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A container terminal in port Klang near Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has warned of a “mid-to-long-term impact” from higher US tariffs. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Malaysia warns of slump over US tariff as visit by China’s Xi spurs trade hopes

President Xi Jinping’s coming visit to Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam has turned attention to China as a potential economic stabiliser.

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Asean

Myanmar earthquake: can Asean step up to fill US aid vacuum?

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Australia

Sinking feeling: is Australia’s navy ready for a Pacific conflict?

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Vietnam

Vietnamese firms bemoan ‘absurdity’ of Trump’s higher tariff as US orders fall

As part of President Donald Trump’s move to impose ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, Vietnam will face a levy of 46 per cent on its exports to the US.

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Vietnamese garment workers at a factory in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s textile and other industries will face a 46 per cent tariff for exports to the US. Photo: AFP
Vietnamese garment workers at a factory in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s textile and other industries will face a 46 per cent tariff for exports to the US. Photo: AFP
Vietnam

Trump and Vietnam’s leader To Lam closer to tariff deal after ‘productive’ call

The US president says he spoke with Vietnamese leader To Lam, who is seeking to avoid punishing 46 per cent duties.

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Malaysia

Beyond the sea: Malaysia’s rail port project targets a trade corridor shake-up

Perlis Inland Port aims to offer Southeast Asia a viable land-based trade alternative to the instability of current shipping routes.

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Japan

Walk this way: Tokyo’s Ginza to get New York-like ‘High Line’ makeover

To promote a walkable city, Tokyo is converting a clogged motorway into a green pedestrian space, inspired by New York’s High Line.

People enjoying the pedestrian-friendly space during Ginza Sky Walk 2024. Photo: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
People enjoying the pedestrian-friendly space during Ginza Sky Walk 2024. Photo: Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Malaysia

Malaysia’s electronics sector at risk as experts call out Trump’s ‘voodoo’ tariffs

Analysts say Washington’s semiconductor exemption offers little relief as Malaysia’s broader electronics industry face steep import levies.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s new coal pricing rule sparks uncertainty, rattles Chinese firms

Analysts warn Indonesia may lose its competitiveness over the new regulation amid concerns about lack of market flexibility.

Singapore

Ahead of Trump’s tariffs, most MNCs in Singapore worry about slowdown: survey

The survey by AmChamSG, conducted before Trump’s 10 per cent universal tariff move, reveals fears over rising costs and supply disruptions.

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President Donald Trump holds a chart showing the reciprocal tariffs to be imposed on US’ trade partners at the White House on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
Australia

Tariffs for penguins? Trump targets remote uninhabited Australian islands

Critics are mocking Washington for placing tariffs on Heard Island and McDonald Islands, possibly due to mislabelled shipping data.

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King Penguins on Macquarie Island, another sub-antarctic islands belonging to Australia. Photo: Shutterstock
King Penguins on Macquarie Island, another sub-antarctic islands belonging to Australia. Photo: Shutterstock
US-ally trade wars

‘Bad news for all’ as Asia hard hit by Trump tariffs, amid trade war fears

‘Disproportionately stiffer’ tariffs for the region will be detrimental to growth for export-reliant Asian economies, experts warn.

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The Philippines

Philippines offered 20 US F-16 fighter jets in major defence upgrade

Experts stress the urgent need to upgrade the Philippine Air Force due to its limited capabilities in defending against China’s military presence.

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Asean

Southeast Asians expect more US engagement amid Trump’s tariff call: survey

Singapore, one of the US’ closest partners in the region, is the most worried about the impact of Trump’s second term, a new survey shows.

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A cargo ship is loaded with containers as it is docked at the port of Bangkok in Thailand on Thursday. Thailand is one of six countries in Southeast Asia slapped with much higher than expected tariffs by the US. Photo: Reuters
India

Temasek takes a big bite of India’s food market with major Haldiram’s deal

The state investment fund has reportedly bought a 10 per cent stake in the leading Indian food company for US$1 billion.

Packets of snacks on the shelves inside a Haldiram’s restaurant in Mumbai, India. Photo: Reuters
Packets of snacks on the shelves inside a Haldiram’s restaurant in Mumbai, India. Photo: Reuters
Australia

Bodybuilder in legal trouble for viral turbine stunt at Sydney Airport

Despite facing criticism for being unsafe, the bodybuilding influencer defended his actions, stating he had taken adequate precautions.

India

India’s early moves to shield from Trump’s global tariffs may pay off

The US may not target India as yet under its global reciprocal tariffs given New Delhi’s moves to slash import duties, analysts say.

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Malaysia

Chicken on credit? Debt trap fears in Malaysia over deferred payment schemes

Lack of safeguards against multiple Buy Now, Pay Later borrowings could lead to surging indebtedness among low-income earners, consumer group warns.

A woman shops at a wet market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Food prices rose 2.5 per cent in February, according to government data. Photo: Reuters
A woman shops at a wet market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Food prices rose 2.5 per cent in February, according to government data. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Can Danantara deliver? Indonesia’s sovereign fund vows to be ‘super transparent’

Investment chief Pandu Sjahrir is confident the new sovereign wealth fund can overcome market jitters and keep political meddling at bay.

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Malaysia 1MDB scandal

Chasing Jho Low: blockchain bounty breathes new life into hunt for 1MDB fugitive

Can a memecoin help uncover Jho Low’s whereabouts? New evidence is surfacing about the scandal, thanks to a crypto reward system.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s Danantara fund faces constitutional challenge over corruption concerns

Critics fear the new law underpinning the fund weakens oversight of state-owned enterprises, potentially fuelling corruption risks.

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Exterior facade of the building housing Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, known as Daya Anagata Nusantara or Danantara, in Jakarta. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game-changer’ missiles to deter China threat

During a visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed alliance, deterring Beijing’s ‘aggression’ in the South China Sea.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysians trust media more while consumer boycott hits confidence survey

Local companies dominate the most trusted brands across the sectors, according to the Ipsos survey.

Indonesia

Indonesian fishermen sue Bumble Bee Seafoods in landmark forced labour case

The human-trafficking case highlights the exploitation within the seafood industry, emphasising the need for corporate accountability and systemic reform.

Australia

Australia to warn young travellers about methanol poisoning after Laos deaths

Foreign ministry warns travellers to ‘be suspicious of unusually cheap drinks’ following the death of two 19-year-olds.

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Australia is warning its youngsters about alcohol dangers. Photo: Shutterstock
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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