"Developing country" is a term generally used to describe a nation with a low level of material well-being (not to be confused with third world countries)
Countries with more advanced economies than other developing nations, but which have not yet fully demonstrated the signs of a developed country, are categorized under the term "newly industrialized countries" - current term being used for Malaysia, internationally. (include China, India, Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, Turkey)
The term 'Third World' arose during the Cold War to define countries that remained non-aligned or not moving at all with either capitalism and NATO (which along with its allies represented the First World) or communism and the Soviet Union (which along with its allies represented the Second World). This definition provided a way of broadly categorizing the nations of the Earth into three groups based on social, political, and economic divisions.
First World: the United States and its allies.
Second World: the Soviet Union(Russia), China and its allies.
Third World: Non-aligned and neutral countries.
As long that Malaysia stay neutral in world politic & economy; we will be refer as 3rd world country.
Since nowadays, USA is dominant, most countries adopt free economy. Term of 1st world, 2nd world & 3rd world a bit outdated and rarely being use as measurement.
That definition being adopt by United Nation world widely.
QUOTE(Unforgiven @ Nov 12 2010, 10:48 AM)

When do you think M'sia can become a 1st World country?
Obviously when M'sia become sekutu kuat USA, NATO & allies in politic and economy; then we will be refer 1st world country. Doesnt make any different whether we make national car or not.