Information Release

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OVER 40 PERCENT OF MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS HAVE FAITH

IN THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Kuala Lumpur, 13 October 2015: A recent market survey conducted between 7-9 October across TransPacific Partnership (TPP) signatory nations by Edelman, a leading global communications marketing firm,
highlighted variation in business and consumer support for the impending partnership in Malaysia.
The insights derived from the survey suggest that the TPP is a topic that Malaysians care about, and that
they are much more receptive to its benefits than other nations. Malaysians are open to the idea of the
TPP and its potential financial and social reforms, improved cross-border relations and higher foreign
direct investment.
We have seen significant commentary around what this means for businesses and consumers. The TPP
is widely well received from a business standpoint but our recent polling suggests that consumers are
debating otherwise, said Robert Kay, Managing Director of Edelman Malaysia.
Since the announcement of the agreement on 5 October, general commentary across member nations
have focused on the challenges around the required ratification by each nation. However, more than
half of businesses (56 percent) believe that the TPP will be beneficial for the countrys economic growth.
However, over half (54 percent) of Malaysian consumers are skeptical and concerned about the
potential price fluctuation of products and services with the introduction of the TPP.
Highlights from the Malaysia polling includes:
Business Polling

41 percent of businesses in the country are prepared for the introduction of the TPP.
Over half (51 percent) of businesses feel that the TPP will have a positive impact on job
employment, while 43 percent agree that there will be a positive change on pricing of product
and services.
60 percent of businesses trust that the TPP will improve quality of products and services.
More than half (56 percent) of Malaysian businesses are optimistic that the TPP will have a
positive impact on the economy.
Businesses are also expecting the TPP to improve cross border relationships (65 percent).

Consumer Polling

Over two-thirds (72 percent) of the Malaysian public are aware of the TPP and 41 percent
believe in its benefits for the countrys economy.
However, nearly two in five consumers (37 percent) feel that the TPP does not benefit their
families.

Over half (54 percent) of consumers are worried about the fluctuating pricing of products and
services.
One third (33 percent) of consumers are concerned about its impact on job employment.

Although the TPP has yet to be ratified, there is a broad consensus that it will happen in a year or so.
Even if the pact is then slowly rolled out over the next 10 years, everyone should start reviewing their
reputations and business operations. All member markets have different priorities domestically and
should play an active role by analysing and adopting the right business strategies to fully capitalise on
these opportunities, said Kay.

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About the polling

The polling was conducted online with 1000 businesses and 1000 consumers from across the TPP
nations, excluding Brunei and Peru; 278 consumers and 191 businesses in Malaysia. The polling was
conducted by Edelman Berland, a global research firm.

About Edelman
Edelman is a leading global communications marketing firm that partners with many of the worlds
largest and emerging businesses and organisations, helping them evolve, promote and protect their
brands and reputations. Edelman was named one of Advertising Ages Agency to Watch in 2014; one
of Forbes 14 Most Influential Agencies of 2014; and The Holmes Reports 2013 Global Agency of the
Year. Edelman was awarded the Grand Prix Cannes Lion for PR in 2014 and was among Glassdoors
Best Places to Work for the third time in 2014. Edelman owns specialty firms Edelman Berland
(research) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, experiential), a joint venture with
United Talent Agency. Visit http://www.edelman.com for more information.

For Media Enquiries, please contact:

Haridas Sivadas
Haridas.Sivadas@edelman.com
603-2287 8689 ext. 219
Emilio Sta Maria
Emilio.Stamaria@edelman.com
603-2287 8689 ext. 316