Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President MASSA

Bank Negara Malaysia released its report on the 2Q19  indicating that Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.9% in the second quarter of 2019 (1Q2019:4.5%) primarily driven by domestic consumption and private investments.  Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to slowdown but will remain healthy at 4.5% for 2019.

The on-going trade wars are disrupting global value chains and creating much volatility in the stock markets and financial markets.  Market movements are reacting much faster, with shorter periods and higher swings.  This is the new norm going forward.

MASSA held its 28th Annual General Meeting on 20 June 2019.  The Executive Committee remained largely intact, except for Ms Norzilah Mohammed, who completed her tenure with EXIM Bank Berhad.  YBhg Datuk Merlyn Kasimir joined the Executive  Committee for this new term 2019-2021.  On behalf of the EXCO, I want to thank the EXCO members who have consented to serve again for a new term, a welcome to Datuk Merlyn Kasimir and grateful thanks to Ms Norzilah Mohammed for her time with MASSA.

MASSA facilitated a dialogue with YAB Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad with the African Diplomatic Corps at Putrajaya on 11 June 2019.   18 Ambassadors and High Commissioners including 3 Charge d’Affaires  representing 21 African nations attended the dialogue with our Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several Government officials from MIDA, MATRADE and MASSA Committee Members were also in attendance.  The Prime Minister touched on the finer points of governance and the challenges of running a Government a second time around.  His advice on working on mutually beneficial partnership within a South-South context continue to resonate with the nations of Africa.

In this light, I encourage MASSA members to continue to look for opportunities in this burgeoning continent of 55 nations, most of which have peace and stability and are enjoying good GDP growth.
                                                                                     
Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President