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Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia

The latest news and top stories on Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia. A prominent Kuala Lumpur based independent think tank, the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia is dedicated to objective and independent policy research. Established in 1983 as Malaysia’s first think tank, its main areas of focus include defence security and foreign affairs, national and international economic affairs, nation-building, technology innovation environment and sustainability, and international understanding and cooperation.

Malaysia

‘Take sides’? Malaysia insists on conditional neutrality in US-China tech ties

To keep US chips and Chinese capital flowing, Malaysia is working overtime to reassure both Washington and Beijing.

29 Jul 2026 - 4:47PMvideocam

Asean

Why new US tariffs threaten Trump government’s credibility in Asean

26 Jul 2026 - 11:30AMvideocam

Malaysia

‘Privacy lost so easily’: influencer’s bill leak rattles Malaysia’s telcos

23 Jul 2026 - 7:07PM

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Network School probe raises questions over openness to tech talent

The commune’s founder says further investments in Malaysia are on hold and he may move his funds out depending on talks with the authorities.

17 Jul 2026 - 5:42PMvideocam

Malaysia

Malaysia narrows hunt for replacement missiles after Norway axes contract

Turkey, South Korea and two unspecified European nations are in the frame to replace a cancelled Norwegian anti-ship missile.

29 Jun 2026 - 6:00PM

Malaysia

Malaysia rises as Asean ‘middle power’ through new Japan LNG deal

Petronas’ 20-year agreement to supply JERA with LNG shows how Malaysia is using its natural resources to strengthen ties, analysts say.

11 Jun 2026 - 1:26PM

Malaysia

‘We are a small country’: why Malaysia is resisting US defence spending call

Malaysia faces a dilemma in modernising an ageing military without overwhelming public finances or appearing to choose sides, analysts say.

1 Jun 2026 - 5:56PMvideocam

Malaysia

Delays, rising costs hit Asia’s trade as Gulf crisis spills beyond oil

Port congestion has resulted in longer vessel queues and mounting scheduling pressure, forcing Malaysian operators to tighten access.

20 Apr 2026 - 5:35PM

Asean

US to remain key ally of Asean despite Iran war fallout: diplomat

Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink says the US still has ‘extraordinary’ influence in the region, given its trade and security ties with Asean.

9 Apr 2026 - 6:20PM

US-Asean relations

Foot in the door or trap? Risks of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Southeast Asia

Nations are likely to try to avoid early commitment while steering clear of outright rejection to minimise US retaliation, analysts say.

21 Jan 2026 - 2:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday. Photo: EPA

Malaysia

Reform gamble: Anwar to limit Malaysia PM term amid support crisis

The move could ‘excite core supporters’ and help project the image that the ruling coalition remains committed to reform, analysts say.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:23PM

Malaysia

Malaysia moves to regulate WhatsApp, Facebook and others under online safety law

The decision to deem major platforms licensed regardless of application closes a regulatory gap, but questions remain over enforcement.

1 Jan 2026 - 5:50PM

Malaysia

Backlash grows as Malaysia plans ID checks to ban under-16s from social media

With mandatory ID verification set for 2026, Malaysia debates: should parents or the state decide how children access the internet?

24 Nov 2025 - 3:59PM

Asean

Asean seeks to ‘future-proof’ economies, fate closely entwined with China

Observers expect the bloc to be sandwiched between two superpowers, especially in the race for critical minerals.

28 Oct 2025 - 6:46PM

Shipping containers are seen stacked at Port Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The US is currently Asean’s largest export destination. Photo: AFP

US-Asean relations

The long goodbye: Southeast Asia adjusts to a post-America trade future

Trump’s tariffs are squeezing margins, re-routing supply chains and forcing companies to wean themselves off the US market.

25 Oct 2025 - 1:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump waves goodbye as he walks to board Air Force One last month. Photo: AP

Malaysia

Malaysia’s king fires off a royal rebuke to ‘nonsensical’ defence deals

A controversial Black Hawk deal has been scrapped after Sultan Ibrahim intervened, calling out ‘flying coffins’ and high procurement costs.

24 Aug 2025 - 8:02AMvideocam

Malaysia

No to Nick Adams: Malaysian activists warn of protests against US envoy pick

The appointment could test Malaysia’s diplomatic pragmatism as it seeks a trade deal with the US amid Gaza tensions, analysts say.

18 Jul 2025 - 6:01PMvideocam

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