Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is in a stronger position than a decade ago, thanks to major fiscal decisions by the government, such as subsidy cuts and a focus on economic development, said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi. He highlighted the country's improved financial position, which was reflected in the recent pricing of its US dollar Government Sukuk issuance, demonstrating stronger international recognition.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohammad Faiz emphasized Malaysia's offerings of a deep and diversified capital market, which surpasses banking assets, its leadership in Islamic finance, sound regulatory and governance foundations, as well as its commitment to enhancing cross-border connectivity. These were highlighted during his address at the ASEAN Investment Roadshow today.
Efforts to enhance the vibrancy and growth of Malaysia's capital market are being pursued under the Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 (CMP), with initiatives such as MY Value Up with Bursa Malaysia, involving the top 88 public-listed companies in the country. Additionally, the SC recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission. This MoU aims to establish a framework for single-prospectus dual-listed initial public offerings and cross-listing of eligible REITs and ETFs, broadening market access and options for issuers and investors.
Mohammad Faiz also noted that ASEAN regulators agreed last year on five key initiatives, including pursuing consistent voluntary carbon market standards and implementing the ASEAN Taxonomy Version 4. These initiatives further included issuing a simplified environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure guide for SMEs in ASEAN and developing a project guide to identify pilot projects for blended finance for adaptation and resilience funding.
The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Action Plan 2026-2030 comprises five strategic thrusts, 11 key priorities, and 18 initiatives aimed at strengthening regional integration and ASEAN's global positioning. Among these, four key initiatives focused on promoting ASEAN Diamonds, facilitating the creation of ASEAN indices, renewing the focus on Islamic Finance with a better shariah screening tool, and facilitating intra-ASEAN activities, products, and connectivity.
A significant priority outlined by Mohammad Faiz is the establishment of a committee to promote ASEAN as an asset class, currently led by the Philippines and Singapore. He urged greater regional connectivity and international participation, which would be crucial for ASEAN's next phase of growth, and called on investors to view ASEAN as a strategic long-term investment destination.