The Year of the Wood Dragon begins today with vibrant fireworks, joyful family gatherings, delicious festive food, and rich traditions.
The lunar new year is a significant event symbolising fresh beginnings and sky-high aspirations.
The combination of wood and dragon signifies a year filled with growth, vitality, and wisdom.
At the same time, the most prosperous zodiacs are the pig, sheep and snake.
The New Straits Times talked to Good Feng Shui Geomantic Research founder and chief researcher Kenny Hoo on the outlook for the country this year.
GENERAL OUTLOOK
Hoo dubbed this year as "The New-Rise Year", during which the world is expected to see countless new and better opportunities in various fields, including politics, culture, education, economy, science and technology, and even in personal lives.
"New regulations, new systems and new rules of the game will be introduced. Some people who can't adapt to these changes will decide to quit.
"However, this will also bring about a vacuum in various industries.
"And new players will be able to emerge with their infinite creativity and high technology, by keeping up with the times, as well as finding ways to meet the needs of the new market and purchasing habits.
"Therefore, in this new era, countless new opportunities will open up to all, and many nouveau riche and great personalities will be created," he said.
He added that every industry will blossom, and it will be easier for everyone to make money and accumulate more wealth.
CURRENCY AND BUSINESS
Hoo said based on their annual analysis, the ringgit will begin to stabilise and strengthen from June onwards.
The prices of various daily necessities, commodities, and consumer goods will also be relatively moderate and stable.
He said prices of rubber, timber, palm oil, fruits and vegetables, foodstuffs, furniture, medical supplies, gasoline, among others, would gradually rise this year, which is particularly favourable to Malaysians and the national economy.
The most prosperous industries this year, he said, belong to the fire, water and wood categories, especially with the promotion and assistance of high technology such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Some industries on the list are mass communication, artificial intelligence, automotive, tourism, education, accounting, and healthcare.
"The auspicious months for business and investment are March, June, July, September, November and December, as well as January 2025.
"Months when you have to take things step by step, and the market atmosphere is tense or challenging are February, April, May, August and October.
"Months when the stock market is expected to be more challenging with significant corrections are February, April, August, and October," he said.
Will this be a good year for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim?
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was born on Aug 10, 1947 — the year of the pig.
This year, Hoo said, his luck would be much better compared with 2023.
"In 2023, his health and energy levels were lower.
"In 2024, the pig zodiac will have three times the happiness, good harvests or rewards, thus he will have multiple successes and achievements in 2024," he added.
"I am hopeful that the prime minister will lead Malaysia back on track and bring more glory to all Malaysians."
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/02/1011755/year-wood-dragon-new-rise-year-beckons
