English mastery key to FDI inflows

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian workforce is currently blessed with the
“distinct advantage” of its citizens being well-versed in the English
language, which is the language of business.
According to global
consultancy firm AT Kearney, this is a key factor in Malaysia’s ability
to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs).
Its managing director Joon Ooi said Singapore and the Philippines are the other countries in the Asean region with this competitive edge.
Although
fluency in English is just one of many factors that determine the flow
of FDIs, it is important for Malaysia not to lose out in this area if
its workforce is to remain competent.
Kearney’s FDI Confidence
Index 2012 that was released last week ranked Malaysia as the 10th most
attractive FDI destination, a major improvement from its 21st position
the previous year.
The index also showed that Indonesia improved its ranking to 9th spot from 20th spot previously.
The
survey interviewed more than 200 senior executives from 27 countries in
17 industry sectors with annual global sales of more than US$1trillion.