KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s economy grew at its fastest pace in two years during the first quarter, the central bank said Friday, boosted by stronger domestic demand and a pick-up in exports.
Southeast Asia’s third-biggest economy expanded 5.6 percent on-year in January-March period, compared with 4.1 percent in the same period last year and 4.5 percent in October-December.
The result — much better than the 4.8 percent forecast in a survey by Bloomberg News — marks the third consecutive quarter of improving growth and is the fastest since the start of 2015.
“It is a lot stronger than expected and it was partly due to a rebound in exports and commodity prices,” said Song Seng Wun, an economist at CIMB Private Banking.
Bank Negara said growth would be sustained this year as the global economy showed signs of improvement, while domestic demand remained healthy.
“The economy is on track to register higher growth in 2017,” Bank Negara said via a statement.
“Domestic demand is projected to continue to expand. Exports are expected to benefit from the improvement in global growth.”
The figures come after export-reliant Malaysia recovers from years of falling oil prices and weak overseas demand.
The economy is forecast to grow 4.3-4.8 percent this year but Bank Negara said in March that rising protectionism remains a risk.
Growth hit 4.2 percent last year, slowing from 5 percent in 2015 and 6 percent in 2014.
Malaysia economy grows at fastest pace in two years
Malaysia economy grows at fastest pace in two years
RLC Global Forum highlights role of Saudi youth in retail digital shift
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s young and highly digital population is reshaping how the Kingdom’s retail sector adopts new technologies and artificial intelligence, advancing faster than many global competitors, industry leaders told Arab News.
Speaking on the sidelines of the RLC Global Forum in Riyadh, executives told Arab News that the intersection of a youthful population and strong investment in AI is driving a shift in the industry’s priorities.
From understanding consumer behavior to leveraging the Kingdom’s growing status as a global AI leader, Saudi Arabia is becoming as a unique destination for the retail sector to thrive, learn, and evolve in the digital sphere.
Abdullah Al-Tamimi, CEO of commercial real estate company Hamat Holding, told Arab News that the firm is keen to analyze and understand consumer behavior, with a particular focus on the younger generation as a key part of that insight.
“Actually, it’s a big part of our day-to-day operation,” he said, adding that the company invests heavily in understanding customer needs and behavior and works to correct any missteps.
Al-Tamimi emphasized paying close attention to small details, noting that younger consumers are especially sensitive to the overall experience and “deserve that we work around the clock in order to improve it.”
He added that this focus “can be a competitive advantage for Saudi Arabia as well.”
Al-Tamimi said that as the younger generation grows accustomed to new technology shaping retail customer experiences, Hamat Holding is leveraging AI to enhance them further.
“We started a couple of initiatives improving digitalization,” he said, adding that the company sees digital tools as a way to enhance its work by automating day-to-day operations and allowing teams to focus on bigger-picture and more complex tasks.
While the firm has expanded its use of technology, he stressed it has not replaced human workers, emphasizing the continued importance of human capital for creativity and interaction. “AI is a big part of our strategy,” Al-Tamimi added.
Amit Keswani Manghnani, chief omnichannel and AI officer at luxury goods retailer and distributor Chalhoub Group, told Arab News that bridging a younger customer base with continuous digital development is key to advancing the Kingdom’s retail strategies.
On Saudi Arabia’s demographics, he said: “We look at 2030 as really building products which serve especially the younger population, which is growing and very digitally savvy.”
Manghnani underscored the unique characteristics of the Kingdom’s retail market as a tool for developing effective products and customer experiences.
“So it’s very digitally savvy, much more than in other markets,” he said, noting that e-commerce penetration is rising not only through online purchases but also via digital catalogs that drive in-store visits.
Manghnani said investment is focused on making products more digitally accessible and easier to use, while strengthening customer service to meet the expectations of what he described as a demanding but welcome consumer base. “Service excellence, digital — all these things together are how we are tapping into the younger population, which again is extremely savvy.”
Manghnani reinforced Al-Tamimi’s point that the Kingdom holds a competitive advantage, citing the speed at which its retail and technology industries are aligning.
“As a market, we’re tending to see the adoption of digital,” he said, referring to AI, data and other forms of digital interaction, adding that these tools are increasingly being combined.
He noted that this market is moving “much quicker than the other markets.”
The two-day RLC Global Forum brought together more than 2,000 global leaders, policymakers, and innovators from over 40 countries over the two-day event to define the next chapter of growth across retail, consumer, and lifestyle industries.
