BUSINESS
The Relationship Economy: Agnes Yeow-Fournier opening the next growth chapter
By Nordin Abdullah
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SEPTEMBER 11, 2026
BUSINESS
Malaysia’s Wealthy Investors Embrace AI
September 9, 2026
Picaso Breast Centre champions integrated approach to breast cancer care
September 8, 2026
Malaysia looks to Lagos as gateway to Africa's next trade opportunity
September 7, 2026
Corporate Malaysia gets behind Merdeka
August 31, 2026
News Desk Asia: Media Partner for MGBF Sports Diplomacy Series
August 30, 2026
IHH Healthcare delivers double digit growth
August 28, 2026
Ringgit Strengthens Against USD on Export Surge
July 5, 2026
Oiltek secures RM37.2m in new contracts across four markets
February 24, 2026
REGIONAL POLITICS
Singapore and Brazil Deepen Trade and ASEAN Ties
SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira during his visit to Singapore, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, expanding economic cooperation and deepening engagement between Brazil and ASEAN.
The Taiwan Paradox: Flashpoint fading?
September 6, 2026
Prabowo Monitors Forest and Land Fire Response
August 26, 2026
Indonesia and Uruguay Mark 60 Years With Push to Expand Trade, Agriculture and Energy Cooperation
AUGUST 25, 2026
Indonesia and Uruguay are seeking to turn six decades of diplomatic relations into deeper economic cooperation, with trade, agriculture, food security and renewable energy emerging as key areas for closer engagement.
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign a Joint Defence Agreement
AUGUST 8, 2026
At the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammed Shehbaz Sharif, paid a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 7, 2026.
Muizzu says true independence lies in preserving Maldivian values as nation modernises
AUGUST 1, 2026
Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said true independence cannot be measured by economic growth alone, arguing that national values, respect and cultural identity must remain at the heart of the country's development agenda as his administration pushes ahead with governance reforms and youth empowerment.
ASEAN in Review: UK turns to ASEAN as new government seeks deeper Indo-Pacific partnerships
JULY 27, 2026
The United Kingdom has unveiled its most ambitious engagement strategy with ASEAN since becoming a Dialogue Partner in 2021, committing to deepen cooperation across trade, maritime security, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and climate resilience as London seeks stronger economic partnerships in one of the world's fastest growing regions.
Türkiye positions food security as a pillar of regional stability amid global uncertainty
JULY 22, 2026
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan says Türkiye has no concerns over agricultural production or food supply security, highlighting the country's growing strategic importance as both a major agricultural producer and a regional logistics hub at a time when climate change, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are reshaping global food security.
Malaysia, Singapore ties built on shared future and enduring friendship, says President Tharman
JULY 14, 2026
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has hailed the enduring partnership between Malaysia and Singapore, saying both countries have consistently chosen to look beyond differences and build a stronger future together as he reaffirmed the importance of one of ASEAN's closest bilateral relationships during his state visit to Malaysia.
TRAVEL & LEISURE
SPORTS
Haier Signs Four Year Global Partnership with UEFA Champions League
SEPTEMBER 7, 2026
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
AUGUST 26, 2026
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
AUGUST 24, 2026
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
AUGUST 17, 2026
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
AUGUST 7, 2026
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
AUGUST 3, 2026
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
AUGUST 1, 2026
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
JULY 31, 2026
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
JULY 28, 2026
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
JULY 27, 2026
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
JULY 27, 2026
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
JULY 25, 2026
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
JULY 23, 2026
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
JULY 22, 2026
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
JULY 22, 2026
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
JULY 15, 2026
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
JULY 14, 2026
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
JULY 14, 2026
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
JULY 7, 2026
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
APRIL 5, 2026
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
FEATURED
Missed Opportunity: Critical Minerals and the U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
AUGUST 27, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
The Architect of Vitality
AUGUST 27, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
The Emperor’s Wardrobe Malfunction
AUGUST 25, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Budget 2027 Must Measure What Matters to Malaysian Households
AUGUST 25, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
“A defamation suit is not necessarily an attack on press freedom, on the contrary...” – Rocky Bru
AUGUST 21, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Study: Dubai Police Initiatives Drive $176.4 Million in Social Value and Gains in Safety, Wellbeing and the Economy
AUGUST 20, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Employed but stuck: Malaysia’s resilient labour market masks a career mobility gap
AUGUST 18, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
The Shanghai Spirit in the New Era: From Shared Values to Practical Cooperation
AUGUST 17, 2026
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
OPINIONS
The Hygiene Myth That Hurts Women
AUGUST 11, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
The Mecca Defence Pact: Three Powers, Three Capabilities and a Changing Security Order
AUGUST 8, 2026
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
OPINIONS
Beyond "Excess Capacity": The Real Competition Is the Future of Global Supply Chains
AUGUST 4, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Beyond the Perfect Score: Why Elite Asian Applicants Are Being Overlooked by Ivy League Admissions
AUGUST 1, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
New Free Resource Explores the Evolution of Economic Thought Across Millennia
JULY 30, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Your body has no replay button
JULY 26, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Politics Never Sleeps: Why investors need a closer eye on domestic political landscape
JULY 23, 2026
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
OPINIONS
Sister villages embrace for poverty fight
JULY 22, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
Physician's memoir reaches USA Today Best Seller list
JULY 14, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
New book argues regulation is becoming the foundation of China's AI industry
JULY 14, 2026
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.
OPINIONS
ASEAN Cooperatives can build a better, more inclusive world
JULY 7, 2026
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.