Asset prices saw a 2.7% decline in 2022 globally, the strongest drop since the global financial crisis in 2008, according to Allianz Research.

Inflation hurts investments and savings

A whopping 64% of Malaysians say they have experienced some form of discrimination in the past 12 months, owing to their socioeconomic status, age and ethnicity, according to the findings of a survey conducted by Malaysian youth-led non-profit organisation Architects of Diversity. The survey, which analysed 3,238 responses from participants aged 18 and above between Aug 4 and 23, 2023, found that Gen Z (aged 18 to 24) were more likely to report having experienced ethnicity-related discrimination (43%) than their older peers (22% of those aged 60 and above; 23% of those aged 40 to 59). Both men and women reported having experienced gender-related discrimination at similar rates (21% and 27% respectively).

Glaring Socioeconomic, racial discrimination in Malaysian society

The mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 13, with fresh policies and strategies aimed at tackling the nation’s current challenges, emphasising the pivotal role of technology and digital-based industries in resolving these issues.

12MP review: Supercharging digitalisation and advanced technology

Private equity (PE) has great potential to achieve large-scale positive impact. PE firms have emerged as major players in the economy, with global assets under management projected to exceed US$11 trillion by 2026. With a business model that largely revolves around creating value in invested companies, PE firms are well placed to unlock the impact potential of their portfolio companies.

How to embed sustainability in a private equity fund

Among the top Asean countries, Malaysia has committed to achieving the largest emission reduction target of 45% by 2030, underpinned by initiatives in the 12th Malaysia Plan, to foster a green economy by promoting low-carbon industries, decarbonisation, a circular economy and the clean energy transition. There has been growing interest from foreign and domestic investors in the country’s green economy.

Deals and opportunities in ESG in Malaysia

Continued population growth in South and Southeast Asia is expected to support economic expansion in the region as working-age populations will remain large compared with younger and older citizens, according to a recent report by Moody’s Investors Service. However, the rating agency says the availability and scale of labour inputs alone will not drive materially stronger economic growth or better fiscal outcomes, as other conditions such as strong education and quality infrastructure are also key to reaping the benefits.