Economic Transformation Programme

The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) is a comprehensive economic development plan introduced by the Malaysian government in 2010, aimed at transforming the country into a high-income nation by 2020. The programme is designed to accelerate economic growth, increase income levels, and reduce income inequality, with a focus on improving the overall quality of life for Malaysian citizens. The ETP is built around 12 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs), which are identified as the key drivers of economic growth and transformation.
Overview of the Economic Transformation Programme

The ETP is a strategic initiative that seeks to address the challenges facing the Malaysian economy, including low economic growth, dependence on foreign labor, and a widening income gap. The programme is based on a comprehensive analysis of the country’s economic strengths and weaknesses, and is designed to leverage the country’s competitive advantages to drive growth and transformation. The ETP is focused on creating a business-friendly environment, promoting investment, and developing the skills and capabilities of the workforce.
National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs)
The 12 NKEAs identified under the ETP are: oil, gas, and energy; palm oil and rubber; financial services; tourism; electronics and electrical; business services; communications content and infrastructure; wholesale and retail; education; healthcare; agriculture; and Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley. These NKEAs are considered critical to the country’s economic growth and transformation, and are expected to contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and job creation.
NKEA | GDP Contribution | Job Creation |
---|---|---|
Oil, Gas, and Energy | 20% | 100,000 |
Palm Oil and Rubber | 15% | 50,000 |
Financial Services | 12% | 30,000 |
Tourism | 10% | 20,000 |
Electronics and Electrical | 8% | 15,000 |
Business Services | 6% | 10,000 |
Communications Content and Infrastructure | 5% | 5,000 |
Wholesale and Retail | 4% | 5,000 |
Education | 3% | 3,000 |
Healthcare | 2% | 2,000 |
Agriculture | 1% | 1,000 |
Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley | 10% | 50,000 |

Implementation and Progress

The implementation of the ETP has been overseen by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU), a specialized unit within the Prime Minister’s Department. PEMANDU has worked closely with government agencies, private sector companies, and other stakeholders to implement the ETP, and has established a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress. The ETP has made significant progress since its launch, with many of the NKEAs achieving their targets and contributing to economic growth and transformation.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress made under the ETP, there are still many challenges to be addressed. These include the need to improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy, and increase investment in human capital. There are also opportunities for growth and transformation, particularly in areas such as technology and innovation, and in the development of new industries and sectors. The ETP has helped to create a framework for addressing these challenges and opportunities, and has provided a platform for stakeholders to work together to drive economic growth and transformation.
- Improving the business environment
- Reducing bureaucracy
- Increasing investment in human capital
- Developing new industries and sectors
- Encouraging technology and innovation
What is the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP)?
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The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) is a comprehensive economic development plan introduced by the Malaysian government in 2010, aimed at transforming the country into a high-income nation by 2020.
What are the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) identified under the ETP?
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The 12 NKEAs identified under the ETP are: oil, gas, and energy; palm oil and rubber; financial services; tourism; electronics and electrical; business services; communications content and infrastructure; wholesale and retail; education; healthcare; agriculture; and Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley.
What are the key challenges facing the implementation of the ETP?
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The key challenges facing the implementation of the ETP include the need to improve the business environment, reduce bureaucracy, and increase investment in human capital. There are also opportunities for growth and transformation, particularly in areas such as technology and innovation, and in the development of new industries and sectors.