Consider This: World Bank Report — Seizing the Service Economy: Is Malaysia Ready?

In a region long associated with manufacturing-led growth, the services sector is quietly but significantly transforming economies in East Asia and the Pacific. According to a newly released World Bank report, services are now contributing more to labour productivity growth than manufacturing—with exports and foreign direct investment in services outpacing traditional goods industries. In Malaysia, this shift could redefine how we think about economic development, digital innovation, and even gender equality in the workplace. But is Malaysia doing enough to harness this momentum, and how prepared are we to navigate the challenges of reform and competition in this space? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist, East Asia and Pacific, World Bank.