Spotlight For Malaysian Banks

MALAYSIAN banks seem to have emerged relatively unscathed from the recent global financial crisis. But with interest rates rising, is the party over for banks? The rise in price recently in banking stocks gives an indication. Who will benefit the most? Our columnist James S looks at the growth in the local banking industry and analyses eight listed banking stocks.

In `Other Thots', A Kadir Jasin argues why it is important to bridge the rich-poor gap. He also comments on the plan by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) to dispose the shares of government- linked companies (GLCs).

Fresh from a Maxis relisting, T Ananda Krishnan is in the news again, this time for taking his pay-TV operator Astro All Asia Networks Plc private. There is also a sense of deja vu that Ananda may benefit at some time in the near future by relisting Astro after a cleaning and streamlining process, the same way he did with Maxis.

Wah Seong Corporation, which recently underwent a rebranding and restructuring exercise, has hopes to be recognised as an integrated energy player. We look at the stock's prospects.

The outlook for the plantation sector looks promising, thanks to rising global demand and falling inventories. What are analysts' view on the sector and its listed stocks?

With cheap Chinese exports continuing to flood the marketplace, a depreciating ringgit has helped maintain Malaysia's competitiveness. We study the roles exchange rates play.

We profile Ryan Ho, a third-generation Ho who runs Malaya Optical. He tells us how he learnt the ropes of business from his dad.

Efficient integration of different IT systems is a big issue for manufacturers. mb-e explores the case for modern enterprise resource planning or more popularity known as ERP solutions.

Lastly, our Housing & Property section features Ivory Properties Group, a quiet Penang-based property player. However, it appears that the niche property player has been making waves in the state's property market.