At my Chinese New Year gatherings this year, some friends divulged that their calendar was filled with “appointments” to conceive “dragon babies” before the “deadline”.

It’s fascinating how many in modern society still adopt feng shui as a guide in important decisions in life, despite t...

My Say: Feng shui, confirmation bias and polarisation

Large-scale land and forest fires regularly impact 30 million to 50 million hectares of land in Southeast Asia. These fires can generate smoke clouds covering hundreds of millions of hectares for months at a time, resulting in transboundary smoke haze that has severely impacted parts of all 10 As...

Climate And Environmental Governance: Stopping fires and transboundary haze in Southeast Asia

Our rice was at centre stage again with a very peculiar problem, that is, local rice was not available in the market in the second half of last year although 64% of supply comes from local farms. Despite stern warnings from the government against manipulation of rice supply, the problem persisted...

My Say: What is wrong with our rice sector

They are home to a quarter of humanity — 1.9 billion people. They possess prized natural resources, including one-fifth of the world’s copper and gold reserves, as well as many of the rare metals essential for the transition to clean energy. Their working-age populations are set to expand for the...

The New Global Economy: The world cannot afford to ignore the poorest countries

THE appointment of Prabowo Subianto as the new president of the Republic of Indonesia has the potential to enhance bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia. The relationship between the two countries is already built on a strong foundation, with mutual interests in strengthening cooperation. Prabowo’s interactions with Malaysian counterparts, including his visit to Malaysia and meetings with officials, have highlighted the importance of defence ties and the potential for collaboration in various areas, such as security, economic development and social cooperation.

Rumpun Nusantara: Leveraging Indonesia’s new leadership for bilateral sustainability with Malaysia

It has been a volatile and strange month in the markets. Gold prices crossed an all-time high of over US$2,400 per ounce after Iran launched 350 drones and missiles against Israel, having just crossed US$2,000 earlier in the month. The US 10-year Treasuries yield went back up to 4.6% per annum, w...

Condivergence: Heed Dimon’s view on how financial regulators must support growth

In the third and fourth instalments of our four-part series on the economy, we are focusing on mission-based policy packages that Malaysia can embark on to realise our vision of Malaysia Madani. As a recap, the first article — “Taking a systems approach to fuel subsidies” (Issue 1515, March 18) —...

My Say: Mission Madani: Now is not the time to work in silos

With Malaysia’s 5G outdoor coverage having reached the 80% target for coverage of populated areas (CoPA) at the end of 2023 and after the signing of the share subscription agreements (SSAs) by five mobile network operators (MNOs) on Dec 1, 2023, what’s next for the next stage of 5G deployment in Malaysia?

What’s next for 5G deployment in Malaysia?

The global landscape is currently undergoing a transformative shift marked by ageing populations in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and the European Union. This demographic evolution has far-reaching implications, extending beyond these nations to emerging economies like Malaysia, as ...

My Say: Demographic shifts and economic resilience: A call to action

In Part 1, I outlined three possible scenarios for voter turnout and support for the DAP/PH/unity government candidate in the upcoming by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB), out of which there is only one scenario where the incumbent manages to defend the seat. In this concluding part of this article, I will outline some of the likely and desired parameters of contestation during the campaign.

Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election: The challenges for DAP, PH, unity government — Part 2

Amidst Malaysia and the region’s recent heatwave, with flash floods ravaging cities and rising sea levels threatening coastal communities worldwide, the urgency of adapting to climate change grows ever more pressing. While attention often centres on major metropolises, the indispensable role of second-tier cities in shaping sustainable urban growth and bolstering resilience against climate impacts cannot be overstated.

Unlocking the potential of second-tier cities: A blueprint for climate resilience and sustainable growth 

The chronic scarcity of skilled labour in crucial sectors like manufacturing, IT, green technology and medicine presents not merely a challenge but an urgent issue requiring prompt resolution. Data from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry underscores this urgency, revealing a stark dis...

My Say: Three ways to solve skilled labour shortages

Talk abounds the world over concerning the future of international trade in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

Ongoing developments — including the intensifying rivalry between the US and China, the ill-fated Russo-Ukrainian war and the unmitigated bloodletting in Gaza,...

My Say: In face of uncertainties,trade policy should pivot South

The upcoming by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB), a semi-urban seat located in the Hulu Selangor district, will provide one of the toughest electoral challenges to DAP, to Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, and to this unity government since the state elections of 2023.

Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election: The challenges for DAP, PH, unity government — Part 1

Apple Inc has renewed discussions with OpenAI about using the start-up’s technology to power some new features coming to the iPhone later this year, according to people familiar with the matter.

Apple intensifies talks with OpenAI for iPhone generative AI features

The Perak government is expected to establish cooperation with Star Group Industries (SGI), a leading South Korean company with experience in the production of downstream products of rare earth elements (REE).

Perak to collaborate with rare earth elements company from South Korea, says MB

Global stocks were higher on Friday, as Big Tech gains lifted Wall Street shares, while Japan's yen sank to a 34-year low after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) kept monetary policy loose.

Global stocks gain on Big Tech lift; yen slides to 34-year low

The creation of Flexible Account 3 for anytime withdrawals from May 11 means Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members can choose to take out up to a third of the balance in their existing Wellbeing Account 2.

Who pays for anytime EPF withdrawals?

China passed a law on Friday strengthening its trade defence capabilities as the US and the European Union take aim at Beijing over excess industrial capacity.

China passes tariff law amid tensions with trading partners

FRANKFURT/BERLIN/PRAGUE (April 26): Thyssenkrupp will sell a 20% stake in its steel business to the energy holding controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, a major breakthrough for the German conglomerate after years of unsuccessful attempts to divest the unit.

Thyssenkrupp sells stake in steel unit to Czech billionaire Kretinsky

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday.

BCorp, Capital A, AAX, YNH, Sam Engineering, Turiya, Gadang, Microlink, Nestle, Wiradani, D&O, Homeritz, Unisem

(April 26): HSBC Holdings Plc successfully fought off a London court claim brought by a group of investors in a £1.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) lawsuit over tax breaks linked to Walt Disney Co film financing.

HSBC wins £1.3 bil suit over Disney film finance scandal

KUB Malaysia Bhd has extended the deadline for its mandatory general offer for Central Cables Bhd (CCB) a second time to May 20 from April 30, according to its latest filing on Bursa Malaysia.

KUB extends deadline for CCB MGO a second time

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday.

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KNM Group Bhd said it is seeking court sanction for a new scheme of arrangement with its creditors. The PN17 group is also seeking a further extension of time to submit its regularisation plan.

KNM seeks fresh scheme of arrangement with creditors

China passed a law on Friday strengthening its trade defence capabilities as the US and the European Union take aim at Beijing over excess industrial capacity.

The creation of Flexible Account 3 for anytime withdrawals from May 11 means Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members can choose to take out up to a third of the balance in their existing Wellbeing Account 2.

(April 26):&nbsp;HSBC Holdings Plc successfully fought off a London court&nbsp;claim&nbsp;brought by a group of investors in a £1.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) lawsuit over tax breaks linked to Walt Disney Co&nbsp;film financing.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26):&nbsp;KPJ Healthcare Bhd, through its premier educational institution&nbsp;KPJ Healthcare University (KPJU),&nbsp;has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday with Trusx Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Trustr), a global digital health organisation, as an initiative to revolutionise&nbsp;healthcare.

KPJ Healthcare, Trusx Malaysia collaborate for AI-driven healthcare solutions

Wall Street's main indexes advanced on Friday as most megacap growth stocks rose after robust quarterly results from Alphabet pushed its market value over US$2 trillion (RM9.5 trillion), while an in-line inflation reading calmed interest rate jitters.

Wall Street rises as Big Tech charges higher

KUB Malaysia Bhd has extended the deadline for its mandatory general offer for Central Cables Bhd (CCB) a second time to May 20 from April 30, according to its latest filing on Bursa Malaysia.

US equity funds registered their fourth successive weekly outflows in the week ended April 24, hit by fading expectations for rate cuts this year.

US equity funds see fourth straight week of outflows amid rate cut reassessment

HULU SELANGOR (April 28): The Ministry of Health (MOH) stands by its decision to amend the Medical Act 1971 (Act 50) to bridge the gap between the parallel pathway programme (PPP) and the local medical degree programme, despite objections from some parties.

Health Ministry stands by decision to amend Medical Act 1971

Fast-fashion firm&nbsp;Shein&nbsp;has been drawn under the scope of flagship&nbsp;European Union (EU) rules designed to clamp down on illegal and harmful content online, aimed at stopping the spread of counterfeit items on the platform.

EU hits fast-fashion giant Shein with new digital rules

FRANKFURT/BERLIN/PRAGUE (April 26): Thyssenkrupp&nbsp;will sell a 20% stake in its steel business to the energy holding controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel&nbsp;Kretinsky, a major breakthrough for the German conglomerate after years of unsuccessful attempts to divest the unit.

Global&nbsp;stocks were higher on Friday, as Big Tech gains lifted Wall Street shares, while Japan's yen&nbsp;sank to a&nbsp;34-year low after the Bank of Japan (BOJ)&nbsp;kept&nbsp;monetary policy loose.

WASHINGTON (April 26):&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Friday for additional air defence systems to be sent to Kyiv to help protect against Russian strikes, adding that a pause in US&nbsp;funding had helped Moscow seize the initiative.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls for air defence systems as allies meet

A weekly round-up of tanker and dry bulk market (April 26, 2024)

Baltic Exchange shipping updates: April 26, 2024

The Perak government is expected to establish cooperation with Star Group Industries (SGI), a leading South Korean company with experience in the production of downstream products of rare earth elements (REE).

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