16/01/2012 (Sin Chew Jit Poh) - Construction, oil and gas, telecommunication and plantation related stocks are expected to reap good returns for investors in the local equity market this year, says an analyst.

Head of research, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd, Wong Chew Hann said it is recommended to invest in long-term growth-related stocks.

"Among our stock picks will be Gamuda due to the projects in hand, Sapura Kencana following the merger and Sarawak Oil Palms based on the crude palm oil demand.

"A regional stock pick session will also be part of our panel discussion at the inaugural 2012 Retail Strategy Series to be held tomorrow," she told reporters at the media briefing on the 2012 Retail Strategy series, "Invest Asean," here today.

The half-day event includes the regional participation of stock exchanges and research analysts from countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong, besides Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Wong also foresees a lot of room for retail investors participation to grow in the local stock market, despite uncertainties in the global economic climate.

She said the participation of retail investors in the local stock market had been less over the past few months, following the negative sentiment on the global market,despite being supported by institutional funds.

"From January, there's been more participation by the retail investors, influenced by the buoyant domestic fundamentals, the Chinese New Year celebration and a pre-election sentiment.

"In December, the retail participation even went up 50 to 60 per cent on certain days, compared to the normally 20 per cent in the region.

"The regional market also mirrored the same trend of retail investors participation in their stock markets.

"So, I'm sure when there's excitement in the market and there are good stocks, definitely the participation of retail investors will return," Wong added.

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Maybank Investment Bank Tengku Datuk Zafrul Aziz said, "Invest Asean" is the first regional investment forum held for investors since the completion of Maybank's acquisition of Kim Eng last year.

"The event is a great opportunity for investors to understand the Asean economic landscape and how they can reap its benefits.

"Maybank Kim Eng has just rolled out its enhanced global online and mobile trading platforms.

"The introduction of the new trading platforms coupled with the events organised regionally, are a part of Maybank Kim Eng's aim of increasing its foothold across the region," he added.