Malaysia

A British colony until 1957, Malaysia has since transformed its economy from one primarily reliant on agriculture and commodities to a dynamic, multi-sector one. Today, Malaysia is a thriving manufacturing and service hub, and an exporter of electronics, semiconductors, refined petroleum and natural gas. The Malaysian economy is also supported by a well-regulated banking system, a robust research and development (R&D) industry, and policies promoting open markets and private sector initiatives.

As both a result and a cause, foreign direct investment (FDI) has played a significant role in Malaysia’s economic development. Additionally, Malaysia benefits from bilateral investment treaties and membership in ASEAN and the World Trade Organization.

However, challenges remain. Malaysia’s budget relies heavily on the performance of the oil and gas sector, rising labor costs erode price competitiveness, while high dependency on food imports and ethnic and religious disputes pose additional concerns.

Source: IMF, CIA The World Factbook

UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of around 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

For nearly nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.

The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to help businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.