Country Introduction Malaysia

Country Introduction Malaysia

Introduction:

country where various ethnic groups live together through mutual understanding and tolerance fostered over several decades of coexistence. The cultures of these groups form a colourful and vibrant heritage for the peoples of Malaysia as well as its visitors.
Since Malaysia gained independence in 1957, it has evolved into a high technology nation and experienced steady economic progression and rapid infrastructure development which Malaysians are truly proud of.
Today, Malaysia continues to thrive in its ventures. It has become more efficient and competitive globally. According to the 2010 World Competitive Yearbook published by the Swiss-based Institute for Management Development (IMD), Malaysia had an overall ranking of 10th most competitive countries in the world. IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook reports on the competitiveness of nations through the Overall Competitiveness Scoreboard which ranks the world's 57 leading economic nations. It takes into consideration a economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Malaysia is also a popular destination for tourists. Lonely Planet, one of the most widely read travel guidebook, picked Malaysia as one of the world's top destination for 2010. The Lonely Planet praises Malaysia for its diversity from its cities to the rainforests as well as multicultural elements of its people. Malaysia is known to many as a peaceful country where various ethnic groups live harmoniously.

Malaysian Plan for Developed Country Status

The 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) covers the period from 2011 to 2015 and is part of the government's goal of becoming a developed nation by 2020. Among the highlights of the 10MP are new approaches towards becoming a high income and high productivity economy. The gross national income per capita is targeted to increase from the current RM23,567 or USD7,365, (in 2009) to RM38,850 or USD12,140, in 2015.
Twelve National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) have been identified to boost the economy on the basis of contribution to high income, sustainability and inclusiveness. They include: oil and gas, palm oil and related products, financial services, wholesale and retail, tourism, information and communications technology, education, electrical and electronics, business services, private healthcare, agriculture as well as the Greater Kuala Lumpur revitalisation.
The 10MP has been formulated with various new approaches towards becoming a high income and high productivity economy.
Today, Malaysia continues to thrive in its ventures. It has become more efficient and competitive globally. According to the 2010 World Competitive Yearbook published by the Swiss-based Institute for Management Development (IMD), Malaysia had an overall ranking of 10th most competitive countries in the world. IMD's World Competitiveness Yearbook reports on the competitiveness of nations through the Overall Competitiveness Scoreboard which ranks the world's 57 leading economic nations. It takes into consideration a economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
Malaysia is also a popular destination for tourists. Lonely Planet, one of the most widely read travel guidebook, picked Malaysia as one of the world's top destination for 2010. The Lonely Planet praises Malaysia for its diversity from its cities to the rainforests as well as multicultural elements of its people. Malaysia is known to many as a peaceful country where various ethnic groups live harmoniously.

Location and Climate

Location

Located in south-east Asia, Malaysia is made up of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak and covers a total land area of about 329,758 square km. Peninsular Malaysia is flanked by the South China Sea on the east and the Straits of Malacca on the west, with Thailand as its northern neighbour and Singapore sitting at the south. Sabah and Sarawak occupy the northern zone of Borneo. Malaysia is located 7 degrees north of the Equator at a longitude of 8 hours ahead of the GMT. Malaysia is accessible from any part of the world via air or sea. It is located in a zone that does not experience any drastic weather change or serious natural calamities such as earthquakes and tornados.
Malaysia's strategic location makes it an excellent choice for multinationals with regional businesses to set up their headquarters here.

The Climate

Malaysia has a pleasant tropical climate and is generally hot and humid throughout the year as it is close to the equator. Temperatures are around 300C during the day and 250C at night in the lowland and between 210C to 280C in the highlands. Light cotton, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round.
Rainfall in Malaysia is often unpredictable, but generally falls at an average of 250 cm (100 inches) annually in West Malaysia and 300 cm in Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia).
Winds here are often influenced by the northeast and south-west monsoons that blow alternately during the year. The north-east monsoon blows from the months of November to April and bring heavy rains to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia as well as to Sabah and Sarawak. The south-west monsoon season is on the other hand drier, resulting in a dry period for the whole country and in particular the west coast of West Malaysia.