Around 200 institutional investors are gathering in Singapore for Maybank's flagship Invest ASEAN conference, as the bank lifts its 2026 GDP growth outlook for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN-6 region.

Around 200 institutional investors and prime brokerage clients with a combined $23 trillion (MYR93 trillion) in global assets under management are convening at Maybank Investment Banking Group's ("Maybank IBG") flagship event, Invest ASEAN, on 7-8 July in Singapore.

The event connects investors with 54 companies including a sovereign wealth fund, alongside meetings with key government bodies in Singapore. The companies are from ASEAN-6 markets (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam) and India, representing total market capitalisation of $553 billion. Spanning banking, technology, consumer, healthcare, manufacturing and renewable energy sectors, the companies were selected based on clients' preferred names, a mix of mid and large caps, readiness to engage with global investors and Maybank IBG's research views.

Michael Oh-Lau, chief executive officer, Maybank Investment Banking Group said, "Now in its 13th edition, Invest ASEAN reinforces Maybank's long-standing commitment to connecting investors with companies while providing the insights and conviction needed to navigate today's evolving global landscape. This year's attendance surpassed our expectations, highlighting sustained interest from both global and local investors in ASEAN as the region continues to demonstrate resilience amid global uncertainties. Energy transition, supply chain reconfiguration and AI-led digital transformation are key themes at this year's Invest ASEAN, and we expect these trends to continue over the next few years."

Reflecting improved conditions, Maybank's research has revised its ASEAN-6 GDP growth forecast upwards to +4.7% from its estimate of +4.5% in March (2027E: +4.7%). Oil prices have fallen from their peak to near pre-war levels and tanker traffic via the Strait of Hormuz is recovering.

In Malaysia, Maybank has revised its full-year 2026 GDP growth forecast upwards to 4.9% from 4.4%, reflecting resilient economic momentum in the first half of the year despite the heightened geopolitical risks. Economic indicators for April and May point to another quarter of growth above 5%, underpinned by robust manufacturing activities and stronger net exports as Malaysia benefits from the AI-driven technology upcycle, and being a net energy exporter amid higher commodity prices. Outlook for the second half of 2026 remains healthy, especially amid the sustained momentum in investment approvals, particularly in technology, renewable energy, industrial real estate and infrastructure segments.

Maybank also remains positive on the market, with a year-end FBM KLCI target of 1,750 based on 7.5% earnings growth, sustained investment upcycle effects, stable consumer essentials spending and steady foreign participation. The expansion of KLCI to 50 constituents, from 30 currently, promises to reinvigorate broader sectoral picks whilst benefitting from the momentum of the MY Value Up initiative. As AI and data centre themes take centre stage, Maybank has upgraded its view on the technology sector, which is expected to benefit from these long-term structural growth drivers.

Re-disseminated by The Asian Banker