The Emergence of a Multinational Corporation From a Developing Country: A Case Study of TM Berhad International Expansion

Abstract

Despite an expensive proliferation and the importance of studies concerning developing country multinational corporations (MNCs), multinational corporations from Malaysia (a developing economy) have received very little academic attention. Most studies have focused on the emergence and international expansion of MNCs from East Asian Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs) namely Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. In an attempt to diminish the theoretical and empirical gap, this paper will examine and explain the growth and development of Malaysian pioneer telecommunication multinational corporation – namely – TM Berhad and determine their emergence first as a domestic giant supported by governmental instrumentality, and then as a significant international market player in the telecommunications industry. Using case study research methodology, empirical evidence is presented to justify the firm’s developmental and indeed its success in today’s frenetic environment, where MNCs jockey for position in a global setting.