Gastech 2026 Brings Global Energy Industry to Bangkok
BUSINESS
Southeast Asian travellers are using sales to upgrade their holidays
DAHON TECH rides global expansion wave
Corporate Malaysia gets behind Merdeka
News Desk Asia: Media Partner for MGBF Sports Diplomacy Series
HAVI Names Kuala Lumpur One of Just Four Global Technology Hubs
microLEAP Partners with Provident Banc Berhad
REGIONAL POLITICS
Saudi Arabia’s Hanan Balkhy Enters Race to Lead WHO as Global Health Politics Intensify
Dr Hanan H. Balkhy has launched her candidacy for Director General of the World Health Organization, placing Saudi Arabia at the centre of an increasingly important contest over the future direction of global health governance.
Prabowo Joins BRICS Leaders in Banyan Tree Planting Ceremony in New Delhi
Prabowo Shares Warm Exchange with Modi, Putin ahead of BRICS Summit
Singapore and Brazil Deepen Trade and ASEAN Ties
Indonesia Positions Itself as Russia’s Gateway to ASEAN as Prabowo and Putin Deepen Strategic Ties
President Prabowo Subianto's meeting with Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok signals Indonesia's determination to maintain its non aligned foreign policy while deepening economic and strategic ties with Russia and positioning itself as a potential gateway to the wider ASEAN market.
The Taiwan Paradox: Flashpoint fading?
Prabowo Monitors Forest and Land Fire Response
Indonesia Looks to ASEAN 60 as Regional Bloc Enters a New Strategic Era
For Indonesia, the anniversary is therefore not simply a commemoration of ASEAN’s history but an opportunity to consider what the grouping needs to do next. The central message of the Jakarta discussion was that reflection on ASEAN’s past should provide the basis for practical strategic steps towards its next phase.
Indonesia and Thailand deepen strategic partnership
Prabowo Sees Off Thai Prime Minister, Underscores Strength of Indonesia–Thailand Ties
Ramos-Horta's Pacific Diplomacy Signals Timor-Leste's Growing Regional Ambition
President José Ramos-Horta's landmark State Visit to Vanuatu has capped an active period of regional diplomacy as Timor-Leste expands its international engagement through strategic partnerships, educational exchanges and regional cooperation ahead of its next phase of global integration.
Twenty nine nations sign agreement to establish global AI cooperation body
Twenty nine countries have signed an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, marking one of the most significant international efforts yet to coordinate AI governance, standards and collaboration as the technology reshapes economies, industries and global geopolitics.
ASEAN foreign ministers gather in Manila as regional security, trade and global tensions dominate agenda
Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn joins the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings in Manila as Southeast Asian leaders seek to strengthen regional cooperation amid mounting geopolitical, economic and security challenges.
Uzbekistan seeks deeper ICESCO partnership to preserve Islamic heritage
Uzbekistan is stepping up cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev calling for broader collaboration on cultural preservation, education and heritage digitisation as the country continues to position itself as a leading centre of Islamic civilisation.
Indonesia needs a free and active economic policy
TRAVEL & LEISURE
SPORTS
World’s First Humanoid Robot Sports League Launches in Riyadh With Plans for Eight City Global Circuit
CyberHero aims to take humanoid robot competition from the laboratory to arenas across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the Americas.
CSTS and ShanKai Sports Join Forces to Build Global Sports Hospitality Platform
New Hong Kong headquartered venture aims to connect brands, corporate clients and fans with premium experiences at some of the world's biggest sporting events.
Haier Signs Four Year Global Partnership with UEFA Champions League
Global home appliance giant Haier will become an official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League from the 2027/28 season, strengthening the increasingly important commercial relationship between international brands, technology and elite European football.
Touché celebrates the SUKMA journey
We are extremely proud of the achievements of our fencers. Not just those who win medals. They are all on their own journey, that means each and every one of them have developed their own style and flare. For some this was their first for others because of age it will be their last SUKMA. No two fencers are the same. That is the beauty of coaching a diverse group of fencers.
Selangor Fencing thanks corporate partners after SUKMA gold rush
Corporate support has helped Selangor athletes compete at their best at SUKMA Selangor 2026, with the state’s fencing team delivering two men’s foil gold medals (both individual and team) as Selangor strengthened its position as the dominant sporting force across the Malaysia Games (SUKMA).
Asia's marathon boom turns races into cross border run-cations
Thai travellers are increasingly turning marathon weekends into international holidays, with Agoda data showing sharp increases in accommodation searches for major races in Seoul, Japan and Bangkok and signalling a wider shift towards sports and wellness driven travel across Asia.
Malaysia Global Business Forum launches Sports Diplomacy Series with Malaysia–Türkiye Round
Against this backdrop, organisers believe that stronger business relationships, people to people engagement and sports diplomacy can play an increasingly important role in building trust, resilience and long term cooperation.
The Laguna Bali serves up tennis, padel and pickleball with Trinity Courts
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, has expanded its sporting and wellness offering with the launch of Trinity Courts, bringing tennis, padel and pickleball together in a premium beachfront setting as demand for racquet sports continues to grow.
Malaysia celebrates historic breakthrough as APP Asia Penang Open crowns new pickleball stars
Malaysia celebrated a breakthrough performance at the Leapmotor APP Asia Penang Open 2026 as Aiman Hamdan became the country's first professional medallist, while Dutch star Roos Van Reek made history with a rare Triple Crown.
International Elite Field Set for 2026 Dili International Marathon
Elite runners from across ASEAN+, Australian Defence Force personnel and regional digital influencers will line up alongside Timorese athletes at the 2026 Dili International Marathon as Timor-Leste strengthens the event's international profile ahead of its ASEAN Chairmanship ambitions.
Jackson Wang returns to his sporting roots as FIE names Global Ambassador ahead of LA28
Global music icon and former Hong Kong fencing prodigy Jackson Wang has come full circle, becoming the first ever Global Ambassador for the International Fencing Federation as the sport looks to inspire a new generation of athletes and fans worldwide.
Louis Saha inspires next generation as 300 young footballers train at elite youth camp
More than 300 children took part in an elite football development camp led by former Manchester United and France striker Louis Saha, highlighting the growing role of international coaching exchanges in nurturing young talent and using sport to build confidence, cultural understanding and life skills.
Hyatt Regency Danang serves up winning formula for sports tourism
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa is expanding its sports offering with new pickleball, padel and tennis courts alongside a nine hole mini golf course, capitalising on the growing demand for active family holidays and sports tourism across Asia.
CSTS, Connexus set World Cup hospitality sales record in Greater China
CSTS Enterprises and its subsidiary Connexus Travel have set a new benchmark in sports hospitality after recording the highest official FIFA World Cup hospitality sales ever achieved in Greater China, highlighting the region's growing appetite for premium sports tourism and corporate entertainment.
Weight Is More Than Just Numbers: How Amir Daniel’s Nutrition Team Supports His Judo Ambitions
After years of battling brutal weight cuts, Malaysian judoka Amir Daniel has found a winning formula. With the guidance of nutritionist Ms Loo and the national nutrition team, his move to the under 81kg category has delivered improved health, renewed confidence and a SEA Games gold medal, with the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games now firmly in his sights.
Hong Kong welcomes the world's fencing elite for historic World Championships
Hong Kong is set to make sporting history as it hosts the Fencing World Championships for the first time from July 22 to 30, welcoming more than 1,000 athletes from over 100 countries and regions. The event marks another milestone in the city's emergence as one of Asia's premier fencing powers and a leading destination for major international sporting events.
Coca-Cola turns Chinese football fans into co-creators with FIFA World Cup campaign
Coca-Cola has reimagined sports marketing in China by transforming fans from passive spectators into active participants during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The campaign blended digital engagement, artificial intelligence, user generated content and large scale fan experiences, offering a blueprint for how global brands are adapting to local markets even when the national team is absent from the tournament.
Selangor's Saif Nordin chooses Taiwan as international training base ahead of SUKMA
Renowned for its international coaching, competitive training environment and affordability, Taiwan's Starry Fencing Club and SFC International Camp have become a preferred destination for fencers of every level, attracting athletes from across Asia seeking quality preparation without the high costs of traditional European training bases.
Zelus launches home tactical fitness programme for off duty law enforcement officers
Fitness equipment brand Zelus has launched a new home training initiative designed specifically for off duty law enforcement officers, reflecting the growing demand for mission focused strength and conditioning programmes that can be completed outside traditional gym environments.
Celebrity pickleball showcase to raise funds for youth programmes in Ohio
Professional athletes, entertainers and community leaders will take to the pickleball court this September as the Jovante Woods Foundation hosts a celebrity showcase in Ohio, combining one of America's fastest-growing sports with fundraising efforts to support youth development initiatives.
Saif Nordin extends winning streak with Gold at 4th MFF International Minime
Malaysian fencing prodigy Saif Nordin delivered another exceptional performance at the 4th MFF International Malaysian Minime, capping off an impressive month with a gold medal in the U17
Road to SUKMA: The nutrition blueprint for Malaysia’s youth athletes
Behind every record-breaking performance at SUKMA, Malaysia’s premier national multi-sport event, is a meticulously crafted strategy. Leading this charge for the high-flying Penang contingent is Ms. Loo Lean Hiong, a high-performance sports nutritionist and Sports Performance Consultant for the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP).
OPINIONS
When a Small Brand Takes on a Giant, Intellectual Property Becomes a Question of Power
The Little Bellies victory against ALDI is about more than packaging. It raises a bigger question for businesses everywhere: can smaller companies truly protect the ideas they spend years building?
Missed Opportunity: Critical Minerals and the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
At the center of the announcement was a new semiconductor partnership, under which Washington pledged $2 million in seed funding to help build resilient chip supply chains and expand Vietnamese manufacturing capacity.
The Architect of Vitality
As the global healthcare dialogue shifts from treating illness to optimising wellness, Dr Kaarthig Ganesamoorthy is emerging as a pivotal figure in South East Asia’s restorative landscape.
The Emperor’s Wardrobe Malfunction
This commentary is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and written by William A. Reinsch is a senior adviser (non-resident) and Scholl Chair emeritus with the Economics Program and Scholl Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.
Budget 2027 Must Measure What Matters to Malaysian Households
Ultimately, Budget 2027 does not simply need to be bigger. It needs to be better targeted, transparent and accountable. Economic reform will be sustainable only when Malaysians can feel its benefits through stronger purchasing power, better wages, quality employment and improved public services.
“A defamation suit is not necessarily an attack on press freedom, on the contrary...” – Rocky Bru
I know at least a couple of journalists who were sued successfully by Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din (photo) for defamation in the past. One of them was ordered to pay the businessman a sum but after a post-hearing table talk and after one party offered a belated but sincere apology, Salim waived that money. All he wanted, Salim had said later, was to protect his reputation.
Study: Dubai Police Initiatives Drive $176.4 Million in Social Value and Gains in Safety, Wellbeing and the Economy
Conducted by the Future Foresight Centre, the study examined initiatives across education, health, awareness and sport and measured their contribution to security, economic and social outcomes, including public safety, crime prevention, trust in police and quality of life.
Employed but stuck: Malaysia’s resilient labour market masks a career mobility gap
With 1.93 million tertiary-educated workers in roles below their qualification level, employment alone may no longer be an adequate measure of career progress.
The Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation
At a time when methods of information dissemination are undergoing profound changes, the world needs objective, truthful and comprehensive reporting more than ever, as well as in-depth and rational research, efforts to overcome prejudice, bridge differences and enhance mutual understanding, and stronger dialogue and cooperation
The Hygiene Myth That Hurts Women
Simple habits such as avoiding unnecessarily harsh cleansing products, limiting internal cleansing practices unless medically advised, choosing gentle intimate care formulations, and consulting a healthcare professional when symptoms persist may help support long-term intimate wellness.
The Mecca Defence Pact: Three Powers, Three Capabilities and a Changing Security Order
An extended commentary by the Strategic Affairs Editor of News Desk Asia on the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan comes at a pivotal moment in global security, as governments reassess defence spending, strategic autonomy and the need for stronger regional partnerships. With Saudi Arabia bringing financial strength, Türkiye an expanding defence industry and Pakistan significant military manpower and strategic capabilities, the agreement could become more than a mutual security pact
Beyond "Excess Capacity": The Real Competition Is the Future of Global Supply Chains
For decades, manufacturing decisions were largely driven by cost, labour availability, and production efficiency. Today, those considerations remain important, but they are no longer sufficient.
Beyond the Perfect Score: Why Elite Asian Applicants Are Being Overlooked by Ivy League Admissions
Speaking during a four-city Asia roadshow organised by True North Education across Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Shanghai, he argued that the rise of generative artificial intelligence has accelerated an already growing problem.
New Free Resource Explores the Evolution of Economic Thought Across Millennia
A new free publication traces the evolution of economic thought from ancient civilisations to modern debates, offering educators, students and policymakers an accessible guide to the ideas that continue to shape global economic policy and public discourse.
Your body has no replay button
Millions of sports fans refuse to leave their seats during crucial moments, but new research suggests the biggest risk is not missing a goal. It is ignoring the body's own warning signals. As elite athletes prioritise recovery and wellbeing, perhaps supporters should take a lesson from the professionals they admire.
Politics Never Sleeps: Why investors need a closer eye on domestic political landscape
The greatest vulnerability for many businesses is not political uncertainty itself but the inability to anticipate regulatory change. Companies typically devote substantial resources to financial due diligence, legal reviews and commercial planning before entering a market
Sister villages embrace for poverty fight
To mark the fifth anniversary of China eradicating absolute poverty, China Daily is publishing a series of stories on how the country's poverty alleviation experience has not only helped the country wipeout severe deprivation, but has also taken root and made an impact around the world.
Physician's memoir reaches USA Today Best Seller list
Dr Silver Kung's debut memoir, Silver Linings, has earned a place on the USA Today Best Seller list, with the physician and entrepreneur sharing a personal account of resilience, purpose and leadership that is resonating with readers beyond the medical profession.
New book argues regulation is becoming the foundation of China's AI industry
A newly released book examining China's artificial intelligence ecosystem argues that regulation is no longer simply a compliance requirement but has evolved into a key part of the country's AI infrastructure, shaping how technologies are developed, deployed and commercialised.
ASEAN Cooperatives can build a better, more inclusive world
Organised by the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO) and Malaysia’s national cooperative apex body, ANGKASA, the dialogue underscored a growing consensus across the region: cooperatives are not merely economic units; they are vital engines for social empowerment, equitable development, and community resilience.