Malaysia bans Toyota ad: Some surprise expressed in Asian and regional advertising circles this week when a Toyota ad featuring popular U.S. film actor Brad Pitt - a celebrity endorser which market research has shown to be of high value among several Asian consumer market segments - was banned. Even more so that the campaign had already been running in Malaysian newspapers and print for several months.

Malaysian consumer spending commences a tentative recovery: While a consumer led recovery is established north of the border in Thailand, Malaysia's consumers are acting just a little more conservatively. While car sales have been up for a while, a reliable indicator of a promising economy, a broad-based consumer led recovery has been slower to get into gear.

The Malaysian Advertising Code of Ethics for TV and Radio: Every country has an advertising code for the broadcasting of commercials, and Malaysia is no exception. But the extent of government control varies markedly between countries and some broad understanding of the "Malaysian way" can be gleaned from studying the code.

Business Week positive on Malaysia: Well, we may have said it already, but its nice to know that Business Week agrees with us that just right now business-wise, Malaysia is the place to be...

Malaysia feels the global retail heat: Global retailing names like Tesco and Carrefour are changing the way South East Asians shop. The mega-mall is drawing shoppers away from small, local and or family businesses...

BMW makes commitment to Malaysia: Malaysia provides some hint of competition to Thailand's position as the 'Detroit' of South East Asia with a deal announced between BMW and Malaysia.

Malaysia spins to Chinese tourists: Ten million mainland Chinese travelled overseas in 2001, and Malaysia is pitching to them..

Malaysian 2001 GDP up slightly - economists forecasts: After excellent growth of 8.5% in 2000, Malaysian GDP was expected to be flat in 2001 due to a moribund export market due to global slowdown. Prior to the release of official figures, most economists are expecting a modest rise.

New car sales herald recovery in Malaysia: There is some excitement around the traps about a Malaysian recovery. During the slow down, Malaysia more than other competing economies, was able to curb inflation, and keep costs low. Yes... and that includes business costs. Car sales are up, and that's a good sign of any consumer-led recovery.