Mahfuzur Rahman - Böcker

This book examines four aspects of Malaysian consumers’ financial vulnerabilities. First, it discusses the issue of over-indebtedness due to excessive reliance on consumer financing. Second, the book investigates why Malaysians are ill-prepared for their golden years in terms of retirement planning and savings. Third, it delves into the problem of financial fraud victimisation among Malaysian consumers. Fourth, the book analyses the reasons why Malaysians are underinsured despite the distinct benefits of life insurance. Drawing on secondary data from government agencies such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Employees' Provident Fund, Royal Malaysian Police and the Department of Statistics Malaysia, each chapter presents statistical trends reflecting the four financial vulnerabilities. In-depth analyses of the literature reveal three broad psychological domains (cognition, motivation, and disposition) and specific psychological factors (e.g. over-confidence, self-control, social norms, and financial literacy) that significantly influence consumers’ financial decisions. The four financial vulnerabilities investigated in this book directly address the strategic outcomes of the Malaysian National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019–2023 (MNSFL), a five-year plan to elevate the financial literacy of Malaysians. Finally, the book presents strategic recommendations that are believed to be useful guidelines for relevant policymakers to promote positive financial behaviours and rational attitudes among consumers.It will be a useful resource for policymakers and researchers interested in economic psychology and behavioural finance.

This book examines four aspects of Malaysian consumers’ financial vulnerabilities. First, it discusses the issue of over-indebtedness due to excessive reliance on consumer financing. Second, the book investigates why Malaysians are ill-prepared for their golden years in terms of retirement planning and savings. Third, it delves into the problem of financial fraud victimisation among Malaysian consumers. Fourth, the book analyses the reasons why Malaysians are underinsured despite the distinct benefits of life insurance. Drawing on secondary data from government agencies such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Employees' Provident Fund, Royal Malaysian Police and the Department of Statistics Malaysia, each chapter presents statistical trends reflecting the four financial vulnerabilities. In-depth analyses of the literature reveal three broad psychological domains (cognition, motivation, and disposition) and specific psychological factors (e.g. over-confidence, self-control, social norms, and financial literacy) that significantly influence consumers’ financial decisions. The four financial vulnerabilities investigated in this book directly address the strategic outcomes of the Malaysian National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019–2023 (MNSFL), a five-year plan to elevate the financial literacy of Malaysians. Finally, the book presents strategic recommendations that are believed to be useful guidelines for relevant policymakers to promote positive financial behaviours and rational attitudes among consumers.It will be a useful resource for policymakers and researchers interested in economic psychology and behavioural finance.

This text attempts an objective analysis of the discussions in the policy forums of the United Nations on the major issues in the world economy over the last half a century leading up to the millenium. It opens with a brief survey of the world economy since World War II. The following chapter presents a bird's-eye view of the issues discussed as well as a perspective on each of the issues. Starting with the issues of growth and stability in industrial countries, the study goes on to present discussions on the evolving issues of development of less developed countries. The volume devotes a substantial chapter on the efforts at establishment of the new international economic order. The more mundane matters of food needs of developing countries and their pervasive poverty are not lost sight of. Discussions on other major issues of interest and concern to developing countries, such as those of primary commodities, and the crisis of external debt, as well as issues of international trade, occupy a substantial space in the study.

What were all those diplomats and bureaucrats from all over the world doing at the United Nations over the past half century when they were not debating how to prevent countries from tearing at each other or how to feed and shelter victims of natural or man-made disasters around the globe? A lot in fact, at least in terms of time spent and the sweep of issues debated. A major category of them were discussing a whole range of economic ques­ tions since the inception of the organization, while a slightly different category, with some members only changing hats, were talking about social Issues. Apart from operational activities, such as technical assistance to devel­ oping countries, and except for the well-publicized attempts at activism at as those on the environment or the status of international conferences such women, little is known outside the United Nations about the work of the or­ ganization in economic and social fields. Which is a pity. After all, the organization has often been given the dubious distinction of being the big­ gest talk show on earth. It is certainly pertinent to ask what it has been talking about over the last fifty-odd years.