Malaysia

With troubled weather patterns at home squeezing supply while demand from overseas grows, Malaysian rubber can command high prices on international markets these days.

Malaysia's national oil and gas giant Petronas plans to launch two major Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in November, Petronas Chemical and Malaysia Maritime and Heavy Engineering (MMHE), as part of a government initiative to transfer strategic assets to the private sector. The Petronas Chemical listing is set to become one of the biggest IPOs in Malaysian – and indeed South-east Asian – history.

Malaysia plans to adopt an innovative approach to tackling the spread of dengue fever that could save hundreds of lives and cut massive losses to the economy caused by the mosquito-borne virus. However, some fear the proposed cure may be more harmful than the illness itself.

In a major boost for Malaysia, global index provider FTSE has upgraded the country’s capital market status from secondary to advanced emerging. The vote of confidence fits well with the government’s ambitious plans to restructure the economy through major investment.

Malaysia’s maritime freight trade could be in for a major shakeup, with the government launching a comprehensive study of shipping laws which bar foreign firms from domestic lines.

As regional rivals suffered from instability and violence over the past year, Malaysia has strengthened its position as South-east Asia's top tourism destination, posting strong visitor numbers. Keeping pace with the rising demand will require constant upgrading of the travel infrastructure.