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Tag: competitiveness

  • Malaysia Soars to 15th Spot in Global Economic Competitiveness, Credits Boom in AI and Semiconductor Industry

    Malaysia Soars to 15th Spot in Global Economic Competitiveness, Credits Boom in AI and Semiconductor Industry

    In the most recent 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, Malaysia’s standing significantly improved, moving up eight spots to claim the 15th place. This notable advancement represents the country’s greatest leap in recent years. The International Institute for Management Development, the authority that published the ranking, attributed Malaysia’s enhanced position to advancements across all four pillars of competitiveness.

    The four pillars considered in the ranking include economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Malaysia demonstrated remarkable progress in all these areas. The country obtained 4th place worldwide for economic performance, while government efficiency ascended 11 places, reaching the 14th position. Business efficiency moved up 16 spots to the 16th position, and infrastructure experienced a slight boost, improving two spots to rank 33rd.

    An Examination of Sub-factors

    Looking deeper into the sub-factors, Malaysia’s domestic economy ranking ascended four places, achieving the 11th position, and the international trade ranking rose one spot to the 5th position. One significant leap was observed in the international investment sector, which climbed seven places to reach the 19th position.

    The IMD ranking evaluates 70 economies based on the aforementioned four fundamental pillars. Malaysia’s consistent improvement is evidenced by its steady ascent over the years. In the previous year, the nation jumped 11 places to secure the 23rd position among 69 economies. This was a marked improvement from the 34th position it held among 67 economies in 2024.

    According to economists, the critical factors contributing to Malaysia’s elevated ranking include a robust economic foundation, heightened trade competitiveness, improved public and business sector performance, and expanding opportunities within the technology sector.

    Stephen Innes, Managing Partner at SPI Asset Management, believes that Malaysia’s substantial boost in competitiveness is not merely indicative of a short-term recovery. Instead, he points to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry as key drivers of this progress. Innes notes that Malaysia’s advantageous positioning across the electrical and electronics supply chain, coupled with its appeal in attracting investment in advanced packaging and data centers, makes it a natural beneficiary of global supply chain diversification.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors led to Malaysia’s improved ranking in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking?
    Malaysia’s improvement is attributed to advancements in economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. The rapid growth in artificial intelligence and the semiconductor industry were also highlighted as key contributors.

    How has Malaysia’s ranking evolved over the years?
    Malaysia has shown steady improvement in its standing, moving from 34th out of 67 economies in 2024, to 23rd out of 69 in 2025, and finally to 15th out of 70 economies in 2026.

    What sub-factors saw notable improvement in Malaysia’s ranking?
    Significant improvements were observed in the country’s domestic economy, international trade, and international investment rankings.

  • Onitsuka Tiger to Roar Solo: Asics Announces Spin-off for Enhanced Global Competitiveness

    Onitsuka Tiger to Roar Solo: Asics Announces Spin-off for Enhanced Global Competitiveness

    In a strategic move to bolster its global standing, Asics Corporation has announced plans to bifurcate its Onitsuka Tiger business into an independent, wholly owned subsidiary, effective from January 1. This segment will transition to a newly conceived entity, OT Group Corp, through a company division. While Onitsuka Tiger will be afforded greater independence, it will simultaneously remain an integral part of the Asics Group.

    Onitsuka Tiger: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

    This decision stems from the consistent, robust growth exhibited by Onitsuka Tiger, underpinned by its upscale positioning, international proliferation, and product development exploration. As a core element of Asics’ internal organizational structure, the brand has prioritized broadening its lattice of directly operated stores while reinforcing its status as a luxury lifestyle brand.

    Asics asserts that this restructured arrangement is set to facilitate expeditious decision-making and an adaptive response to fluctuating market conditions and consumer predilections. Concurrently, it will augment the brand’s worth and competitive edge in the international fashion and lifestyle sphere.

    Onitsuka Tiger, originally established as a sports shoe brand by Kihachiro Onitsuka in 1949, was rejuvenated as a fashion label in 2002. Since its revival, it has metamorphosed into a globally recognized lifestyle brand, seamlessly marrying Japanese tradition with contemporary design elements.

    Questions & Answers

    **What is the primary reason for Asics splitting the Onitsuka Tiger business?**
    Asics is aiming to boost the brand’s global competitiveness by enabling faster decision-making, improving its response to changing market conditions and consumer trends, and enhancing its value and competitiveness.

    **How does Asics plan on maintaining its relationship with Onitsuka Tiger post-split?**
    The Onitsuka Tiger brand will operate as an independent, wholly owned subsidiary under the newly formed OT Group Corp but will continue to be a part of the Asics Group.

    **What has been the trajectory of the Onitsuka Tiger brand since its inception?**
    Onitsuka Tiger was initially a sports shoe brand founded in 1949. In 2002, it was resurrected as a fashion label and has since evolved into a global lifestyle brand that artfully blends Japanese heritage with modern design.

  • Malaysia Rockets Up 11 Spots in Global Economic Competitiveness Rankings!

    Malaysia Rockets Up 11 Spots in Global Economic Competitiveness Rankings!

    Malaysia has made impressive strides in the realm of global economic competitiveness, climbing 11 spots to secure the 23rd position in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking—the country’s highest ranking since 2020. According to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, this upward trajectory signals Malaysia’s ambition to rank among the world’s top 12 economies by 2033, as reported by the state-owned media, Bernama.

    Factors Driving Competitive Gains

    The ministry attributes this remarkable ascent to three key factors: robust economic performance, enhanced government efficiency, and improved business effectiveness. Malaysia now proudly holds the fourth position globally for economic performance, a notable jump from eighth place last year. Both government and business efficiency have also shown impressive gains, each climbing eight positions in the rankings.

    International Trade Taking Flight

    A standout highlight of this year’s report is the dramatic leap of 11 places in the international trade sub-factor, landing Malaysia in sixth place. This rise is fueled by substantial growth in exports of goods and services, a diversification of trade markets, and increased tourism revenues—elements that have collectively strengthened Malaysia’s trade surplus.

    Looking Ahead with Optimism

    The ministry remains optimistic about the future, believing that with strong governance and continued collaboration between federal and state governments, alongside close partnerships within the private sector, Malaysia is well on its way to achieving its competitive aspirations by 2033. The World Competitiveness Ranking, an annual report conducted by the Institute for Management Development in Switzerland, evaluates nations based on their ability to cultivate business-friendly environments that foster long-term prosperity.

    As Malaysia climbs the competitive ladder, it may soon be up against some surprising rivals in the world of global trade.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Malaysia’s current position in the World Competitiveness Ranking?
    Malaysia is ranked 23rd in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking, marking its highest position since 2020.

    Which factors contributed to Malaysia’s rise in the rankings?
    Key factors include economic performance, government efficiency, and business efficiency, with significant improvements noted across these areas.

    What is Malaysia’s goal for the future in terms of global competitiveness?
    Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 12 most competitive economies by 2033, bolstered by strong governance and public-private partnerships.

  • Malaysia won’t lose out to Vietnam: Council

    Malaysia won’t lose out to Vietnam: Council

    Malaysia will not lose its competitiveness to Vietnam even though it does not ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Malay Economic Action Council researcher Mohd Effuan Aswadi Abdul Wahab said there was no significant proof that there would be an increase in investment once a country signed a free trade agreement (FTA).

    “It is said that many companies, especially manufacturing firms will move to Vietnam after the country has ratified the CPTPP as the trade agreement is being seen as opening doors for companies to go to countries which have ratified the FTAs. This is certainly not true,“ he said.

    He said investors would look into various factors, including political stability, better infrastructure, skilled workers and rule of law, before making any investment decision.

    “Investors will certainly look into Malaysia’s economic policies before they make any investment decision.