KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia ranks No. 1 in emerging South-East Asia as the country with the most potential to attract foreign investors, according to the 2022 Milken Institute Global Opportunity Index.

       The annual assessment, created to help inform investors and policymakers in global investment decisions, evaluates an economy’s investment landscape using variables such as macroeconomic outlook, access to financial services and the potential for future innovation and development.

       “In this year’s report, we identify several policies that will help emerging South-East Asia remain competitive when it comes to investment opportunities,” said Milken Institute head of the research department Claude Lopez.

       “Governments in the region must strengthen their institutional frameworks, deepen regional integration to take advantage of each country’s unique resources and opportunities, and maximise social impact by leveraging global capital flows to advance development.”

       The 2022 Global Opportunity Index includes a report focusing on emerging South-East Asia, a region where an influx of capital could lead to increased innovation, job creation and competitiveness, according to a statement.

       Emerging South-East Asia scores well compared to other emerging and developing economies in three key areas: having a strong economic performance, offering a highly qualified workforce, and being firmly integrated with the global economy. — Bernama