Malaysia to tighten semiconductor regulations under US pressure: Report

Malaysia plans to tighten regulations on semiconductors as it comes under United States pressure to staunch the flow of chips to China crucial to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the Financial Times reported on Sunday (Mar 23). Trade Minister Zafrul Aziz said that the US government was demanding Malaysia closelyContinue Reading

Southeast Asia’s Quest for Digital Sovereignty

With nearly 700 million people and rapidly growing economies, Southeast Asia has become a pivotal region in the global geopolitical landscape. The technological revolution sweeping across its diverse nations is reshaping traditional industries and governance structures at an unprecedented pace. As digital innovation accelerates, Southeast Asian countries are strategically positioningContinue Reading

Commentary: As Malaysia’s politicians age, concerns grow over leadership renewal

WHAT’S AT STAKE? The problem is not that older leaders are incapable of governing effectively. It is that they risk concentrating power among ageing elites, leaving younger generations sidelined and underrepresented in decision-making. Today’s world is rapidly changing and shaped by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and evolving socialContinue Reading

Malaysia’s booming semiconductor industry braces for Trump’s tariffs

Penang, known as the Silicon Valley of the East, is a major hub for semiconductor manufacturing. It is home to high-tech factories, innovation hubs and research centres, and has already attracted billions in investment from tech giants like Intel, Infineon, Lam Research and Texas Instruments. “Whatever tariff policy (the USContinue Reading