KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd is optimistic about the outlook for 2025, citing a robust pipeline of initial public offerings (IPOs) and an active capital market, said chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. He said that there have been 46 listings so far this year, with a robust pipeline ahead.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Wahid emphasized that the exchange’s primary focus remains on fulfilling its purpose as a marketplace for businesses to raise capital to support their growth. Speaking at the sidelines of the 63rd World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) General Assembly and Annual Meeting, he highlighted the market’s inclusivity, welcoming companies of varying sizes to participate, which has been a key factor driving the strong pipeline.

Abdul Wahid further elaborated that the directive from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to enhance efficiency by reducing processing times to within three months has sparked increased interest in market participation. He noted that the Prime Minister’s vision
for increased market activity is supported by the broking community and advisors actively engaging with businesses, contributing to a promising pipeline for 2025.

Prime Minister Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, recently announced that Malaysia’s equity market capitalisation has surpassed RM2 trillion this year, indicating the country’s economic recovery. He commended both the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia for their efforts in maintaining an attractive capital market for investors.

On the topic of ASEAN 2025, Abdul Wahid mentioned that the exchange is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and the SC to coordinate several programmes planned for next year, though details are still being finalized. He assured that Malaysia will actively engage in various ASEAN initiatives, particularly in financial services and capital markets.

He also highlighted the recent memorandum of understanding signed among all ASEAN exchanges as a prelude to anticipated activities and collabora
tions in the coming year. Abdul Wahid noted the timely nature of Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its regional position, given ASEAN’s significant growth potential as a market of 700 million people. He pointed out that intra-ASEAN trade remains below 30 per cent and expressed hope for increased Malaysian involvement in driving intra-ASEAN trade and investment.