KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 6): Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) has lauded the proposed measure to link the Malaysian and Singaporean capital markets, as announced by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the World Capital Markets Symposium earlier this morning. 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced Malaysia and Singapore will be setting up a connected market corridor, called 'Malaysia-Singapore Connect', with a trading link between the exchanges of both countries.

"We welcome the move by both governments to set up the Malaysia–Singapore Connect. It is certainly positive and will increase the vibrancy of both capital markets," said Maybank IB chief executive officer Datuk John Chong in a statement. 

Chong said synergy from the collaboration will not only benefit the two countries, but also the entire region. It will also set an important foundation for greater cooperation to follow, he added.

"For Maybank IB which is active in both markets, the trading link will enable us to serve our clients better and enhance our product offerings. We look forward to receiving more details on this exciting initiative," Chong said. 

He also commended the government’s efforts to boost trading of mid- and small caps on Bursa Malaysia, which he said is pivotal for small and medium enterprises.

"The initiatives announced today, offer both short-term tactical and long-term structural transformations that will augur well for the stock market, and encourage increased market activities," Chong added.