KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has attracted a total of RM42.8 billion (USD10.2 billion) approved investments in the manufacturing, services and primary sectors, involving 910 projects in January to March 2022. The foreign direct investments (FDI) remained the major contributor, at 65 per cent or RM27.8 billion (USD6.6 billion), while investments from domestic sources contributed 35 per cent amounting to RM15 billion (USD3.6 billion). The approved investments for this period will create 24,906 new jobs in the country.

During the period, the manufacturing sector continued to assume an important role in driving the country's economic recovery, accounting for more than half (70.1 per cent) of total approved investments of RM30 billion (USD7.1 billion), followed by the services sector at RM12.7 billion (USD3 billion) (29.7 per cent) and the primary sector at RM0.1 billion (USD40.4 million) (0.2 per cent).

Sharath Martin, Senior Policy Consultant, ACCA, ASEAN ANZ

In a post-pandemic economy, talent development is a key enabler, with human capital being an essential element in economic growth and development. While the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted all sectors, education was among the hardest hit. Professional education is now hard-pressed to meet the ongoing demand for a highly-skilled and knowledge-driven workforce with the changes in business models and talent needs, impacted by technology advancements, adaptive work environments and a global workforce that is more diverse. [1]

Kaspersky observed a downward trend in the number of attacks on mobile users in 2021. However, there is no reason to celebrate as the attacks are becoming more sophisticated in terms of both malware functionality and vectors. Monitoring from the global cybersecurity company also shows cybercriminals have shifted their focus to banking and gaming. 

Malaysia was ranked 10th in the top 10 countries in the world with 27.36% share of users targeted by mobile malware in 2019. The number dropped to 19.68% in 2020, and further reduced to 12.43% in 2021. Kaspersky’s annual analysis of mobile threats demonstrated a positive trend, where the number of attacks on mobile users worldwide has been declining but experts believe it is too early to relax.