Chief Executive Officer's Message

b. Paving the Way for a Commodities Centre

Part of differentiating Bursa Malaysia and offering a distinct value proposition to investors will be to position Bursa Malaysia as a premier commodities centre. The challenge will be to leverage on our existing status as a leading palm oil futures trading hub with a range of related derivatives products. Strategic options include creating partnerships with other exchanges and providing assistance to younger exchanges primarily in commodities producing countries leading to greater inter market cooperation. We will also be developing commodity themed ETFs for stronger domestic sectors, such as plantations, and consider other options of investment in commodities.

Another element in our agenda is the introduction of thematic indices to profile Malaysia's niche industries. One of our first moves will be the launch of palm oil plantation indices, scheduled for the first half of 2009. This move will add variety, profile companies within the palm oil sector, and pave the way for the development of more index linked products.

Other initiative include seeking Commodity Futures Trading Commission's (CFTC) approval to enable US investors to trade directly in our financial derivatives products.

The existence of a sound market infrastructure, innovative products, processes which promote liquidity, and the creation of two special niches which distinguish Bursa Malaysia from its competitors, provide the confidence needed to attract investments which, in turn, facilitates fund raising for issuers.

5. Profiling Bursa Malaysia as an Attractive Listing Destination

New listings are important to any exchange and, despite market uncertainties, there were 23 listings in 2008. The challenge before us is to encourage emerging local companies to continue to view listing as one of their desirable corporate milestones, while opening our market to the listing of issuers from outside Malaysia.

a. Promotion of Listings

To promote Bursa Malaysia as a listing destination, we work closely with investment banks and undertake various other activities. These include public speaking engagements and dedicated company visits to countries like China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Brunei. Our promotional efforts are focused on raising awareness amongst market participants, including intermediaries, existing listed entities and potential issuers. We have also enhanced our website to assist potential issuers by including criteria for listing, basic costs associated with listings, a summary of the process and the post listing support services offered by Bursa Malaysia.