Economic figures up for Malaysia - radio style

Next year is looking good for the Malaysian economy as it responds well to the growth from East Asian economies.
This positive sentiment led think tank Malaysian Institute of Economic Research or the MIER to revise its forecast gross domestic product or GDP figures upwards.
Its executive director Professor Dr Mohamed Ariff says Malaysia’s 2007 GDP forecast is raised to 5.2% from an earlier estimate of 4.8%.
He says this is because Malaysia is less sensitive to US economy’s slowdown and is benefiting well from intra-trade with East Asian economies.
But, Dr Mohamed Ariff cautioned that uncertainties may increase in 2008 which might result in a recession in a worst-case scenario.
He says if the US dollar does not make the adjustments and goes on a spending spree during its elections, it may lead to a kind of crunch.
MIER hopes that the US economy will slowdown now and for US dollar will take a softer landing to avoid a crisis of global proportions.

Economic figures up for Malaysia

As required, the second story.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) has revised its 2007 GDP growth forecast upwards to 5.2% from an earlier estimate of 4.8% given that Malaysia is less sensitive to the US economy.
Malaysia has become more sensitive to the growth of East Asia, especially China, said executive director Prof Dr Mohamed Ariff.
He said there were signs that the US and European economy was slowing down but Malaysia has shown resilience.
“What is becoming more important is East Asia, especially China. Intra trade with East Asian economies accounts for more than 50% of total trade in the region, Malaysia can ride on East Asian growth," he told reporters after the opening of the National Economic Outlook Conference 2007-2008 recently.
He said compared to Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines, Malaysia’s growth rate stands better as the local economy was more diversified and would also benefit from expenditure boost in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).
However, Dr Mohamed Ariff cautioned that uncertainties could increase in 2008 which might result in a recession as a worst case scenario.
“It much depends on how the global imbalances are addressed. If the US dollar does not make the adjustments and goes on a spending spree due to its elections, it may lead to a kind of crunch,” he said.
He said hopefully the US dollar would take a softer landing and the US economy to experience a slower growth now to avoid a crisis of global proportions.
“We can’t completely rule out the possibility of a recession but the chances are slim.
“The adjustments will have to not only come from the US economy but also East Asian economies and there are signs of this taking place,” he said.
He also said assuming that the US dollar would undergo an orderly correction and that oil prices would remain largely stable if not lower, Malaysia could record a 5.5% growth in 2008.
Dr Mohamed Ariff added that it expected adjustments to be made in 2007 to allow the economy to be on an expansionary path in 2008.
For this year’s GDP growth, MIER revised it upward to 5.9% from 5.6% on the account of better business and consumer confidence.
The think tank’s surveys found that this was possibly buoyed by incentives offered in Budget 2007 and the 9MP projects. Consumer confidence was boosted due to news of bonuses for the civil services and stable job market.

Empowering the disabled

Caption: Kok (second from right) explaining engineering concepts to Lim(in wheelchair,white top) and other students

SHARON Lim is excited about her plans to visit Sipadan Island early next year. She wants to put her newfound diving skills to the test.
“My friends tell me that among the best ways to enjoy the island is to go diving,” she says.
Lim, 27, is not only passionate about diving but other sports. Recently, she attended a fencing event in Thailand as part of the Malaysian delegation to hone her fencing skills.
But Lim is “not so ordinary” – she has been wheelchair-bound for almost five years now, but this has not dampened her spirit in any way.
Her latest venture is the Lions Engineering and Drafting Services (Leads) Programme.
This telemarketeer says as a person who likes challenges, she took up the course to make herself more employable.
More importantly, the programme is exceptional as it affirms the commitment of students through its unique structure.
The programme, designed for the disabled, was launched late last year and is a collaboration between the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur, charity portal Hati.org.my and Taylor’s College Petaling Jaya Campus.
Students pay a RM500 (US$143) deposit, which is fully refunded upon completion of all assignments and all class attendance in the programme.
If they fail to hand in an assignment, a RM50 (US$14) penalty will be imposed.
The programme was considered a success, because out of the 10 students that graduated, two successfully gained employment. The first batch of students comprised of wheelchair-bound individuals and transsexuals. Lim is in the second batch of 20 students.
Other than her personal commitment, she is inspired by her trainer, Clancy Chung.
Chung, with over two decades of draftmen’s experience, suffered from polio when she was five years old. She works from home and used to teach hearing-impaired students at the YMCA many years ago.
“I tell students that it is simple to work from home and that it is an option they can explore. They just need is a computer and a printer and they can accept jobs from clients via e-mail,” she says.
Trainer Kok Hee Poh says the programme requires full commitment from the students.
“There is no free lunch as we all know it. The students know they have to take the course seriously.
“We want to help, but students are also encouraged to help themselves,” says Kok.
During the three-month course, the students undergo practical training in basic engineering drafting and computer skills.
Upon graduation, students are encouraged to contribute to the programme through sharing of ideas and perhaps teaching other disabled individuals.
Taylor’s College School of Architecture.Building.Design programme director Tony Liew says this programme has the full support of the management when providing the facilities and assistance when needed.
“It is a non-profit effort and if we can help, we should help every little way,” he explains.
As reflected in the sharing by these individuals, life is not a bed of roses, but when opportunities beckon, it is up to the individual, disabled or otherwise, to take up the challenge.