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.
Author: Mona J. Hewitt
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mitsui Kinzoku Bets Big on Malaysia’s AI Future
Japan’s Mitsui Kinzoku plans to build a factory in Malaysia, focusing on high-performance copper foil for AI and semiconductor industries. Set to operate by 2031, it will enhance global production capacity. This move highlights Malaysia’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and Mitsui Kinzoku’s commitment to expanding its technological footprint.
Prabowo’s Indonesia: Can the National Car Initiative Compete with Thailand, Vietnam, and China?
Indonesia’s National Car Project aims to produce 50,000 vehicles annually in Subang, expanding to 300,000 over time. Backed by the government, it seeks to boost economic resilience and technological independence. However, Indonesia faces stiff competition from Thailand’s EV efforts and Vietnam’s international market strategy, needing to pivot towards electric vehicles to succeed.
Indonesia’s Fuel Prices Increase: Implications for Key Economic Sectors and Investment Climate
The rise in Pertamax fuel prices significantly affects Indonesia’s economic landscape, influencing household budgets and business operations. Unlike Malaysia and the Philippines, which use subsidies to stabilize costs, Indonesia’s approach may deter foreign investment and hinder competitiveness. To offset these challenges, Indonesia must focus on renewable energy and support for small businesses.
Indonesia’s Bold Rate Hike and Regional Perspective on Market Reactions
When Bank Indonesia raised its benchmark interest rate to 5.50%, the conventional wisdom was that equities would struggle. Higher borrowing costs usually translate into slower corporate expansion, weaker consumer demand, and a shift of investor preference toward bonds. Yet the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) surged more than 7.5% in a single day, a move that…
When Governments Age‑Gate the Internet: Australia’s Under‑16 Ban and What It Means for Business, Rights and Policy
Governments and tech companies have been dancing around the same problem for years: how to protect children from demonstrable online harms without strangling the civic, educational and commercial value that social platforms provide. In recent months that dance has become a full‑blown policy pivot. Australia’s decision to bar children under 16 from major social platforms…
