Asaki.or.id – Jakarta, SINGAPORE = Singapore Export Growth Seen Higher but risks lurk……” Singapore’s key exports are expected to expand at a faster rate this year. Non oil domestic exports should expand 4%-6% this year, after rising 2.3% in 2007-well below expectations, largely due to falling global demand and an “unanticipated” weakness in electronics shipments. Total trade is projected to expand between 6%-8% this year. The stronger growth projections for 2008 hinge on an expected recovery in global semiconductor sales, world economic growth at a slower but still solid 4.8% and stronger sales of refined oil products.

MALAYSIA = Malaysia Economic Growth to Slow in 2008…….Malaysia economic growth is expected to slow to 5.4% this year which is threatened by US recession as well as rising oil and food prices on the domestic front. Higher food priced and bad weather led to a drop in the Consumer Sentiment Index which is registered 110.7 in the fourth quarter compared to 117.5 in the previous quarter, however the automotive industry index saw a strong improvement.