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How Indonesia Plans to Transform Cheese Consumption
MBR and PT Garudafood have teamed up with French cheese company Bel S.A. to build a modern cheese factory in Sumedang, West Java, aiming for operation by 2028. This investment reflects confidence in Indonesia’s market potential and addresses low regional cheese consumption, promoting sustainability and regional growth while enhancing MBR’s global stature. Read more
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China’s Expanding Appetite Signals Opportunity for Thailand’s Farmers
Thailand’s rice trade negotiations with China are advancing significantly, with discussions led by Director-General Arada Fuengthong of the Department of Foreign Trade. China plans to buy an additional 60,000 tons, enhancing Thailand’s export capacity. This aligns with the new harvest season and aims to stabilize domestic prices while targeting seven million tons of exports by… Read more
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Vietnam’s Startup and SME Hub Raises the Bar with Billion-Dollar Lending Vision
Ho Chi Minh City has launched a loan program for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, offering up to VND 200 billion per project. The initiative includes interest rate support and credit guarantees, targeting sectors like technology, education, and healthcare. This framework aims to enhance access to capital and foster entrepreneurial growth in the city. Read more
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Malaysia Reinvents Its Industrial Identity With Chinese Smart Manufacturing Factories
Sapura Industrial Bhd has launched a new factory in Gurun, Kedah, in collaboration with Zhejiang Zhongze Precision Technology Co Ltd, diversifying into high-precision energy components like battery containers. This initiative, officiated by Kedah’s Menteri Besar, aims to bolster Malaysia’s manufacturing landscape and create over 200 advanced manufacturing jobs. Read more
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Tropical Storm Narra Disrupted China-Thailand Rocket Launch
China’s Chang’e 7 lunar mission, initially set for August 2026, is postponed to 2027 due to Tropical Storm Narra impacting launch conditions. Despite this delay, Thailand’s CE-7 MATCH instrument remains ready. The mission fosters scientific collaboration, enhances Thai space capabilities, and paves the way for future exploration advancements. Read more
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Starlink Joins Vietnam’s Broader Push to Bridge the Digital Divide
In Son La province, Vietnam, a satellite Internet initiative aims to bridge connectivity gaps while awaiting permanent mobile infrastructure. Focused on underserved villages, the project utilizes low-orbit satellites to provide essential services and improve access to education and healthcare. This hybrid approach demonstrates the importance of flexible solutions in overcoming geographical barriers and fostering digital… Read more
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Malaysia’s Digital Leap with Tokenised Islamic Bonds
Malaysia has taken a bold step into the future of finance with the successful settlement of tokenised sukuk (Islamic bonds) using CIMB’s tokenised deposits. This demonstrates the viability of distributed ledger technology in Islamic finance and also how traditional financial instruments can be reshaped for a digital era. The initiative was carried out under the… Read more
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Starlink Expands Its Reach as Indonesia Embraces Satellite Integration
Lintasarta and Starlink announced a partnership to enhance Indonesia’s connectivity through a hybrid model combining satellite and terrestrial networks. This collaboration addresses the challenges of delivering high-speed internet across diverse terrains, fostering digital inclusion and resilience. It emphasizes the importance of adaptable infrastructure to support the nation’s growing digital economy. Read more
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Malaysia’s Unmanned Valley Signals Skyward Economic Ambition
Malaysia is launching the “Unmanned Valley” pilot project to develop the Low Altitude Economy (LAE), leveraging drones and aerial technologies for various sectors. This initiative aims to foster innovation, enhance infrastructure, and address safety regulations. It positions Malaysia as a leader in aerial mobility, with significant potential impact on industries and the economy. Read more
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Italy’s Naval Sets Sail Toward Indonesia, Asia’s New Power Stage
Italy’s aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi will arrive in Indonesia in September 2026, marking a significant shift in Italy’s naval strategy in the Indo-Pacific. This deployment enhances Italy’s regional influence, strengthens ties with Indonesia, and highlights Europe’s commitment to stability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, opening avenues for defense and economic collaboration. Read more
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Why Thailand Must Rethink Its Data Center Strategy
Thailand is navigating the challenges of expanding its digital infrastructure, especially with hyperscale data centers projected to attract 720 billion baht in investment. Concerns include water and electricity scarcity, potential environmental impacts, and ensuring local economic benefits. Regulatory frameworks are developing to promote sustainable growth while balancing resources against industry demands. Read more
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Spotting Underdogs: Why Leaders Must Rethink Their Recruitment Lens
The article by Zeng Han-Jun highlights the importance of recognizing underdogs, who often possess resilience, creativity, and valuable perspectives overlooked by conventional leaders. Using the examples of Howard Schultz and innovative entrepreneurs, it emphasizes that spotting potential requires a shift from traditional criteria to acknowledgment of curiosity and determination, which can drive transformative change. Read more
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Can Malaysia’s Boldest Startups Spark a National Transformation?
Shell Malaysia’s LiveWire program has become vital for entrepreneurial development, offering funding, mentorship, and networks. In 2023, five winning enterprises, including Bina BioX and My Farm AGRO, showcased innovation in sustainable materials, smart agriculture, and social impact. Their success highlights the potential for widespread innovation in Malaysia’s economy. Read more
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Escaping the Asset Management Trap: Vietnam Envision Shared Labs as Engines of Growth
Vietnam plans to invest 10,000 billion VND in research infrastructure by 2030, establishing eight national laboratories and four testing centers to foster collaboration among universities and businesses. This initiative aims to enhance technology commercialization, bridge gaps in research utilization, and elevate the country’s innovation ecosystem, ultimately positioning Vietnam competitively in strategic technologies. Read more
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Malaysia’s GEAR-uP Initiative to Position Bumiputera Firms for International Market Leadership
The GEAR-uP program in Malaysia aims to enhance Bumiputera participation in capital markets, addressing the imbalance where only eight out of over 230 public companies are Bumiputera-owned. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and key investment firms, GEAR-uP focuses on capacity building, strategic support, and fostering competitive enterprises in the public market. Read more
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Vietnam-Nvidia’s AI Alliance Could Rewrite Asia’s Tech Map
Vietnam’s partnership with Nvidia symbolizes its ambition in the AI landscape. The strategy focuses on developing a Vietnamese language model, enhancing infrastructure, nurturing talent, and fostering global integration. Minister Vu Hai Quan stresses the need for actionable plans. Success hinges on converting this initiative into a strong advantage for regional AI leadership. Read more
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The Sustainability Crisis Behind Thailand’s Digital Ambitions
Thailand’s data center industry is evolving rapidly, with over 530 billion baht invested in early 2026, reflecting its goal to be a Southeast Asian digital hub. However, challenges around regulation, energy sustainability, and workforce readiness loom. Balancing growth with environmental concerns will be crucial for the country’s competitive future in this sector. Read more
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Thailand’s Leap to the Future with Chinese Space Exploration Mission
Thailand is participating in its first lunar exploration mission by contributing the scientific payload “CE-7 MATCH,” developed by Thai experts. Set to launch on August 24, 2026, this instrument will measure cosmic radiation as part of the Chang’e 7 mission, supporting future lunar settlement and enhancing Thailand’s role in space research. Read more
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How Vietnam Plans to Shape Asia’s Quantum Future
Vietnam is strategically advancing in quantum technology as part of its innovation agenda. The National Innovation Center aims to create an ecosystem linking research, talent, and businesses, highlighted by a major conference to foster collaboration. Challenges include developing skilled talent, building infrastructure, ensuring credibility, and balancing geopolitical interests while pursuing sustainable growth in this emerging… Read more
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Malaysia’s Defence Posture Amid South China Sea Tensions
Malaysia is reassessing its defense strategy amid a changing geopolitical landscape characterized by heightened superpower competition and unconventional threats, including cyberattacks and misinformation. Defense Minister Khaled Nordin emphasizes the need for qualitative enhancements in security capabilities. Malaysia aims to maintain regional stability without aligning with any superpower, while fostering cooperation and strengthening ties with regional… Read more
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Transformative Blueprint to Erect the Shenzhen of Indonesia
The Batang Industropolis Special Economic Zone in Central Java is aiming to become Indonesia’s industrial hub by focusing on technology and sustainability. Spanning 4,300 hectares, it emphasizes corporate communication, innovation, and environmental stewardship through its PRIMA program. This approach seeks to attract investors while ensuring community and ecological benefits, redefining industrial development in the region. Read more
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Thailand’s Jasmine Rice Strategy Meets the Philippines’ Food Security Imperatives
In August 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce aimed to enhance its agricultural export strategy, particularly rice, by collaborating with the Thai Rice Exporters Association to engage stakeholders in the Philippines, the top rice importer. With significant export increases and shifting consumer preferences for premium rice, Thailand seeks to secure and expand its market share, despite… Read more
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Malaysia’s Path to Growth: Empowering Small Businesses Through China Plus One Integration
Malaysia faces a pivotal moment in global trade, highlighted by the “China Plus One” strategy, which encourages diversification in supply chains. To compete effectively, Malaysia must enhance its competitiveness, especially among MSMEs, by meeting stringent standards and fostering innovation. Policymakers and entrepreneurs are called to elevate Malaysia’s position as a reliable investment hub. Read more
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Honda’s Thai Gambit: Investment, Tariffs, and the Battle for Fair Competition
Honda plans to invest Rp 6.4 trillion in Thailand while requesting a review of the country’s high import tariffs on vehicles from Japan. This move aims to enhance competitiveness against EVs benefiting from lower tariffs. Balancing investment attraction with local industry protection poses a complex challenge for Thai policymakers. Read more
Featured
How Indonesia Plans to Transform Cheese Consumption
MBR and PT Garudafood have teamed up with French cheese company Bel S.A. to build a modern cheese factory in Sumedang, West Java, aiming for operation by 2028. This investment reflects confidence in Indonesia’s market potential and addresses low regional cheese consumption, promoting sustainability and regional growth while enhancing MBR’s global stature.
The Business Global Magazine 