Competitiveness of Malaysia

[chenchow]

We have been talking about improving Malaysia etc, but I think one of the main questions are whether we are competitive enough. Where do we stand in the world?

There are a number of rankings of these in the world, but is there a way can we scrutinize which area of competitiveness that we do better and which area that require a great deal of improvement...

How about Foreign Direct Investment? What is a good proportion of FDI to Domestic Investments?

[chenchow]

We have been talking about improving Malaysia etc, but I think one of the main questions are whether we are competitive enough. Where do we stand in the world?

There are a number of rankings of these in the world, but is there a way can we scrutinize which area of competitiveness that we do better and which area that require a great deal of improvement...

How about Foreign Direct Investment? What is a good proportion of FDI to Domestic Investments?

[__earth]

Promoting my site!!!

I've written something on protectionism. The grammar might bit off since I've always talk crap late in the night but I'll repair it slowly.

It's from something I've learnt in my trade theory class.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mnoorsha/2004/11/446-of-protectionism-and-proton.html

I see a great relevance with Proton's current state. How about you guys?

Promoting my site!!!

I've written something on protectionism. The grammar might bit off since I've always talk crap late in the night but I'll repair it slowly.

It's from something I've learnt in my trade theory class.

http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mnoorsha/2004/11/446-of-protectionism-and-proton.html

I see a great relevance with Proton's current state. How about you guys?

[Wedko]

Michael Porter's diamond theory is the best tool to assess the competitiveness of Malaysia.

Firm Strategy, structure and rivalry - Not ambitious enough
Malaysian firms are pretty still restricted within Malaysia and by best within the East Asian region.
How many Malaysian firms have global operations?

Factor Conditions - OK

We have enough natural resources and good strategic location to be attractive to the foreign investors.

Home demand conditions - Not enough

While I believe Malaysians consumers are quite demanding but the volume is too low to make an impact to represent the global consumers. Thus, Malaysian firms do not have the chance to learn how to satisfy the global comsumers. If you go to Singapore you will know what do I mean, they complain about everything, public transport.... except government of course.


Related and supporting industries - Ok, but not good enough

The supporting industries are mainly run by small companies or the associates offices of top accountancy firms or law firms.


Overall, Malaysia is not competitive enough because Malaysian firms are not ambitious enough to take on the world and consumers are not demanding on the goods/service that they get.

Come on guys, let's take on the world. Whatever things you are doing now, aim to be the top in the world.

Instead of thinking of how to attract Foreign Investment, we should think of how to invest in foreign country and bring the money back to our country.

[Maxforce]

Good Point. In fact, Excellent Point.
I think mainly is due to our Malaysian "American-kowtow" culture. We lack the self confidence and the self believe. We give up before we try.
Previously I was in an online business "exporting" goods to Australia. Money was good. Barriers of trade? Yeah sure there were but once we got through, we were as good as any Australian Companies. Same level. Point here is not to brag. It is to demonstrate that it can be done and that we Malaysians are not inferior in anyway.