Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Despite rising imports, investment in data centres is expected to drive Malaysia’s export growth in the second half of 2025.
At a press conference on the country’s economic performance in the second quarter of this year, Malaysia’s central bank (BNM) Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour attributed the import increase mainly to data centre construction and upgrades.
Malaysia boasts a skilled workforce and adequate machinery to meet production demands, aiming to improve efficiency, business operations, and boost exports soon.
Several data centres have started serving overseas clients. While export results remain modest, investors anticipate significant contributions to Malaysia’s export revenues from late 2025 onward.
Malaysia’s economy grew 4.4% year-on-year in the second quarter, matching the previous quarter’s growth but slightly below the 4.5% forecast.
Facing ongoing global trade uncertainties, BNM revised its full-year GDP growth forecast down to 4.0-4.8%, from the prior 4.5-5.5% range.
In July, the central bank of Malaysia cut interest rates for the first time in five years to address economic challenges. Inflation remains subdued, with consumer prices rising just 1.1% year-on-year in June 2025, the slowest in over four years.
Governor Abdul Rasheed acknowledged export challenges, including a 19% US tariff imposed on Malaysian goods in early August 2025 and semiconductor tariffs that could reach 100%. Nonetheless, Malaysia’s economy retains significant untapped potential. Increasing global demand for electrical and electronic products and a rebound in tourism are expected to support exports moving forward.
༒ However, Malaysia faces challenges such as a sharp drop in its current account surplus, which fell to 16.7 billion MYR (3.97 billion USD) in the second quarter from 38.5 billion MYR (9.15 billion USD) in the first quarter. Foreign direct investment also declined sharply, with net inflows dropping to 1.6 billion MYR (380 million USD) in the second quarter from 15.6 billion MYR (3.71 billion USD) the previous quarter./.
A total of 23 contingents joined the march, including flag bearers, naval crews, marching bands, reserve forces, naval cadets, and veterans from Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Local community bands and school groups also participated with music and performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Mohd Azamanizam Baharon, President of the Malay Entrepreneurs and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (PERDASAMA), said digital tools such as point-of-sale systems, automated accounting, cloud-based inventory management, and customer relationship management (CRM) applications have streamlined MSME operations and improved accuracy.
The news agency quoted Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo as saying that the NCCP directly supports the objectives of MyDIGITAL and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint by unlocking real economic potential, apart from providing a clear direction for the country’s digital transformation journey.
Under the deal, about 80% of Indonesia’s exports to the EU will see tariffs eliminated within one to two years after the agreement takes effect. This marks an important step following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s announcement in July that the two sides had reached a 'political agreement' on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The Indonesian Government has just unveiled a plan to roll out five priority programmes in 2025, aiming to generate more than 3 million new jobs while fostering sustainable economic growth and enhancing the competitiveness of its agro-fishery sectors.
Running through September 20, the event marks the first time an official platform has been created within the AIPA framework to connect the private sector with policymakers, aiming to discuss pressing issues such as economic growth, sustainability, digitalisation, and social inclusion.
Colonel David Dwi Martin W, Director of Training for the Indonesian Air Force, said that the exercise helps deepen ties between the two air forces while fostering mutual trust and respect between the two nations.
In its initial phase, the programme will recruit 20,000 fresh graduates. Each participant will receive a monthly stipend equal to the provincial minimum wage — currently 3.3 million IDR (200 USD) — for a six-month period.
ASEAN Express, a new cross-border freight rail service, is being hailed as a breakthrough in international rail connectivity, expected to strengthen Thailand’s and ASEAN’s economic competitiveness in the near future.
An illegal wildlife trade case involving 16 protected eagles has been busted in Central Bangka district, Bangka Belitung Islands province of Indonesia.
Singapore has been ranked fifth among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, marking the third consecutive year it has remained in the top five.
Senior defence officials of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Philippines discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in defence and weapon industry at their meeting in Seoul on September 15.
From September 16, residents and visitors can enjoy a safer, cleaner, and higher-quality travel option aboard the company’s signature cyan taxis, with special promotions available for new users.
The declaration, endorsed at the ASEAN Prosecutors/Attorneys General Meeting (APAGM) in Bali, commits regional prosecutors to closer coordination in addressing transnational offenses such as online gambling, scams, corruption, money laundering, and cross-border asset smuggling.
CAMEX features 17 themed pavilions, including 10 dedicated to ASEAN member states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – as well as a regional pavilion from Guangxi, China. It also hosts a special World Halal Trade Centre and themed areas for other Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) members such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
The Indonesian government has confirmed that it will stop providing incentives for imported completely built-up (CBU) battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from 2026.
The ministry warned that the RSV can easily spread through mucus, saliva and toys around children. Currently, there is no specific treatment or RSV vaccine for children, so families were urged to take preventive measures.
Thailand has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing markets for artificial intelligence (AI), with OpenAI reporting that weekly active users of ChatGPT in the country have quadrupled over the past year.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is driving forward the Land Bridge mega-project, valued at nearly 1 trillion THB (31.5 billion USD), to stimulate the economy and attract long-term investment.
A discussion on Vietnamese cuisine, culture and tourism was held in Tel Aviv on September 14, aiming to deepen the understanding of Vietnamese culture and promote people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Israel, especially as the two countries expand cooperation across multiple fields.
Confirmed initiatives include the revival of the popular "Half-Half" co-payment scheme. Other proposals under discussion - though not yet finalised - include the "We Travel Together" tourism stimulus programme, decentralisation efforts and disaster mitigation strategies.
