Malaysia

Buoyed by consistent economic growth, a rising population, rapid urbanisation, low unemployment and a burgeoning middle class, Malaysia’s retail sector is continuing its strong run in the face of a cooling global economy. Total retail sales – excluding large-scale purchases such as cars and homes – for 2011 were valued at $26.8bn by Retail Group...

The wireless broadband sector is moving into a new era with the roll-out of 4G services scheduled for 2013. The LTE spectrum assignment will increase speeds and lower congestion across networks, while a unique approach to regulation is expected to encourage both competition and collaboration.

Over the past few decades the plantations and agriculture sector has become a major contributor to economic growth in Malaysia. In 2011 the industry made up around 7.3% of GDP and employed around 11.5% of the workforce, according to the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA). Major commercial crops include palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa,...

Amid a constant stream of higher-end housing supply, Malaysia’s middle-class home buyers have often found themselves priced out of the market. “In the Malaysian residential market, there have long been significant offerings in the low-end market, around RM60, 000-RM150,000 ($19,356-48,390), and high-end properties above RM500,000 ($161,300). But...

While recent times have been hard globally for initial public offerings (IPOs), Malaysia bucked the trend in 2012 with some of the world’s most successful new launches. This bullish trajectory has also been of interest to media sector players, with one of Malaysia’s largest media interests, Astro Malaysia Holdings, seeking a relisting in the autumn...