Today's top Malaysian news, sport and lifestyle.
Indonesia and Thailand have agreed to expand local currency transactions in trade and investment, with a combined target of US$20 billion in bilateral commerce by 2030 across digital economy, energy, and agriculture sectors.
The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office warns that AI is creating a new dollar-centered monetary ecosystem. Regional economies must accelerate coordination on AI infrastructure, clean energy, and local-currency digital payments to maintain financial sovereignty.
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn has underscored the media's pivotal role in building public engagement with the bloc and strengthening regional identity as it works toward ASEAN Community Vision 2045, citing both opportunities and risks in the digital age.
Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has outlined an ambitious development strategy for the country's four southern provinces, emphasising modernised agriculture, renewable energy expansion, improved trade infrastructure, and human capital investment.
Bangladesh is pursuing closer institutional ties with ASEAN, seeking Sectoral Dialogue Partner status. Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman asked the Philippines, current ASEAN chair, for support during bilateral talks in Manila.
China's railways transported a record 2.3 billion passengers in the first half of 2026, marking a 5% increase year-on-year. Foreign travellers surged 33.6%, bolstered by the country's visa-free transit policy, while cross-border rail services expanded significantly.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia and Singapore will soon complete the master plan for the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, signalling accelerated progress on the ambitious cross-border economic initiative.
Malaysia and Thailand have committed to expediting border infrastructure projects and establishing special economic zones, with leaders targeting USD30 billion in bilateral trade by 2027 through enhanced cooperation.