Latest news with #Asean-GCC
The Star
07-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 7, 2025)
Malaysia: * PM Anwar seeks stronger Asean-GCC push to end Gaza atrocities * Another Malaysian haj pilgrim dies in Holy Land * Selangor Sultan calls for firm action to deal with haj scams * AG must disclose more details on NFA over Teoh Beng Hock's death, says lawyer * Penang govt to study decision on 5% discount for first-time homebuyers among Indian Muslims, says Sim * GRS intensifies preparations for 17th Sabah state polls * Fahmi Reza barred from leaving country, 'thanks' cops for unforgettable birthday gift * Penang new discount to boost housing sector gets called out * Keluang Man takes flight: Malaysia's own superhero finally hits the silver screen * Elderly pilgrims show unwavering spirit in stoning ritual despite physical challenges * Pakistan's Asean dialogue partner bid to be discussed with regional leaders, says Anwar * Embrace spirit of sacrifice this Aidiladha, says Chief Secretary * Pink, gaseous influent likely caused Penang sewer line blast, says IWK * Ringgit likely to trade within RM4.22-RM4.23 against greenback next week * Klang boat tragedy: Victims may not have been wearing life jackets, say cops * Remains of Port Klang boat tragedy victim leave hospital / Search continues for missing couple after boat capsizes Taiwan's Chou Tien Chen celebrates after wining his men's singles semifinal match against Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn at Indonesia Open badminton tournament at the Istora Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim Singapore: * Singapore's Nicholas Sim is crowned the first-ever Mr Nusantara, an inspiring winner at the age of 48 who overcame many adversities * Eight months' jail for taxi driver who crashed into elderly security officer, killing her * Singapore and the US still in early stages of tariff negotiations, says Vivian Balakrishnan * Singapore embassy in Washington seeking US clarification on Harvard's visa ban * Singapore's Nee Soon mosque reopens on Hari Raya Aidiladha after S$15mil facelift * Singapore's Home Team Career Centre evacuates 20 people after fire * Three new licence classes for driving automatic heavy vehicles to be introduced in Singapore * Liquidity boost for Singapore -- equity market looks set to turn the corner in the second half of the year Indonesia: * Badminton: Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah storm into Indonesian Open final * Tang Jie-Ee Wei exit Indonesian Open in semi-finals * Search for victims of West Java quarry collapse in Indonesia terminated amid rising safety risks * Demand for Idul Adha sacrificial livestock drops amid economic slowdown in Indonesia * Indonesia faces brain drain as skilled graduates leave for jobs abroad * Thai Air Force boosts readiness with F-16, T-50 joint drills with Indonesia * Indonesia -- History revisited – or rewritten? South Korea's Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee play a point against China's Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning during their women's doubles semi-final match at the Indonesia Open badminton tournament at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP Thailand: * Life's a bliss: Thai Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata is just loves to be foodie when she is enjoying a holiday * M'sia supports June 14 Thailand-Cambodia talks, says Anwar / Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute * Thailand 'deeply saddened' by death of Gaza hostage, says foreign ministry * Thai DPM Phumtham issues four-point statement following Cambodia's refusal to decrease tensions at border * Thailand and Cambodia reinforcing troops on disputed border after May skirmish, Thai minister says * Thailand grants military control over border checkpoints with Cambodia amid escalating tensions * Thai Commander: Over 400 protests filed against Cambodian border violations Philippines: * Indonesia's FM calls for stronger Asean mechanisms after Vision 2045 adoption * Special feature - Philippine marine life under threat from industrial fishing * 30 per cent global ocean protection target not enough for marine giants, says study * Philippine unemployment rate hits 4.1% in April * Phivolcs sees rise in sulfur emissions from Kanlaon Volcano, Philippines Storm clouds are seen over an urban area in Hanoi on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by Tran Thi Minh Ha / AFP Vietnam * Vietnam's Hanoi to host large-scale culture and heritage festival in October * More and more South-East Asian women are choosing Vietnam for fetal treatment expertise * Machucha missed birth of first child to be with Malaysian team ahead of Vietnam clash * Vietnam welcomes 9.2 million international visitors in first five months * Vietnam's trade surplus with US surges, complicating tariff talks Myanmar: * Coral reefs face race against time as climate change outpaces their survival, says study * China and Myanmar commemorate 75 years of ties with emphasis on bilateral cooperation, support * Myanmar junta says UN labour resolution politically motivated * Rice with disease-preventing flavonoids developed in Hainan, China * Child among 16 held in killing probe of junta retired military general Tourists enjoying a view at the Mahanakhon Skywalk rooftop in Bangkok, Thailand. -- Photo: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha Cambodia: * Thailand tightens border controls for tourists after Cambodia clash * Porn producers in Phnom Penh busted: 12, including a Malaysian, in custody * Thai-Cambodian fake news spreads: Government urges caution * Deepening Cambodian Muslim bonds on Aidil Adha * 'High-level' readiness if Cambodia row escalates Laos: * New Lao-Thai friendship bridge to enhance trade and connectivity, say top officials * New partnership to enhance vocational education, training in Laos * Laos sees drop in number of students for final exams Brunei: * Bruneian youth to participate in marine conservation in efforts to protect their marine life * Over 15,000 receive qurban meat in Brunei for Aidil Adha * Nationwide takbir in Brunei marks Hari Raya Aidiladha Teams compete during the International Dragon Boat races at Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade in Hong Kong on Saturday, June 7, 2025. -- Photo by May JAMES / AFP AseanPlus: * National Youth Day celebration to showcase elements of Asean * Foreign students feel at home celebrating Aidiladha in Malaysia * Pin Supu forest reserve is Malaysia's first terrestrial site on prestigious conservation list * Sabah to host international event on rural social enterprise from Oct 31-Nov 4 * Mahar carries out qurban programme in seven countries * Pakistan hopes to advance Asean partnership status: Envoy * US, China to hold trade talks in London on Monday (June 9) - Trump * Princess Kako visits Japanese Cultural Centre in Sao Paulo * Hong Kong's still 'over' but Stephen Roach says city a surprise trade war winner * Is China's promise of a new world order a self-serving power play? * Chinese spies at Stanford? US tightens visa policies over espionage fears * Paralysed Chinese woman falls for 'doctor' in rehab, he flees with US$420,000 loan * Man arrested for threatening to kill Delhi CM Rekha Gupta * Japan trade negotiator Akazawa says he made progress in US tariff talks * New Zealand sees sharp rise in Covid-19, influenza * Millions sit China's high-stakes university entrance exam * Int'l motorsports festival in Mongolia attracts 2,500 participants * Four BTS members to complete military service next week * China's foreign exchange reserves log growth in May * Trump says Xi to restart rare earth flows, sets date for talks * Bangladesh's Yunus announces elections in April 2026 * Taiwan condemns China's 'provocative' patrol * North Korea internet hit by a major outage, analyst says * South Korea's Lee, Trump agree to pursue deal on tariffs in first phone call * Nepal's US trade preference at risk amid growing tariff tensions * India's Modi opens strategic railway in contested 'crown jewel' Kashmir * Carney invites Modi to G7 summit despite strained ties between Canada and India * 'One hell after another': US travel ban deepens despair for Afghans awaiting visas * Yunus expresses hope for presenting the July Charter in Bangladesh next month * Japanese kids say they want to work in a cake shop when they grow up * Hong Kong principals slam popular schools' class expansion without consultation * Dengue cases surge past 6,000 in Sri Lanka in May as monsoon season begins * Australian cities offer free public transport to fill empty seats, ease cost of living pain * Tennis-Sinner faces defending champ Alcaraz in hotly anticipated French Open final / Sinner says rivalry with Alcaraz just the tonic sport needs
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Timor-Leste eyes October deadline
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste is confident that it can clear all hurdles in time to secure full Asean membership by October. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said the nation has fulfilled more than 80 per cent of the bloc's entry requirements and is racing to wrap up the remainder. Buoyed by strong support from Malaysia, particularly Asean chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Gusmão said he is confident Timor-Leste will soon join as the regional bloc's 11th member. "I'm very confident because my friend and brother, Anwar Ibrahim, has given his full support. "I'm also confident because all the countries have said, 'Yes, you must do everything that is still needed to become a member.' "We have to begin fulfilling the remaining requirements. "The main challenge is completing all preparations. We can say that we've achieved more than 80 per cent. "Our immediate task is to send the laws to Parliament," he said. On Tuesday, Anwar announced that the bloc had agreed to accept Timor-Leste as a full member, pending the completion of legal requirements under the Asean Foreign Ministers (AFM) framework. Anwar said Asean will do "whatever is necessary" to ensure that Timor-Leste becomes the bloc's latest member by October. Timor-Leste, the youngest nation in Southeast Asia, has been pursuing full Asean membership since gaining independence in 2002. The country formally applied for membership in 2011. During the Asean Summit in Cambodia in 2022, Timor-Leste was admitted in principle as Asean's 11th member and granted observer status. STRONG POLITICAL WILL Gusmão said there is strong political will across Timor-Leste's leadership to see the membership process through. "Just yesterday, our parliamentary speaker attended the AIPA (Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly) meeting and has become aware of the steps required. "I believe that once she returns to Dili (Timor-Leste's capital), she will do everything she can to convince Parliament to approve the remaining laws." He said some of the legal instruments required for membership need to be ratified by Parliament. "As I understand it, certain laws must first be approved by Parliament, then sent to the president for promulgation, before final ratification. "That's why we are doing everything to become a full Asean member by October." He said Malaysia has been politically and technically supportive, helping Timor-Leste understand Asean's requirements and guiding the country through the membership process. He added that other member states have also offered assistance, including a personal assurance from Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. CONTRIBUTING TO ASEAN Gusmão acknowledged that Timor-Leste, as a young nation, cannot expect to make immediate, significant contributions to Asean upon joining. He said participation will be an ongoing, year-by-year process. Timor-Leste, he said, plans to leverage its membership to boost its capabilities, particularly in human resource development. "At the Asean-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) China Summit, one of the issues that was brought up was people-to-people relations, human resource development and skills exchange. "We will seize the opportunity to learn more, for the benefit of our people. "We cannot immediately say that we can export something," he said. He said some areas Timor-Leste could leverage include agriculture, where the focus is on improving food security. "During the summit, everyone, including Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, talked about agriculture. "As a small, mountainous country facing climate change challenges, we face additional difficulties. If successful practices work elsewhere, we can adopt them to boost our ability to feed our people." He highlighted the importance of respecting the unique circumstances of each Asean nation and noted that understanding neighbours' cultures and ways of life is essential to building strong regional ties. A MEANINGFUL SUMMIT Asked for his views on the Asean Summit and its related meetings, he described the event as highly significant, especially due to the depth and value of the exchanges. "It was meaningful due to the openness and exchange of ideas. Anwar presented what Malaysia, as chairman, would do this year, and the theme was inclusivity and sustainability. "There were productive discussions on this, but it was even more meaningful because he also presented a draft of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration On Asean 2045. "It was wonderful, and it also pointed to more integration between countries in all areas, making it significant." He also described the summit between Asean, GCC and China as significant, as all parties had begun exploring ways to boost cooperation amid the challenging global environment. He said they also reaffirmed their commitment to international law and humanitarian rights, particularly for Palestinians in Gaza, during a time of uncertainty and tension. "The three parties expressed commitment to deepen cooperation in economic security, peace, political dialogue and human rights advocacy.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian semiconductor sector set to integrate advanced tech into farming
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's semiconductor industry is poised to revolutionise agriculture and address global food security challenges by integrating advanced technology into farming practices. Speaking at the Asean-GCC economic forum 2025, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong underscored the sector's importance not only as a hub for multinational investment but also as a driver of innovation across multiple industries. "The world we live in today is vastly different from just five years ago. We are no longer navigating a single global supply chain but multiple regional supply chains, heavily influenced by geopolitics. "This shift demands that we rethink our strategies and maximise the potential of our key industries, particularly semiconductors," Liew said. He shared that Malaysia's semiconductor ecosystem, centred in Penang but extending nationwide, has become a global benchmark. Traditionally aligned with multinational corporations producing for markets like the United States, the industry is now pivoting toward broader applications and markets, reflecting Malaysia's evolving economic strategy. Liew said the industry's reputation has drawn significant interest from international partners, with Brazil and India among the most recent collaborators. "Brazil views our semiconductor capabilities as a model they can learn from, while India, which is aggressively attracting investment in its own semiconductor industry, wants to leverage Malaysia's established ecosystem," Liew said. Malaysia's ecosystem has become a focal point for foreign investments, supported by a network of local and multinational players. Liew said Malaysia's semiconductor industry must move beyond its traditional role as a supplier for multinational corporations. "We have a strength that many other countries do not have. It's time to use this capability to power industries like agriculture, automotive, defence, and more," he said. Liew also stated that one critical application is addressing global food security. "Semiconductors can drive agricultural technologies that not only benefit Malaysia but also support countries like Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and even parts of Africa. "By thinking along these lines, Malaysia can position itself as a technology powerhouse," he added. The broader vision for Malaysia is to evolve from being viewed solely as a trading nation to being recognised as a leader in technology and innovation. "Policymakers and businesses must align to this goal. Malaysia has the infrastructure, expertise, and global interest to achieve this transformation," Liew said. He added that the inclusion of China in the Asean-GCC meeting, thanks to the Prime Minister's innovative approach, highlights the opportunities for trilateral collaborations. By integrating technology and markets from Asia, the GCC and China, Malaysia can further solidify its position on the global stage.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei Sultan resting at IJN due to fatigue
KUALA LUMPUR: Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is resting at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to fatigue, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 'Well, he is feeling a bit tired. So, he is just resting at the IJN,' said the Prime Minister briefly during his exit press conference on the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the KL Convention Centre yesterday. Sultan Hassanal has been attending a series of meetings related to the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits since Monday. The Brunei Sultan was attending the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which started at 8.30am yesterday. During the BIMP-EAGA event, Sultan Hassanal was seen being assisted by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as he was walking down the stairs from the stage. The clip of Prabowo assisting Sultan Hassanal has raised questions among netizens. It is understood that the Brunei Sultan was admitted to IJN between the Asean-GCC and Asean-GCC-China Summits that took place yesterday afternoon. The 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits ended yesterday with a gala dinner hosted by Anwar.
Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Amid global uncertainty, PM Wong stresses Asean-GCC-China cooperation
(From left) Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aung Kyaw Moe, Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry Faisal bin Thani bin Faisal Al Thani, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Relations and International Affairs Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, China's Premier Li Qiang, Brunei's Second Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, Ruler of the UAE's Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn pose for a family photo on May 27. PHOTO: REUTERS - Amid global geopolitical turbulence and uncertainty, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China can forge deeper ties to unlock new pathways for shared prosperity. Speaking at two landmark summits in Kuala Lumpur on May 27 – the second Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong underscored the potential for these regions to drive global growth and resilience by working more closely together. During the summit between Asean, which comprises 10 member countries, and the GCC, a key bloc of six Arab states, PM Wong said the global environment has become much more uncertain since the two groups last met in October 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 'And in this turbulent world, Asean and the GCC should strengthen our linkages,' he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where both summits were held. PM Wong noted that Asean, with a population of over 670 million, is on track to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, while the GCC is rapidly transforming into an important global player. 'So our two regions should really do more together,' he said. He pointed to the 2023 Framework of Cooperation between the two groups, saying its adoption had boosted Asean-GCC ties and that the latest summit offered an opportunity to forge even closer links. PM Wong outlined three key areas of cooperation for the two groups. On trade and investment, he said Singapore was the first non-Middle Eastern country to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, and discussions are under way to upgrade it. The Gulf Cooperation Council–Singapore FTA was signed in December 2008 and entered into force in September 2013. This agreement can be a pathfinder to a wider Asean-GCC FTA, and PM Wong said he believed other leaders would support this effort, which would lower tariffs, strengthen supply chains, promote food security and enhance investment flows between the regions. 'So I hope we can redouble our efforts to accelerate the study to examine the possibility of having this FTA and also facilitating closer links between our business communities.' PM Wong also called for exploring collaboration between the GCC and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade pact that covers 30 per cent of the world's population and economic output. Combined, the RCEP and GCC represent about 35 per cent of global gross domestic product. PM Wong acknowledged that an FTA between the two could be very complex. 'But if we can establish a formal partnership between the two entities, this can facilitate more trade and investment flows, and help to uphold key principles of our rules-based trading system,' he said. Energy transition is another area of shared interest. PM Wong noted how Asean is developing a regional power grid, while the GCC is an energy powerhouse investing in greener energy. 'So we welcome the GCC's support for the Asean Power Grid – be it by investing in and financing new grid infrastructure, or sharing your knowledge on cross-border energy transmission,' he said. PM Wong also pointed to opportunities for cooperation as Asean's demand for clean energy grows. Third, PM Wong said Asean was concluding a Digital Economy Framework Agreement in 2025, which would provide the basis to engage external partners and consider establishing digital partnerships with the GCC. The agreement, introduced in 2023, has been described as a boost for the growth of digital trade and services in the region. Studies suggest it could double the projected value of Asean's digital economy from US$1 trillion (S$1.28 trillion) to US$2 trillion by 2030. PM Wong added that Asean welcomes further cooperation with the GCC on the enablers of the digital economy, including in cyber security, data governance and cross-border data flows. Beyond these economic and technological links, PM Wong said Asean and the GCC have always stood for 'an approach of engagement and dialogue to uphold peace and stability'. Turning to the ongoing conflicts in the world, he reiterated Singapore's position on the Middle East crisis. Where Palestine is concerned, PM Wong said Singapore joins others in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the return of the remaining hostages. 'We also call for all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and we reiterate our longstanding support for a negotiated two-state solution, which is the only viable path to a comprehensive, just, and durable solution to the conflict.' Summit with China At the Asean-GCC-China Summit, PM Wong said Asean already has strong partnerships with both sides, with links to China growing even stronger since they were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021. 'We are moving forward from strong foundations and our three regions should do more together,' he said. He suggested some ways to advance this trilateral cooperation, including working on concrete projects under the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The document, introduced in 2019, sets out how countries in the region can engage in cooperative ways to ensure peace, stability and prosperity. PM Wong noted that many proposals discussed at the summit dovetail with the AOIP's priority areas, and provide a good basis to deepen collaboration. He also highlighted the need to strengthen trade and investment links, pointing out that Asean already has an FTA with China and looks forward to signing an upgrade to this. 'It is natural to extend these linkages towards a trilateral FTA between China, Asean and the GCC in due course,' he said. PM Wong added that the three sides should cooperate in new areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, noting that the GCC and China are global leaders in some of these fields. He said Asean hopes to leverage the GCC and China's expertise to support the Asean Power Grid and the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement. 'This will help all our regions to harness the potential of technological advances, and to meet our shared goal of a sustainable future,' added PM Wong. PM Wong and other leaders also attended a royal luncheon hosted by Malaysia's King, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the Istana Negara. In a social media post, PM Wong said he was honoured to attend the event. He noted that His Majesty is a longstanding friend of Singapore, and it was a pleasure to see him again following their last meeting in January. PM Wong also thanked him for his support for the strong and enduring ties between the two countries. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
