Your hub for Malaysian news, trends and culture.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirms Malaysia's deep bond with Timor-Leste as both nations — sharing a history of fighting for sovereignty — mourn the loss of a former PM together.
Malaysia and Cambodia have pledged to deepen cooperation across digital economy, artificial intelligence, halal industry and food security, with discussions held during a high-level visit ahead of their 70th diplomatic anniversary in 2027.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn has underscored the critical importance of media in strengthening public engagement with the bloc and cultivating a cohesive regional identity as ASEAN advances towards its Community Vision 2045 goals.
Malaysia is hosting a major ASEAN-China ministerial conference on construction and housing, bringing together 300 officials from 11 nations to tackle rapid urbanisation and develop sustainable cities across the region.
Malaysia's Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) is pursuing recertification as an International Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team through INSARAG, marking its 31st anniversary.
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While 93,000 autistic children feature in government disability statistics, more than 850,000 disabled children remain unregistered and underserved. The real crisis spans all disabilities, not just autism.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission will spearhead a new ASEAN training initiative on asset recovery, drawing on its experience with the 1MDB case to help regional neighbours strengthen their corruption-fighting capabilities.
Timor-Leste has joined the ASEAN Parties Against Corruption network, marking a significant expansion of Southeast Asia's coordinated anti-graft efforts. Malaysia is hosting the 22nd Secretariat Meeting in Melaka.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. positioned ASEAN as his nation's steadfast partner during Monday's State of the Nation Address, highlighting concrete initiatives in energy, food security, and digital cooperation that strengthen the region.
Malaysia will host the 22nd Asean-PAC meeting, bringing together anti-corruption authorities from across Southeast Asia to coordinate strategies against graft and enhance institutional cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated Washington's willingness to pursue diplomatic channels with Iran, though he cautioned that Tehran must show serious commitment to negotiations for talks to succeed.
Bangladesh has approached the Philippines to support its application for Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner status, seeking to deepen ties with the regional bloc while also advancing bilateral cooperation on healthcare and economic matters.
Asean has called for safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, citing deep concerns about economic disruption from Middle Eastern tensions. The bloc's foreign ministers emphasised the need for compliance with international maritime law during meetings in Manila.
President Trump has adopted a more measured tone on accusations of Chinese election meddling, saying the alleged interference occurred long ago. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila on Wednesday.
Myanmar's full return to ASEAN official meetings remains uncertain, with the Philippines expressing doubts about the junta's commitment to the Five-Point Consensus, the bloc's framework for resolving the crisis.
Egypt and Russia are deepening bilateral ties through joint economic projects including grain and petroleum logistics corridors, nuclear power plant construction, and planned seasonal tourist flights.
Malaysia's proposal to establish a national petroleum reserve reflects growing recognition that geopolitical disruptions to global shipping routes are now structural rather than isolated incidents, with analysts urging comprehensive energy resilience strategies.
Leading Asia-Pacific nations Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have pledged to deepen partnerships with ASEAN, emphasizing cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital economies and supply chain resilience amid rising regional tensions.
South Korea and ASEAN have unveiled expanded cooperation frameworks covering artificial intelligence, cultural industries and supply chain resilience, reinforcing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership amid regional technological shifts.
China has summoned the Philippine ambassador following a confrontation at a contested shoal in the South China Sea involving the China Coast Guard and a Filipino sailor. The incident has prompted strong statements from Washington and regional allies.
A confrontation between Philippine and Chinese vessels at a disputed shoal has intensified tensions ahead of an ASEAN ministerial meeting in Manila, complicating efforts to establish regional maritime protocols and deepening divisions within the bloc.
Chinese and Philippine foreign ministers will meet this week for the first time in two years at an Asean gathering in Manila, even as tensions escalate over South China Sea disputes, Taiwan, and Japan ties.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has congratulated newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, pledging to deepen bilateral ties across innovation, defence and regional security amid shifting global dynamics.
Malaysia's upper house has approved the Cyber Security Bill 2026, a comprehensive replacement for the 1997 Computer Crimes Act. The legislation establishes stronger penalties and international extradition mechanisms to combat evolving digital crimes.
The Philippines is hosting the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting from July 20 to 24, addressing regional security, human rights, and geopolitical stability. Discussions will cover Myanmar, South China Sea tensions, and nuclear-free zone protocols.
ASEAN foreign ministers gathering in Manila next week will decide on fresh approaches to Myanmar's political turmoil, building on rare direct talks held in Thailand.
Thailand and Cambodia are maintaining their commitment to resolve border disputes through sustained dialogue, the Philippine government said, with no major incidents reported since leaders agreed on confidence-building measures in May.
Malaysia is studying the establishment of a national petroleum reserve to strengthen energy security amid rising geoeconomic risks. Experts say the move reflects a shift toward treating economic security as equal to efficiency.
The Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary, acting as ASEAN chair's special envoy, will lead a humanitarian mission into Myanmar by the fourth quarter of 2026, following regional discussions on the Five-Point Consensus and political normalisation.
Cambodia and Thailand's prime ministers will attend China's World AI Conference in Shanghai on 17 July, raising questions about whether Beijing will use the occasion to mediate their long-stalled border dispute.
A 14-nation coalition commemorated ten years since the landmark 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China's expansive nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea, reaffirming the decision's legal binding force.
Vietnam's foreign minister has reaffirmed his country's commitment to supporting Myanmar through ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus framework, pledging concrete cooperation on economic recovery and security challenges.
Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has stressed that the two nations' 60-year partnership transcends transactional dealings, built instead on mutual respect and proven ability to resolve sensitive issues through dialogue and understanding.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived in Malaysia for a three-day state visit, calling for deepened ties between the neighbours. He stressed the importance of addressing differences through dialogue while pursuing joint economic projects like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the RTS Link.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will visit Malaysia from July 13-15, his first state visit since taking office. The trip reciprocates the Malaysian King's May 2024 visit to Singapore and highlights strengthening economic ties.
The Philippines, holding the ASEAN chairmanship, will host an informal meeting between ASEAN foreign ministers and Myanmar in Bangkok on July 12, marking the first direct engagement since the 2021 military coup.
Thailand is hosting two informal ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings on Myanmar, chaired by the Philippines, to advance the bloc's engagement strategy and discuss implementation of the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar's political crisis.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has voiced optimism about achieving a US$30 billion bilateral trade target with Malaysia by 2027, as current trade stands near US$28 billion. The announcement came during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to expedite border connectivity projects and establish special economic zones, with both nations targeting US$30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held high-level talks with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, with both nations poised to announce eight formal agreements spanning defence, trade, energy and food security.
Indonesia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the Strait of Malacca, pledging coordinated efforts with Malaysia and Thailand to maintain security and safe passage through the critical waterway.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Malaysia's rural sector to pursue international opportunities through ASEAN and the global halal market, moving beyond domestic-focused strategies. Recent initiatives have created over 7,000 rural entrepreneurs and generated RM1.77 billion in sales.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will visit Jakarta on July 6 for the annual Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat with President Prabowo Subianto, focusing on deepening bilateral cooperation in emerging sectors.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to pursuing an independent and proactive foreign policy, refusing alignment with any major power bloc.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will visit Malaysia on July 9 and 10 for talks with PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on transnational security challenges and expanding bilateral economic ties between the neighbouring nations.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended formal congratulations to China on the 105th anniversary of its ruling Communist Party, underscoring Malaysia's diplomatic engagement with Beijing.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated Malaysia's dedication to bolstering ASEAN's resilience and unity, emphasising the bloc's importance in maintaining regional peace and prosperity amid mounting global pressures.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed predictions of conflict in the South China Sea, highlighting Malaysia's productive engagement with China and calling for sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve regional disputes.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stressed the need for Malaysia to develop a sovereign cloud infrastructure to protect sensitive data and critical security information while remaining open to global digital investment.
Malaysia is developing a National Coal Site Repurposing Framework to convert retiring coal power plants into renewable energy hubs and battery storage facilities, Deputy PM Fadillah announced, supporting the country's 2044 coal phase-out target.
ASEAN must transcend passive adaptation to global upheaval and actively determine its own future through stronger collective action and strategic resilience, says ISIS Malaysia's leadership at the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable conference.
The 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable begins Tuesday with a dedicated caucus examining Myanmar's escalating crisis. The three-day forum in Kuala Lumpur brings together 400 participants from 30 countries to debate regional security challenges.
Malaysia and Indonesia have reaffirmed commitment to expanding cooperation across legislation, governance, and strategic interests, following discussions between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs.
Governments across the Mekong region are escalating coordinated action to combat transboundary haze and forest fire risks as rising temperatures and an approaching El Niño phenomenon threaten agriculture, health, and the economy.
Malaysia and Cambodia held bilateral talks to advance their newly signed Information and Media Development MoU, discussing digital transformation, media integrity, and information exchange cooperation at the ASEAN SOMRI meeting in Brunei.