Oxford Economics: Malaysia’s economy could shrink by 6 percent in 2020

Malaysia’s economy is forecast to shrink by 6 percent this year due to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, but it will rebound 6.6 percent next year, according to the Global Economic Outlook report from Oxford Economics.
Oxford Economics: Malaysia’s economy could shrink by 6 percent in 2020 ảnh 1A view of Malaysia (Photo: Internet)


Hanoi (VNA)
- Malaysia’s economy is forecast to shrink by 6 percent this yeardue to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, but it will rebound 6.6 percent nextyear, according to the Global Economic Outlook report from Oxford Economics.

In its report issued on September21, Oxford Economics said though the nationwide movement control order inMalaysia compounded the economic damage in the second quarter, the payoff hasbeen apparent, with the pandemic situation currently in hand, which will aidthe economy in regaining its footing.

Malaysia’s exports wouldbenefit from improving Chinese import demand and the electronics cycle.Nonetheless, the speed of its recovery will likely slow given current sluggishglobal demand, high unemployment and weak investment, it said.

The report also said thoughthe Recovery Movement Control Order has been extended to December 31, almostall sectors have been allowed to operate.

However, only a smallnumber of sectors are still restricted such as night clubs and entertainmentcentres.

The restricted entry of foreign tourists has also caused difficulties for the tourism sector, which contributes to 15.2 percent of the country’sgross domestic product./.

VNA

See more

President of the Tourism Council of Thailand Chai Arunanondchai (Photo: nationthailand.com)

Thai tourism to face big challenges due to Middle East conflicts

Thailand’s tourism sector has been directly affected and is facing severe volatility, both in terms of travel costs and tourist numbers after one week of Middle East conflicts, according to President of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) Chai Arunanondchai.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas (centre), Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun (left), and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at the Bhumjaithai Party forum in Buri Ram province on March 8. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand unveils “10 Plus” strategy to weather global instability

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the policy package focuses on concrete economic measures, including initiatives to help low-income households, elderly citizens and small businesses reduce debt, thereby supporting national economic growth.

Thailand takes strong action against complicity in cybercrime

Thailand takes strong action against complicity in cybercrime

Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said the damage caused by call centre scams is evident, with some Thais involved in fraudulent activities against their compatriots, including receiving money to open mule accounts. She urged the public, especially young people, not to be tempted by small sums of money to register SIM cards or give personal information to fraudsters for use in online criminal activities.

Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso on the sidelines of the Closing Ceremony of Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2025 at ICE BSD, Tangerang. (Photo:jakartaglobe.id)

Indonesia seeks WTO approval to suspend concessions to EU

The dispute dates back to 2018, when the EU issued a directive restricting the inclusion of crop-based biofuels in member states’ renewable energy targets and set a roadmap to phase out palm oil-based biofuels by 2030, citing concerns over the sustainability of palm oil production.

A motorist refuels at a station in Phnom Penh following a Ministry of Commerce warning against domestic fuel stockpiling. (Photo: Khmer Times)

Cambodia strengthens control over retail fuel sales

Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce has called on the public and fuel station operators across the country to avoid hoarding fuel and to strictly follow technical safety standards in the sale and storage of petroleum products to prevent safety risks and ensure a stable supply.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos will step up agricultural production to ensure food security, meet domestic demand and expand exports; encourage the development of agro-processing industries, including those related to rubber, aquatic products, cassava and sugarcane, as well as fertiliser and animal feed production, in order to increase added value and create jobs in rural areas.

Illustrative image (Photo: Nikkei)

ASEAN faces startup funding drought risks

ASEAN's startups raised 1.16 billion USD in October-December 2025, slightly down from the same quarter a year earlier. For the full year, funding increased 18% to 5.4 billion USD, but that was still about a fourth of the level seen in the peak year of 2021.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq speaks to the press in Badung, Bali, on March 5. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia steps up waste sorting at source

Waste sorting at source, combined with modern treatment technologies and stronger community participation, will play a decisive role in reducing pollution and building a sustainable waste management system in Indonesia in the coming years.

Lao girls in a festival. (Photo: asiakingtravel.com)

Laos marks International Women’s Day

The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Lao Government have established policies and legal frameworks to promote women’s development, safeguard women’s rights and interests, and advance gender equality.

Two children play with a gadget in Jakarta. (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia sets age limits on digital platforms to protect children

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid said Government Regulation No. 17 of 2025 on Electronic System Governance for Child Protection, known as PP Tunas, will delay access to high‑risk platforms until age 16, while lower‑risk services will be available from age 13.

Indonesia looks to expand engineering workforce amid AI push

Indonesia looks to expand engineering workforce amid AI push

President of the Institution of Engineers, Indonesia (PII) Ilham Akbar Habibie said the number of engineers per one million people in Indonesia remains low. The country currently has about 2,500 engineers per one million people, compared with around 9,500 in Vietnam – nearly four times higher. He described Vietnam as a typical example of how a nation can rely on engineering to strengthen its economy and drive robust economic growth.