setia Mahkota (SSM) award from our Yang  DiPertuan  Agong Sultan Muhammad V on His Majesty’s Official Birthday.  Tun Michael Chen has served with distinction in many Ministerial positions in the Government, including as President of Dewan Negara and in the private sector.  MASSA is very proud to have benefitted from Tun’s wise counsel, business acumen and excellent diplomacy. Our heartiest congratulations and best wishes, Tun!
    

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President