Malayan Banking Bhd’s latest disclosure points to more than just deal volume, it provides early evidence that the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is beginning to attract meaningful capital flows , positioning the bank at the forefront of a multi-year regional growth theme. Early Signs of Capital Formation in JS-SEZ Malayan Banking Bhd has facilitated RM20 billion (US$4.9 billion) in financing and investments tied to the JS-SEZ, spanning corporate, mid-market and consumer segments. More notably, the bank has supported the establishment of nine family offices in Johor , signalling: Rising wealth inflows into the corridor Growing demand for cross-border structuring and asset allocation Early-stage development of a regional wealth management hub This suggests the SEZ is moving beyond policy ambition into execution phase , where capital deployment is already taking shape. From Policy Framework to Investable Theme The JS-SEZ...
Several experts share their views with Malaysiakini regarding the Budget 2009 unveiled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. MCPX David Cohen, director of Action Economics, Singapore: It is a populist budget to deflect the growing popularity of Anwar (Ibrahim). (Prime Minister) Abdullah (Ahmad Badawi) is obviously under pressure as witnessed by the rollback in fuel prices last week. Lee Heng Guie, chief economist at CIMB Bank: I think most people already expected a budget plan that won’t have many negative points. So this is one factor that helped the market to rise and also because overseas markets were good last night. But the overall mood is still cautious because there is still uncertainty. Given the tough macro situation, they may have little choice but to spend more now. Whether it’s the right choice depends on how they fine-tune the deficit going forward. Khoo Kay Peng, political and economics analyst: Anwar can, if he wishes, make any amendments he thinks are necessary...