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The Netherlands Repositions Reserves Amid Global Uncertainty
The Dutch central bank recently transferred 86 metric tons of gold to the Bank of England, highlighting concerns over geopolitical tensions and the need for accessible reserves. This shift, reflecting a broader European trend, underscores a diminishing reliance on U.S. vaults and emphasizes gold’s role in ensuring liquidity and financial sovereignty amid uncertainty. Read more
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Thailand’s Export Reinvention Amid China’s Changing Import Demands
China’s agricultural sector is achieving self-reliance, drastically cutting imports of grains and meats while boosting exports. Thailand faces pressure on rice and sugar exports but can capitalize on rising demand for premium fruits and seafood. To succeed, Thai exporters must enhance quality, diversify markets, and adapt to changing consumer preferences in China. Read more
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Thailand sees rise in COVID and flu infections
Thailand’s public health faces challenges as COVID-19 and influenza cases rise simultaneously. With nearly 100,000 COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths, vulnerable demographics are notably older adults. Influenza infections have exceeded 330,000, leading to 48 deaths, primarily in schoolchildren and seniors. Health officials advocate for preventive measures to protect high-risk groups. Read more
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Thailand’s Bold Bet on Producing Food from Thin Sky
Air to Food technology is a transformative innovation leveraging biotech to convert carbon emissions into protein, addressing global food security and sustainability. Thailand aims to lead in this sector, tapping into lucrative markets like aquafeed and nutraceuticals. Challenges exist, but existing strengths in food production provide a solid foundation for development. Read more
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Malaysia Elevates Agriculture with Space Technology Partnership
The Department of Agriculture and the Malaysian Space Agency have strengthened their partnership to utilize space and geospatial technology in agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance planning and management, improve monitoring through efficient data collection, and promote data-driven decisions. The collaboration seeks to modernize Malaysia’s agricultural sector and ensure sustainability. Read more
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Vietnam Signals Global Ambition Through First AI‑Focused Make in Vietnam Award
The Make in Vietnam Digital Technology Product Award 2026 will now include a category for artificial intelligence, as announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology. This initiative aims to boost domestic AI development and enhance productivity. The award invites businesses to register by October 15, with the ceremony planned for later this year. Read more
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Agrobank Invests RM100 Million to Empower Malaysia’s Next Generation of Agropreneurs
Agrobank has partnered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to launch the NextGen Agropreneur Programme, investing RM100 million from 2026 to 2030 to support young agropreneurs in crops, livestock, fisheries, and food-based industries. It includes start-up and scale-up grants, enhancing productivity and technology adoption in agriculture. Read more
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Airbus Expands Footprint in Thailand as Global Supply Chains Shift
Thailand’s Board of Investment aims to transform the country into a regional aviation hub through collaboration with Airbus. This initiative seeks to enhance Thailand’s capabilities in advanced engineering, digital aviation, and supply chain development. Airbus plans to increase its workforce and establish Thailand as its global software testing base, responding to rising global aviation demand. Read more
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Vietnam’s AI Strategy Positions the Nation as Asia’s Next Innovation Hub
Vietnam has set an ambitious course to become a formidable player in the global artificial intelligence landscape. The government’s recently approved National Strategy on Artificial Intelligence to 2030, with a vision extending to 2045, outlines a sweeping transformation. The plan shifts the country’s approach from simply embedding AI into products and services to positioning AI… Read more
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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
Featured
Surplus Wheat Sale Raises Questions on Syria’s Market Role
Syria plans to sell 200,000 tons of surplus durum wheat, held by the Syrian Grain Corporation. The tender, open until October 20, 2026, aims to ensure serious bids with strict financial guarantees and penalties for delays. This move indicates Syria’s self-sufficiency in wheat production and potential re-entry into regional grain markets.
The Business Global Magazine 