Bursa CEO: Malaysia's capital market resilient, poised for growth

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said.
This is supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors.
"The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth," he said on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025) in Singapore today.
As at Aug 1 this year, Bursa Malaysia had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024, said Fad'l.
It maintained lead position in the Asean region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised," Fad'l said.
"This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value and
offering opportunities for investment.
"As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia's economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally," he added.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains.
This suggests that open economies such as Malaysia and Asean need to be responsive and build resilience.
He outlined Malaysia's priorities as Asean chair to strengthen regional resilience and position the region as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper regional economic integration to safeguard the region's growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy.
Tengku Zafrul continued his insights in a fireside chat moderated by Fad'l where the conversation turned to how Asean and Malaysia can navigate external shocks from US-China tariff tensions.
He elaborated that there is potential for the region to turn these disruptions into opportunities to position itself as a base for global manufacturers seeking stability and resilience.
Malaysia, in particular, has strengthened its edge against regional peers
This is supported by disciplined industrial and economic reforms, the development of high-tech hubs in Penang and Kedah, as well as special economic zones aimed at attracting strategic investments in electrical & electronics, EVs, and advanced manufacturing.
Tengku Zafrul added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and "safe harbour" measures needed to secure investor confidence.
IM 2025 in Singapore is Bursa Malaysia's flagship programme in collaboration with
the Macquarie Asean Conference 2025.
Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide.
In 2025 alone, the series made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest Asean-Malaysia here in June, each reinforcing Malaysia's position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.