Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Channel NewsAsia brings together top industry and government leaders in a forum to discuss “Sustaining Growth and Development in Malaysia” in Kuala Lumpur on September 4. Held at the JW Marriott Hotel, Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, will give the keynote address at the Malaysia Business Insights 2014. This forum, which is by-invitation only, is an invaluable platform for senior executives and government officials to discuss long-term sustainable development in the country.

The Malaysian economy is expecting positive growth over the next two years, and the government is strengthening the business fronts and promoting investment. Some measures include announcing the lifting of barriers on new foreign unit trust management companies, the removal of mandatory credit ratings, the liberalisation of equity shareholding for credit-rating agencies and permission for full foreign ownership of international credit-rating agencies. This agenda aims to build a stable and inclusive financial system and encourage innovation.

“The rapid change, complexity and competitiveness of the global market, coupled with new government initiatives, have changed the way Malaysia does business with the world. Malaysia Business Insights brings together leaders and change makers to examine how we can achieve long-term, sustainable economic growth in Malaysia, and leverage its position in the region to ignite economic and social progress in ASEAN,” said Melissa Goh, Channel NewsAsia’s Malaysia Bureau Chief, who will moderate the panel discussions at the forum.

The panel includes speakers from key industry and government organisations:

• Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta. Maria, Secretary General, Ministry of International Trade and Industry
• Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid, Country Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Malaysia
• Mr. Teh Kee Sin, National President, SMI Association of Malaysia
• Dr Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah, Group President/CEO, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad

One of the strategic areas of discussion will be about how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can leverage technology and focus on talent management and succession planning to expand and reach global consumers. SMEs are the backbone of the Malaysian economy, accounting for 90% of all business in the manufacturing, services and agricultural sectors, as well as providing 65% of total employment.

Goh added, “The experts will give valuable insights about the most important trends and unique business culture, and share ways to benefit from the ongoing structural reforms. These discussions will help executives better come to grips with the business dynamics of this country.”

“Sustaining Growth and Development in Malaysia” is the latest in the successful leadership series of Business Insights forums which Channel NewsAsia has been hosting across Asia.

The events held over the past year in Jakarta, Bangkok, Yangon, Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, aim to establish links across Asia and to promote deeper understanding of the business climate and practices in the host countries.