Inside ESSOR CLUB: The New Relationship Economy Changing Malaysian Business
BUSINESS
“Standard Chartered Hong Kong SME Leading Business Index” Q4 2026
Malaysia and Switzerland Explore Trade and Investment Opportunities
Malaysia & Germany to Deepen Economic Partnership via TVET
IHH Healthcare Quality Summit 2026 spotlights value-driven care
Agentic AI adoption outpaces enterprise readiness
Gunvor Rebrands as Centalion, Plans Singapore Headquarters
Southeast Asian businesses not ready for full autonomy
Hear Our Heartbeat: spotlight on heart condition ATTR-CM
Financial Crime Fight Shifts Towards Intelligence, AI and Data
01F Invests in Indonesia’s DANA
SIRIM Sees 48% Surge in Demand
More Women Need Breast Screening
Prabowo Orders Preparation for E50 as Indonesia Pushes Energy Independence
Malaysia Ranks Second in ASEAN Digital Nations Index
FPAM Welcomes 365 New CFP® and IFP® Graduates at 2026 Graduation Day
Malaysia’s Wealthy Investors Embrace AI
Malaysia looks to Lagos as gateway to Africa's next trade opportunity
Southeast Asian travellers are using sales to upgrade their holidays
DAHON TECH rides global expansion wave
Corporate Malaysia gets behind Merdeka
IHH Healthcare delivers double digit growth
Beyond the Scan: Radiology and the evolving Cancer care journey
Indonesia Targets Higher Seafood Exports Through Japan Market
HAVI Names Kuala Lumpur One of Just Four Global Technology Hubs
microLEAP Partners with Provident Banc Berhad
REGIONAL POLITICS
Ukraine and South Korea's Diplomatic Dispute Deepens | State of Play
Anticipated pique from North Korea has not come. While Kim Yo-jong has made threatening statements about South Korean warning shots and loudspeaker broadcasts along the inter-Korean border, the regime has not yet commented on or acknowledged the POW issue. Pyongyang has also made clear it has no interest in dialogue with Seoul
Samoa, Korea Seek Stronger Ties
Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has met South Korean Ambassador Byung-ha Chung, highlighting locally made agricultural products and opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.
Australia and Sarawak deepen partnership as opportunities expand
IHO & Japan move to strengthen cooperation
Gulf Engagement as Russia Offers Regional Security Framework
Japan and France Deepen Security and Trade Cooperation
Japan and France are strengthening cooperation on defence, economic security and critical mineral supply chains as bilateral goods trade approaches €18 billion and investment ties deepen.
Malaysia briefs international delegates on foreign policy and development planning
The Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme’s 2026 Visitors’ Programme continued in Kuala Lumpur with briefings on strategic planning, bilateral and regional affairs, and international cooperation, highlighting the country’s approach to diplomacy and national development.
Prabowo Swears In New Cabinet Ministers
President Prabowo Subianto has inaugurated a number of ministers and deputy ministers, with the new appointees outlining priorities spanning human development, foreign policy, industrial growth and job creation.
Indonesia Moves to Science-Based Peatland Management Under Prabowo
Indonesia Mobilises 64 Aircraft and 54,394 Personnel to Fight Forest Fires
HAZE: Malaysia sends firefighting support to Indonesia
Malaysia is sending an amphibious firefighting aircraft, three helicopters and 52 personnel to Indonesia as Jakarta steps up efforts to contain forest and land fires, highlighting growing regional cooperation over haze, peatland protection and sustainable palm oil.
Prabowo Joins BRICS Leaders in Banyan Tree Planting Ceremony in New Delhi
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto joined fellow BRICS leaders in a symbolic banyan tree planting ceremony at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, underscoring the bloc’s message of sustainability, shared responsibility and cooperation among emerging economies.
Prabowo Shares Warm Exchange with Modi, Putin ahead of BRICS Summit
Singapore and Brazil Deepen Trade and ASEAN Ties
The Taiwan Paradox: Flashpoint fading?
A new analysis by Isabella McCallum and Ryan Featherston examines the declining number of US congressional visits to China and Taiwan, raising wider questions about how political distance could reshape decision making across the increasingly tense Indo Pacific.
Fiji and Korea Deepen Partnership as Energy Security Takes Centre Stage
Fiji is seeking to deepen its 55 year relationship with South Korea, with energy security, resilient supply chains, renewable technology, climate cooperation and the planned return of a Fiji diplomatic mission to Seoul emerging as key areas for closer engagement.
After market entry, the focus shifts to putting down roots in ASEAN
The 2026 Land-Sea Economic Forum has called for a shift from market entry to long term localisation, urging Chinese companies expanding into ASEAN to build deeper partnerships, local supply chains and sustainable business operations.
Tajikistan and Mongolia sign new agreements to deepen trade and investment ties
Tajikistan and Mongolia have signed a series of bilateral cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, transport and education, as both countries seek to strengthen economic cooperation and expand connectivity across Central and East Asia.
India, North Macedonia seek deeper trade and strategic ties during landmark presidential meeting
India and North Macedonia have agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, tourism, education and multilateral engagement after President Droupadi Murmu held bilateral talks with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova during the first ever state visit by an Indian president to North Macedonia.
Sri Lanka accelerates disaster relief as Prime Minister confirms compensation payments and transparent fund management
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya addresses Parliament on the Government's disaster relief and recovery programme, outlining progress on compensation payments, livelihood assistance and the transparent management of domestic and international disaster relief funds.
China, Kazakhstan reaffirm strategic partnership ahead of AI summit
China and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their strategic partnership ahead of next week's 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai, with both countries pledging deeper cooperation across trade, diplomacy and regional affairs while underscoring their commitment to stable bilateral ties.
Indonesia needs a free and active economic policy
TRAVEL & LIVING
SPORTS
Next-Generation Performance Watch in a Compact Titanium Case
Suunto's next-generation performance watch brings up to 38 hours of dual-band GPS battery, a 2,000-nit AMOLED display, and free worldwide offline maps in a 56 g build, debuting alongside Suunto's new AI Coach.
Confessions of a Travelling Fencer: Samsun, Singapore & SUKMA a busy season.
For me there is no definition of "too much fencing" so long as you can get in enough recovery, sleep, food, and can schedule the flights we are good to go!
Malaysia sends 12 young athletes to Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
Malaysia will compete in nine sports at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with a 12-athlete contingent, as the Olympic Council of Malaysia marks the team’s final preparations with a flag handover ceremony in Putrajaya.
ANTA Sports Becomes PUMA’s Largest Shareholder
Chinese sportswear group ANTA Sports has completed a €1.51 billion acquisition of a 29.06% stake in German sports brand PUMA, strengthening its global portfolio while PUMA continues its turnaround as an independently managed company.
FIFA President Praises Indonesia as an Extraordinary Host
Gianni Infantino expressed his appreciation for the development of football in the ASEAN region and the holding of the FIFA ASEAN Cup in Indonesia.
Malaysia's Drone Sports Talent Ecosystem
Malaysia’s drone sports ecosystem reached more than 10,000 participants between 2022 and 2025, as AKSADRON expands training, competitions and industry partnerships aimed at developing future technology talent.
Tokayev honours Rybakina after historic US Open triumph
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has congratulated Elena Rybakina on winning the US Open and reaching the world No. 1 ranking, while recognising her growing influence on tennis and sport among the country’s younger generation.
Toyota Motor Asia Puts Sport and Mobility at the Heart of Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Global Team Toyota athletes from six Asian markets are competing across six disciplines at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and Asian Para Games, with Toyota Motor Asia using sport to promote its wider “Move Your World” vision of mobility, inclusion and community connection.
Malaysia opens Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games campaign with Six-Gold target, questions remain over contingent size
Malaysia has set a target of six gold medals and 33 medals overall at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with expectations focused on established medal sports following a strong SEA Games campaign, although questions have emerged over the size of the contingent.
Selangor Men’s Foil Team Honoured After Double Gold Triumph at SUKMA 2026
Selangor’s Men’s foil fencing team has been recognised with an additional victory incentive after completing a memorable double gold triumph at SUKMA 2026, capping a remarkable rise for the state’s fencing programme from podium contenders to national champions.
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
Confessions of a Travelling Fencer: The Full Brazilian
From the intensity of the World Championships and an unexpected journey through Dubai to Rio’s beaches, Brazilian barbecue and tropical rainforest, Malaysian fencer Saif Nordin discovers that competing overseas is about much more than medals. It is a chance to test himself, explore new cultures and bring home lessons that extend far beyond the piste.
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).
Wuxi comes into view – Where history meets nature
OPINIONS
Military Espionage to Life in Colt Hawkins Trilogy
Drawing on 26 years of military service and multiple combat deployments, US author Charles A. Stewart has developed a three-book thriller series exploring covert intelligence operations, advanced military technology and international conspiracies.
Missile Diplomacy: North Korea Ramps Up Threats in Trump 2.0
Amid President Donald Trump’s calls for summitry with his “friend” Kim Jong-un, as well as his observation that Kim has been “unthreatening and respectful,” North Korea has not slowed its missile-testing spree.
Artprice by Artmarket: The Author's Responsibility in the Age of AI
"Dialogue Between a Thinker and AI": human thought, the entrusted pen, and the transparency of a world-book. Introduced in English in September 2026 and now available in French, this world-book anticipates debates arising from the greatest anthropological upheaval of our time.
EU-China Relations Face an Existential Test, but Escalation Is Not Inevitable
Brussels has so far shown remarkable restraint, partly because many European policymakers genuinely want to avoid escalation, but also because acting decisively is difficult in a union of 27 member states whose interests do not always align. Even trade defense measures, where unanimity is not required, often demand significant political capital to advance.
SEAM Backs Nine Malaysian Social Enterprises
Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia has selected nine impact-driven businesses for a 12-month programme aimed at strengthening commercial growth, organisational resilience and social impact across Malaysia.
Southeast Asia: Duterte Conviction Chance Increases
The latest actions by the Senate and Supreme Court will add to the Duterte camp’s allegations of political persecution by the Marcos administration, despite the president’s public professions of neutrality.
Hong Kong and Cambridge Join Forces to Build Industry 5.0 Manufacturing Hub
City University of Hong Kong and the University of Cambridge have established a new research centre focused on advanced manufacturing, AI, sustainable materials and digital technologies as Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its role in the global industrial value chain.
Economics, interpretation and Southeast Asia
For governments and businesses across the region, the distinction between what can be measured and what must be understood is increasingly important. Investment decisions, supply-chain strategies and economic policies are being made against a backdrop of technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty and rapidly changing regulations.
Indonesia: Financial Turmoil in Indonesia
A string of economic headwinds, not least the rupiah falling to record lows this year, has intensified public scrutiny of Prabowo’s fiscal and monetary policies and cratered his public support to under 40 percent in recent polls.
Polysilicon and the Merits of Trade Measures as Industrial Policy
The United States is turning to tariffs and minimum import prices to rebuild its polysilicon industry, but a new CSIS analysis warns that trade barriers alone may not deliver a globally competitive supply chain, putting the spotlight on the role of domestic incentives and partners such as Malaysia.
Does Vietnam’s Soaring U.S. Trade Deficit Make It a Bad Actor?
Also counterintuitively, the 2026 export surge from Vietnam cannot be motivated by a desire to avoid tariffs from China. The reason: All of these electronics products are exempted from the Trump administration tariffs applied in 2025 and onward. All of these items enter the United States duty free, whether from China, Vietnam, or any other country.
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.