Petronas, worth US$2.15 billion, is the most valuable Malaysian brand, according to a report released by a brand valuation and strategy advisory firm.
Brand Finance Plc has published the first index of Malaysia's top 50 brands, which have an estimated brand value of US$17.26 billion.
The top 10 Malaysian brands command over 60 per cent of the top 50's brand value. Most of the top 50 come from the financial services and agricultural sectors.
AirAsia, Astro, Malaysia Airlines, Petronas, TM and Maybank have been given 'AAA' brand ratings, the highest ratings for the index.
The index provides a brand's strength analysis for each business in the form of brand ratings, which are conceptually similar to credit ratings. These ratings are indicators of future performance and value.
Analyses of the businesses also revealed that 40 per cent of Malaysia's market value is derived from intangible assets. In the US, it is 70 per cent.
Overall, the total brand value of the top 50 brands in Malaysia averaged 4 per cent of the total enterprise value.
According to Brand Finance, "this could partly be due to the fact that most of the companies in Malaysia are heavily weighted on mining and industries, agriculture and infrastructure".
Brand Finance also observes that Malaysian brands, such as Petronas, MayBank and TM, are gaining global recognition.
Ms Lucy Gwee, managing director of Brand Finance Singapore, said: "Some leading Malaysian brands are already setting their footprints globally. The immediate noticeable change is in the mindset of management. Malaysian companies need to increasingly focus on using their intangible assets such as brands to increase shareholder value".
