If brand building is more than just designing a logo, then why do most Malaysian companies not willing to invest.
Yes, it is not a short term strategy nor it is inexpensive, but if successful, it can be the best guarantee of corporate survival.
Now how do we push this message across? The following suggestions may provide some answers.

Create awareness by presenting successful case studies on the effective use of design in corporate/brand Identity exercises.

Retain the client/consultant relationship longer to ensure consistency and coherence in managing the brand. In case there are any shortcomings, do a client/consultant evalutaion. Its better than calling for a new pitch every 2 years.

Probable tax exemption in Brand Development as propogated by some industries. However there may be terms and conditions mandated. One of them could possibly be the use of local Consultants to ensure understanding of the local market conditions, since fundamentally they have to compete domestically from existing international brands.

Hopefully, some of these efforts can help overcome the negative perception of some Malaysian brands being cheap and sub-par guality.