Malaysia was ranked third among Future Fifteen countries that is on
course to transform the global landscape economically, politically and
culturally in years to come.
In the eighth edition of Annual Country Brand Index (CBI), FutureBrand, the global brand consultancy, said the inaugural Future Fifteen recognised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the forerunner among tomorrow’s leading country brands followed by Chile.
The report cited that the UAE’s aptitude in capitalising on its abundance of natural resources and in exercising excellent government foresight in policies and investment was one of the strongest indicators of its future success.
“Despite positive momentum in the region, CBI also noted UAE’s impending obstacles, including the tremendous challenge of fair wealth distribution,” said FutureBrand in a statement.
Other countries included in the Future Fifteen segment were Qatar, Estonia, China, Iceland, Mexico and Brazil.
FutureBrand also revealed its eighth annual ranking of the world’s leading country brands moving Switzerland to the number one seat in its 2012-2013 CBI.
Trailing behind Switzerland were Canada, Japan, Sweden and New Zealand.
The report also identified several core themes driving the shifts in the 2012/2013 country brand rankings including the decline of the iconic United States brand.
Amid questions of foreign policy and a staggering US$14 trillion national debt, brand USA was left to face its biggest opportunities and possible setbacks during its election cycle.
FutureBrand also noted the untapped power of Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain.
It said while all five countries were facing crippling debt, macroeconomic imbalances, rigid labour markets and increasing austerity measures, Italy, Spain and Ireland held steady in the world’s top 25 brands.
Only Greece and Portugal continued on a downward trend in the CBI as both countries contended with a economic crisis with Greece attempting to avoid default and Portugal coping with a recent downgrade to junk status by Standard & Poor’s.
Despite its limited natural resources and a population of only five million, FutureBrand said Singapore has developed into a highly competitive brand through deliberate and successful perception management.
“Formerly known for its authoritarian policies, this city-state has repositioned itself as a gateway to Asia for the international business community,” said FutureBrand.
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Congratulations Malaysia!!
ReplyDeleteMalaysia's continuing efforts to enhance its competitiveness has seen the country shift to high value-added and innovative industries.
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ReplyDelete"We already have a strong base for the development of electrical and electronics (E&E) industry and the industry has evolved vis-a-vis global development trends," Noharuddin Nordin, chief executive officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) said at a press briefing.
ReplyDelete"It has moved from pure assembly operations to the production of high technology products, leveraging on market needs for high-end applications."
ReplyDeleteHe encouraged smaller firms to collaborate in order to produce competitive products that could be marketed globally.
ReplyDelete"When they merge their capabilities, they can create a product that is competitive. On their own, it is more difficult," he said, adding that growth through acquisition would lead to marriage in technical know-how.
ReplyDeleteHe noted that companies might not have the capabilities to carry out acquisitions all the time, so another way was to join force in new ventures.
ReplyDeleteAmong them, Advance Tech Communications Sdn Bhd has partnered with TOP IT Industries Sdn Bhd to produce their flagship micro-computer - MAGIC W3, under the company Top ATC Industries Sdn Bhd. Its chief executive officer CP Loi said the firm had invested RM10mil in the project over three years.
ReplyDeleteIts first order was 500 units of the device that would be shipped to Hong Kong, China, the United States and Europe this December, he added.
Nordin lauded the effort as the gadget was designed, prototyped and manufactured locally.
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ReplyDelete"This project is a testament of the innovative and value creation capabilities of the Malaysian companies.
ReplyDelete"The training and knowledge sharing required to design and manufacture such high tech mobile devices will raise the profile of Malaysia on the global technology stage," he said.