Author : Dr. Kwek Kian Teng

Summary : The theme of this convention is a sequel to last year’s theme. For the Malaysian economy policy makers and economists were grappling with the new sources of growth in view of the sluggish growth of the Malaysian economy after the Asian financial crisis. The MEA and FAEA have provided a platform for researchers and economists to present their work an issues that affect the efficient functioning and growth of the economies in ASEAN. The focus of the MEA Conventions to provide a forum for evaluating future economic perspective arising from economic research on new facilities and competitive studies as lessons that can be learnt. This aspect of the MEA Conventions distinguishes itself from the more short term analysis that is provided by agencies like MIER, Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance in their economic reports on the economy.