Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Finance Ministry has stressed that Malaysiawill not suffer an economic crisis in 2023 despite the challenges of globaluncertainty.
Answeringquestions at the legislature on March 14, Malaysian Deputy Finance Minister StevenSim Chee Keong noted that the Government expects the economy to grow around4.5% this year, consistent with what has been projected by the InternationalMonetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which predicted the growth rate ofbetween 4.4% and 4%, respectively.
He stressed that the Government will also makeMalaysia a more attractive investment destination by simplifying the investmentprocess, creating more start-ups that are highly innovative, as well ascreating more jobs with a decent income.
According to him, subsidies, cash aid andvarious incentives with a total allocation of 64 billion RM will continue, alongsidethe ceiling price setting programme as well as price standardisation forcertain basic necessities.
To rebuild micro𝐆, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs) in the post-pandemic period, he said the Government has providedincentive funds, tax deductions, loans and financing guarantees with anallocation of over 40 b🐈illion RM./.
Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Zafrul Aziz has said the country sees its commitment to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a strategic imperative in its engagement with other ASEAN member states and China.
Malaysia is on the right track to transition its energy towards renewable energy, especially in the power sector, according to Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Malaysia reportedly tops the list of countries with investors submiting the most letters of intent for investments in Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara.
Malaysia’s labour market continued an upward trend following an improvement of the country’s economic situation, which is in line with the recovery of the global economy, according to Director of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Mohd Uzir Mahidin.
Startup ASEAN platform brings all stakeholders together under one digital roof, expected to promote open innovation, improve access to capital, and strengthen ASEAN’s position as a dynamic and connected innovation powerhouse.
Indonesia as an appealing destination for investment in energy transition. It is Southeast Asia’s largest energy consumer and the region’s fourth most populous country. However, the majority of the country's existing power plants still rely on fossil fuels.
The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore urged all Vietnamese firms trading with Singapore to seriously comply with its legal regulations, particularly customs requirements.
The Grandma Island soccer team was about to go to compete for Setokok Island, Batam city. In the middle of the trip, the boat was hit by waves and overturned.
Mexico's Nuevo León leaders underscored the state’s keen interest in partnering with ASEAN – a region known for dynamic economic growth, a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing role in global supply chains.
Thailand has imposed a comprehensive ban on electronic waste imports as it grapples with a burgeoning e-waste problem. A 2021 report from the Pollution Control Department revealed that the country generates over 400,000 tonnes of domestic electronic waste annually.
Phuket airport authorities said the incident did not affect flights or airport operations, and security personnel are also stepping up surveillance in public areas, with CCTV covering all the airport area.
The facility will integrate multiple components, including mining operations, a smelter, high-pressure acid leach (HPAL) processing, and production of precursors and cathodes.
A participant in the Malaysia Economic Forum 2025 said despite challenges, there are significant opportunities in AI, digital transformation, and green technologies, requiring the country to balance both risk and potential thoughtfully.
Themed “emerging trends in terrorism and violent extremism”, the event drew over 200 participants from domestic and international agencies, discussing the rapid evolution of terrorism and the need for stronger regional and global cooperation.
Indonesia aims to start nuclear power generation by 2034, with a government roadmap already in place to develop small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 300 to 500 megawatts.
The package, endorsed on June 24, comprises 481 projects designed to boost GDP by an additional 0.4% and generate temporary employment for about 7.4 million people nationwide.
An Indonesian official emphasised that energy security is extremely essential amid global geopolitical and economic fragmentation, highlighting the need for the energy industry to strengthen resilience and responsiveness in the face of fluctuating oil prices and the shift to clean energy.
ASEAN must deepen collaboration through platforms such as the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) to ensure regional responses keep pace with the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.
Speaking at the launch of the Indonesia Economic Prospects June 2025 edition on June 23 in Jakarta, Turk noted that Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 4.9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Illustrative image (Photo: themalaysianreserve) 
