In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has expressed condolences over the death of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, 97, acknowledging his pivotal contributions to China's economic reforms and deepening Singapore-China relations.
Malaysia and Russia have committed to completing their 2027 Joint Action Plan by end of 2024, aiming to deepen cooperation in higher education, trade, and strategic industries including AI and renewable energy.
ASEAN's intra-regional trade remains below 25 per cent of total commerce, prompting calls for deeper economic integration to achieve fourth-largest economy status by 2030, says Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan.
While new US Section 301 tariffs are unlikely to significantly harm ASEAN exports in coming months due to product exemptions and lower effective rates, analysts warn that sustained American protectionism and unresolved investigations into excess capacity create mounting economic and geopolitical risks.
Singapore has been hit with a 12.5% tariff on about one-third of its exports to the United States, part of Donald Trump's effort to reconstruct his tariff programme following a court challenge. The measure targets 45 economies allegedly failing to combat forced labour in supply chains.
Malaysia has secured placement in a lower US tariff tier, with a 10% duty taking effect from July 24 under Section 301 measures. The country was rewarded for commitments to enforce forced labour laws.
Indonesia's state logistics agency Bulog is pressing ahead with negotiations to export rice to Malaysia and Singapore, with talks focusing on pricing structures and delivery arrangements for substantial shipments.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged rural entrepreneurs to look beyond domestic markets, advocating for expansion into ASEAN and the global halal economy as part of a broader development strategy.