Sabah has long lagged behind other Malaysian states in terms of prosperity. However, an ambitious long-term development strategy is transforming the state’s infrastructure and improving local skills to attract greater investment. John West reports.

Of the five fastest growing destinations of 2014, four are located in Asia. Michal Kaczmarski investigates which countries are on form and why.

The hotels and tourism sector has been hit hard by the global financial crisis but, finds Michal Kaczmarski, some companies are still expanding, with opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region proving particularly enticing.

Singapore may be the leading international financial centre in south-east Asia, but Kuala Lumpur is looking to narrow the gap through becoming a regional hub for Islamic finance as well as catering for more conventional financial institutions through its Tun Razak Exchange.

The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for tourists, and is rising in prominence as a finance and business hub for the south-east Asia region. Barbara Njau charts the city's progress.

Kuala Lumpur is the eighth most visited city globally, with tourists flocking to attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers. However, concerns over the city's inadequate transport networks are frequently voiced, something local officials are rectifying with a series of new projects.

Malaysia's minister of international trade and industry, Mustapa bin Mohamed, tells Barbara Njau that Kuala Lumpur's role has been and remains integral to Malaysia's rise as a global trade hub.

Idris Jala, CEO of the Malaysian government's business development unit Pemandu, tells Barbara Njau why Kuala Lumpur's private sector is driving many of the city's improvements.