US Firms In Malaysia To Continue Growth, Says Body

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- US companies in Malaysia are expected to continue their growth next year despite the challenging global economy. American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) vice president Tim Tariq Garland said the key area of growth in the country is in the services sector. "It's an area Malaysia desires to grow as well as US businesses interested to expand their capabilities," he told reporters after officiating AMCHAM's Young Enterprise (YE) Programme 2011 Achievers' Showcase here on Tuesday. He said Malaysia's move to further liberalise 17 services sub-sectors, announced by Prime Minister Najib Razak in the 2012 Budget, had given a big boost to the country's efforts to attract investment here. "Many companies are looking at Malaysia to set up a regional centre and leverage Asean growth and opportunities that exist with the 600 million people in the region," he said. Garland said the 10-month YE programme had given the opportunity to Malaysian Form 4 students from 15 schools to manage the full cycle of a business enterprise through hands-on experience under the guidance of corporate and teacher advisors. "The YE programme, driven by sponsor companies and supported and recognised by the Education Ministry, helps provide practical opportunities for students to gain an understanding of the role of an entrepreneur," he said. Secondary school Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Wangsa Maju Seksyen 5, Kuala Lumpur with its enterprise, Svian Legacy, won the Best Enterprise Award, beating 14 other contenders. Other winners were Legacy Enterprise by SMK Bandar Utama 3, Selangor (Most Profitable Stall), EPIC Enterprise by SMK Tinggi St David, Melaka (Best Annual Report and Best Use of ICT) and Just Enterprise by Catholic High School, Selangor (Best Product). -- BERNAMA Malaysia