Latest news with #SiobhanDas
New Straits Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Economic resilience bolsters US investor confidence in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economic growth of 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025) is a positive indicator of resilience and broadly reflects the stable business environment experienced by members of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). In a statement to Bernama, AmCham chief executive officer Datuk Siobhan Das said the US business community continues to view Malaysia as a strategic hub in the region, and this momentum reinforces a positive investment outlook. She highlighted that the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and the United States — built over more than five decades — remain vital, and the association anticipates continued US investment in Malaysia. "We also anticipate Malaysian corporate investment into the US to grow on the back of the strong gross domestic product (GDP) numbers," she added. Das noted that while GDP performance is one of many yardsticks used by US multinationals, their investment outlook is largely influenced by the ease of day-to-day operations. "What drives operational and growth decisions for US multinationals is the day-to-day experience, ensuring their business activities are not hampered by administrative bureaucracy and outdated, frequently changing rules and regulations. "Although economic indicators remain relevant, long-term American investments also depend on Malaysia's competitiveness within global value chains," she said. She noted that flexibility and adaptability to business models are critical, especially when companies need to shift production capacity quickly. This requires assurance that this can be done efficiently, cost-effectively, and simplicity in compliance with local regulations. Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced that the Malaysian economy expanded by 4.4 per cent in 1Q 2025, driven by sustained household spending supported by favourable labour market conditions and government policies. BNM Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said the 1Q expansion was further supported by steady investment activity and continued export growth, particularly in the electrical and electronics sector and tourism.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Economic Resilience Bolsters US Investor Confidence In Malaysia -- AMCHAM
REGION - CENTRAL > NEWS By Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's economic growth of 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025) is a positive indicator of resilience and broadly reflects the stable business environment experienced by members of the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM). bootstrap slideshow In a statement to Bernama, AMCHAM chief executive officer Datuk Siobhan Das said the US business community continues to view Malaysia as a strategic hub in the region, and this momentum reinforces a positive investment outlook. She highlighted that the strong bilateral ties between Malaysia and the United States — built over more than five decades — remain vital, and the association anticipates continued US investment in Malaysia. 'We also anticipate Malaysian corporate investment into the US to grow on the back of the strong gross domestic product (GDP) numbers,' she added. Das noted that while GDP performance is one of many yardsticks used by US multinationals, their investment outlook is largely influenced by the ease of day-to-day operations. 'What drives operational and growth decisions for US multinationals is the day-to-day experience, ensuring their business activities are not hampered by administrative bureaucracy and outdated, frequently changing rules and regulations. 'Although economic indicators remain relevant, long-term American investments also depend on Malaysia's competitiveness within global value chains,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
US business chamber welcomes M'sia's Q1 economic performance
The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce said long-term investment decisions by American companies are driven by Malaysia's global competitiveness and ability to adapt to evolving business models. (AP pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysia's 4.4% economic growth in the first quarter of 2025 reflects resilience and a stable business environment, according to the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Amcham). In a statement to Bernama, Amcham CEO Siobhan Das said the US business community continues to see Malaysia as a strategic regional hub, with current momentum supporting a positive investment outlook. She also emphasised the importance of longstanding US-Malaysia ties, noting that more American investments are expected, alongside growing Malaysian investments in the US. The US has been Malaysia's third-largest trading partner since 2015, with total trade between the two countries surging 29.9% to RM324.91 billion last year. Das said that while economic indicators like GDP are useful, long-term investment decisions are driven by Malaysia's global competitiveness and ability to adapt to evolving business models. 'Strong GDP growth boosts confidence, but what matters most to US multinationals is the ease of doing business – streamlined operations, minimal bureaucracy, and clear, consistent regulations,' said Das. 'Flexibility and regulatory simplicity are essential, especially when companies need to adjust production quickly,' she said. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) announced yesterday that the economy grew 4.4% in Q1 2025, supported by strong household spending, a favourable labour market and government policies. BNM governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said growth was also driven by steady investment and exports, particularly in the electrical and electronic sector and tourism. Last month, the US announced tariffs on goods imported from some 60 countries, set at varying rates. Malaysia was slapped with a 24% tariff on most of its exports to the US. The tariffs were subsequently paused for 90 days to allow for trade negotiations. However, a 10% blanket duty remains in place on almost all imports into the US. On Thursday, investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz said discussions between Malaysia and the US regarding the latter's tariffs were progressing well.
