Malaysia’s decision to join and rectify the agreement showed that the country is serious about business, trade liberalisation and its support for a fair and transparent trade regime. Moreover, Malaysia is expected to earn approximately USD 200 million in exports, while RCEP will provide immense opportunities for trade and investments, enhanced connectivity, and deepening regional economic integration. This study aims to analyse the extent to which Malaysia’s participation in the RCEP can benefit the country’s growth and development. For this goal, a SWOT analysis will be carried out to assess the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of joining RCEP, from Malaysia’s perspective. Findings suggest that Malaysia is indeed one of the main beneficiaries of the RCEP agreement in comparison to other ASEAN nations. However, much needs to be done by Malaysia to reap the benefits of the world’s largest trading bloc, while maintaining its national interests amidst a more liberal and open market setting.

I. Introduction
II. Malaysia and RCEP
III. Strengths
    A. Location
    B. Political Will
    C. Business Ready Environment
IV. Weaknesses
    A. Human Capital
    B. Comprehensive Strategic Plan on SMEs
V. Opportunities
    A. Greater Market Access
    B. Market Positioning
    C. Strategic Implication
VI. Threats
    A. China’s related concerns
    B. Growing Competition within the RCEP Blocs
VII. Conclusion
References

• Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero(Senior Lecturer at School of International Studies of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Malaysia. MSc. (UUM), Ph.D)
• Muhammad Ali Ridha Norman(Senior Lecturer at School of International Studies of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Malaysia. M.A. (Peking), Ph.D)