Kuala lumpur: Malaysia can emerge as one of the world's 30 largest economies if its annual nominal gross domestic product (GDP) growth outpaces that of other countries by at least two percentage points, according to Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar. He is currently chairman of Cypark Resources Bhd, IOI Corporation Bhd, WWF-Malaysia, and the MySDG Foundation, co-chairman of Sunway Bhd, and pro-chancellor of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Wahid stated that Malaysia is currently ranked 35th, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which ranks 30th, has an economy approximately 20 percent larger than Malaysia's. He emphasized that the countries ahead of Malaysia will continue to grow, and Malaysia must expand at a faster pace to close the gap and enter the ranks of the world's 30 largest economies.

Abdul Wahid pointed out that countries ranked above Malaysia would continue to experience growth, while emerging economies ranked below, such as the Philippines and Bangladesh, also aim for faster growth. To potentially ascend to the 30th position or better, Malaysia must outpace the growth of other countries by at least two percentage points in nominal terms.

He highlighted that Malaysia's economy is currently performing steadily despite global challenges, with a growth rate of about five percent in real terms. In nominal terms, the economy is expanding by around seven percent. However, sustaining this growth momentum is crucial to achieving the top-30 target.

Abdul Wahid further noted that achieving this target would require Malaysia to continue implementing suitable policies to attract more investments from both foreign and domestic sources. The second Wisdom Malaysia Conference 2026, organized by Kerjaya One PLT, serves as a platform where current and former industry leaders share their expertise and experiences with leaders, emerging leaders, and professionals.

The conference includes sessions on leadership, discernment skills, and transformation case studies, along with question-and-answer and networking opportunities to provide participants with practical insights from the speakers.