Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
MASSA 

2025 has been a significant year. Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN saw many important and historic events, that has led to the deepening of economic collaboration and partnership across countries, region and the globe. The accession of Timor-Leste into the membership of ASEAN is a major milestone for ASEAN, and MASSA is very enthusiastic about the business & investment prospects with this nation.

As the global economy continue to endure the challenge of tariffs and uncertainty, Malaysia’s economy performed admirably in the year of geopolitical turbulence, especially under the US Tariffs and its knock-on effects. The Malaysian economy recorded growth of 5.2% in 3Q2025 from 4.4% in 2Q2025, driven by sustained household spending, steady investment activity and increase net exports of goods and services (led by E&E), while headline inflation remained stable at 1.3% across the 2nd and 3rd quarter.

Going forward, the global trends of higher digitalisation – underpinned by AI-related demand, low-carbon transition investment, growing intra-regional trade, can complement Malaysia as it implements the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) & Budget 2026, alongside the expansion in investment activities, continued demand for E&E, and robust inbound tourism – especially with Visit Malaysia 2026, greater flight connectivity, visa exemptions and promotional activities.

I want to express my thanks to members, especially my fellow Executive Committee Members, MASSA Ex-Officio Representatives from Government Ministries & Agencies, and our esteemed sponsors, for your continued support, participation and contributions at our regular meetings & events. I also want to appreciate all who have contributed valuable and insightful articles to our MASSA Newsletter over 2025.

Additionally, I am pleased to share that the iDeas Xchange, a joint initiative by MASSA with the Kolaxus and the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association (MAJECA) is a platform to spotlight the startup ecosystem in Malaysia, whose aim is to catalyse collaboration between corporate and innovators, will continue in 2026. I wish to encourage MASSA members to leverage this unique platform to get acquainted with these innovators, entrepreneurs & startup founders for collaborative partnerships in their growth journeys, and to ultimately expand and scale in the markets of the South-South developing countries.

My best wishes to everyone, Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and successful 2026!

Tan Sri Azman Hashim
President
18 December 2025