RAM Rating Services Berhad (“RAM Ratings”), in partnership with the Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility (CGIF), hosted its flagship RAM Forum 2025 on 3 October 2025, bringing together more than 250 policymakers, investors, financiers and corporate leaders to deliberate how Malaysia can build economic resilience and long-term competitiveness amid shifting global dynamics.
The Forum underscored the importance of adaptive strategies and collaboration in strengthening Malaysia’s financial stability and market competitiveness. The event was supported by other leading banking institutions, reflecting the industry’s shared commitment to sustainable growth and financial innovation.
“The RAM Forum has become a platform for candid dialogue and exchange of ideas between capital and financial market community, businesses, regulators and policymakers,” said Julie Ng, CEO of RAM Ratings. “By engaging diverse stakeholders to discuss developing macro and market trends and evolving risks, we aim to uncover powerful insights to augment corporate and investment strategies to navigate today’s
challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.”
Wang Hong Wei, Chief Executive Officer of CGIF, echoed this sentiment, noting that partnerships are essential to navigating an increasingly complex environment and reinforcing regional financial resilience.
The Forum’s eight sessions covered both macro and capital market themes, including policymaking amidst global economic uncertainties, corporate resilience, alongside financial and credit trends that are gaining momentum including Islamic and sustainable finance, decentralised finance, bond tokenisation and data centre financing.
While uncertainties over global tariffs have somewhat abated, shifting trade patterns, geopolitical tensions and a slowing global economy still pose significant headwinds.
The first half of the Forum explored how policymakers and businesses can adapt to these challenges. It began with the Keynote Address, “Shifting Trade Ties and Navigating a New Economic Order,” delivered by Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Director of IDEAS and Pro-Chancellor of Sunway University, followed by an In Conversation session moderated by Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at
Taylor’s University. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Rebecca underscored ASEAN’s shared agency in shaping the evolving economic order, advocating adaptation and cooperation over insulation.
A subsequent panel on “Everything Everywhere All At Once” examined how fiscal policy, trade realignments and capital flows are influencing Malaysia’s outlook,recognising that pragmatic policy responses through minimising inefficiencies and regional integration continue to underpin the nation’s resilience. Industry leaders also highlighted the importance of corporate agility, with Jacob Lee Chor Kok, Deputy President of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, noting that staying lean and
safeguarding talent are critical for recovery readiness.
Discussions on tokenised instruments, ESG integration, social finance and data infrastructure reflected a consensus that that the next phase of market growth will require strengthened collaboration and trust.
Speakers also examined how Shariah principles and sustainability frameworks can converge to promote ethical and inclusive finance. Dr Noor Suhaida Kasri, Senior Research Fellow at INCEIF University, shared that Maqasid al-Shariah provides an ethical foundation for sustainable finance, while Maria Cristila Cabanting, Director at HSBC Securities Services, noted that tokenisation enhances speed, transparency and accessibility in financial systems.
The Forum also featured insights from AirTrunk Singapore Pte Ltd, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Prudential BSN Takaful Berhad, Maybank, SMBC, HSBC Securities Services, Dagang Nexchange Berhad, alongside RAM’s senior research and ratings analysts.
The RAM Forum 2025 builds on RAM’s long-standing role in promoting thought leadership across macro research, credit, risk analytics, and sustainable and Islamic finance. Since 1990, RAM has rated over USD450 billion in bonds and sukuk, with its ratings and opinions recognised and trusted by investors and stakeholders across the region.
For more information, visit www.ram.com.my.
