Malaysia Must Strengthen Market Foundations To Stay Competitive – Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia must go beyond embracing new technologies by strengthening market foundations, improving efficiency and widening access to capital to keep its financial and capital markets competitive, resilient and relevant.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said strong collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, market infrastructure providers, institutional investors, government-linked investment companies (GLICs), asset managers and corporates reflects a collective commitment to Malaysia’s financial future.

“The presence of financial market stakeholders sends a powerful signal of confidence in our markets and in our shared ambition to build a modern, dynamic and future-ready financial ecosystem,” he said in his keynote address at an event organised by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd today.

CIMB today launched Malaysia’s first tokenised deposit settlement for tokenised sukuk.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “Beyond Digitalisation – How Will Malaysia Win?”, which explored the country’s opportunities and capabilities in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

Amir Hamzah also emphasised that the next-generation financial system will not be defined by technology alone.

“It will be defined by our ability to combine innovation with trust, efficiency with resilience, and progress with stability.

“Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and tokenisation, will undoubtedly create new opportunities. However, their true value lies not in their novelty, but in their potential to improve market efficiency, reduce friction, expand access and create greater economic opportunity,” he said.

He added that Malaysia must build a financial system that is more efficient, more connected and inclusive, while being better positioned to support Malaysia’s future growth and competitiveness.

-- BERNAMA