Posts filed under 'Business and Investment'
Malaysian Ringgit has recently been on a decline against the Singapore dollar.
Limsimi.com - Singapore Dollar/ Malaysian Ringgit Comparison
From a low of 1 Singapore Dollar = 2.32 Malaysian Ringgit in March 2009, it is now 1 Singapore Dollar = 2.43 Malaysian Ringgit!
In addition, fixed Deposit Rates in Malaysia has recently been on a decline. From a high of 4.5% pa that we see last year, we now see most banks offering FD rates at 2.5% pa.
Examples include (assuming 12 months tenure):
Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad – 2.5% pa
RHB Bank Berhad – 2.5% pa
United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Berhad – 2.5% pa
Hong Leong Bank Berhad – 2.5% pa
Therefore the Golden Question: Should put your money into Malaysian Fixed Deposit? Read on…
June 20th, 2009
When the Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) was officially opened in Mar 2000, there was little concern in Singapore about the weight PTP being a serious competitor to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA). After all, there was the common thought that PTP (and Malaysia in general) cannot match the efficiency and reputation of Singapore. In addition, PSA had been the incumbent port of call for most shipping companies.
Alarm bells start to ring when Maersk Sealand announced that they are shifting their operations from Singapore to PTP in the same year. In 2002, Evergreen Marine Corporation followed suit by announcing that they too, are shifting their operations to PTP. Feeling that PTP was breathing down their neck, PSA management starts to restrategize and effect cost cutting measures. The seedling of thought, that Malaysia can one day overtake Singapore on the world map, has been sowed.
If PTP was the “Lion”, enter Iskandar Malaysia, the “Dragon” that packs a potential punch to make a dent in Singapore’s progress. After all, Iskandar Malaysia will be 3 times the size of Singapore when the project is fully complete. With the world being so globalised, there is no lack of talent with a sizable expat pool expected in Iskandar Malaysia. There is no lack of natural resources as well.. land, people, plantations and even oil. Of course, there is Senai Airport that will be scaled up to match Changi Airport. In sea fare, oh! There is PTP. Top up all this with a US$12billion worth of investments received so far from the private sector, Iskandar Malaysia can pose a serious threat to Singapore.
Replicating Singapore’s success might not be so hard. Make it an easy choice for MNCs to make Iskandar Malaysia their regional headquarters. Lower the tax rates, improve the general security in the region, offer lower cost housing and make savvy improvements in infrastructure, learn from Singapore and their policies.. there are levers the Malaysian Authorities know they can pull to deal with any potential doubts in would-be investors. And it seems to work already. Even Singapore has already indicated an explicit interest to be part of Iskandar Malaysia. Read on…
March 15th, 2009
With the economic crisis still looming, Johoreans are hoping that Iskandar Malaysia will be the catalyst to turn around their fortunes. Recent updates on Iskandar Malaysia do indeed look promising.
1. Iskandar Malaysia aims to attract US$13billion of investments by end of year 2010.
As of Mar 2009, US$12billion worth of investments has already been made in Iskandar Malaysia. This is only US$1billion away from target.
2. Next set of Danga Bay projects are set to commence by April 2009
The construction of a 28-storey tower of serviced apartments called Oakwood Residence Johor and two 38-storey towers of residential units called Iskandar Residences will start in Danga Bay, part of the Zone “A” economic zone in Iskandar Malaysia.
3. Aero Mall set to open end 2009
Set in the exterior of Senai Airport (Zone “E” of the economic zone in Iskandar Malaysia), the first stand-alone and external airport mall in Malaysia offers 3,716.12 sq m of retail space. Aero Mall will be open to public by end of 2009.
4. Malaysian Government to add RM10bil to Khazanah Fund
The additional funding to Khazanah Fund will come Read on…
March 14th, 2009
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