Reliable national and regional news coverage.
Indonesia's Finance Ministry plans majority stake in Jakarta-Bandung HSR operator by mid-September, whilst Vietnam and Malaysia strengthen trade ties. Thailand pursues creative cities expansion targeting 35 designations by 2037.
Sultan Nazrin Shah has officially opened Manjung Municipal Council's new Merdeka Hall in Lumut, a RM12.7 million facility that will serve as a venue for major events and support the district's development goals through 2030.
Vietnam has unveiled a comprehensive national programme for 2026–2030 designed to fortify child protection mechanisms, reduce violence and sexual abuse by 5% annually, and lower child labour rates among five- to 17-year-olds below 1.1%.
Selangor's Menteri Besar proposes deepening ties with Negeri Sembilan to establish a new economic corridor, leveraging geographic proximity and aligned development strategies to attract investment and create jobs across the central region.
Malaysia's RM50.27 billion East Coast Rail Link is projected to contribute RM80-90 billion to national GDP by 2047, driven by 21 Economic Accelerator Projects and strategic logistics hubs across Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.
MBSB Bank and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy RM1 billion in financing for SMEs operating in the NCER, targeting export-oriented businesses and strategic growth sectors.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's ninth ministerial conference on women's empowerment has launched in Islamabad, bringing together representatives from 57 member states to address challenges facing women across the Islamic world and chart pathways for inclusive development.
Across Southeast Asia, governments are prioritizing digital infrastructure and development. Indonesia targets 100 Mbps internet speeds while allocating RM304 million to Papua farmers. Regional leaders pursue modernisation from defence to postal services.
Pakistan and Turkey have committed to strengthening economic cooperation, targeting US$5 billion in annual bilateral trade. The countries will explore ventures in energy, digital infrastructure, and critical minerals.
Malaysia's micro, small and medium enterprises represent 97% of all business transactions and contribute 52% of GDP, with Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid emphasising the sector's role in job creation and economic stability.
Singapore will open selected sectors to Timorese workers from 2027 and expand healthcare and education cooperation with Timor-Leste, PM Lawrence Wong announced during the first Singapore prime ministerial visit to Dili.
Pakatan Harapan will release its manifesto for the Johor state election, emphasizing balanced regional development, narrowed wealth gaps, and improved living standards across all districts.
The Malaysian government is pursuing major improvements to Langkawi's domestic and international transport infrastructure whilst rolling out targeted support for small businesses, aiming to transform the island into a diversified economic hub beyond tourism.
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Indonesia is racing to resolve 70–80% of its waste crisis by 2029 while beating renewable energy targets ahead of schedule. Across Southeast Asia, Myanmar's maize draws Chinese interest, the Philippines intensifies police accountability, and Singapore sees football academy booms.