Thu May 08 2025
Professor Harding on regional governance
Professor Andrew Harding's new book explores how five Southeast Asian countries manage power-sharing between central and local governments through their constitutions. Our correspondent Lauren Tan speaks to him about this.
Trump to speak to Putin on ending war in Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to discuss ending the war in Ukraine in a phone call, following the first face-to-face talks in three years between Russia and Ukraine in Turkiye.
Tariffs: Can ASEAN harmonize bilateral deals and collective strength?
In a world of shifting trade dynamics, should ASEAN countries negotiate tariffs individually or as a united bloc? Prof. Shandre Mugan Thangavelu from the Jeffrey Cheah Institute suggests there’s room for both — bilateral deals offer flexibility, while ASEAN’s multilateral approach ensures collective strength.
UK-EU Summit seeks to reset post-Brexit ties
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts EU leaders for a landmark summit aimed at resetting ties and strengthening cooperation, marking a fresh start after tensions that followed the UK's exit from the bloc in January 2020.
SME: Capitalising on temporary tariff pause
In a major breakthrough, the US and China agreed to lower tariffs for 90 days, easing global trade tensions. How can Malaysian SMEs make the most of this brief period of stability? SAMENTA’s Datuk William Ng weighs in
U.S. tariffs: Ensuring effective, targeted assistance to SMEs
The government pledges RM1 billion to support SMEs facing the impact of U.S. tariffs. Datuk William Ng from SME Association SAMENTA on shares how to ensure the funds are effectively and fairly distributed.
Consider This: Inside MERCY’s Missions in Gaza & Myanmar
In the recent months, MERCY Malaysia has deployed emergency teams to two of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises: Gaza is teetering on the edge of an Israel-made famine—aid convoys blocked, hospitals destroyed, and orphaned children starving. Meanwhile, in Myanmar, survivors of a 7.7 magnitude earthquake are still living in makeshift shelters, many without access to clean water, healthcare, or aid—in a country already deeply fractured by civil war. These two missions speak to the broader challenges aid agencies now face—operating in complex, high-risk environments where needs are rising, but access is shrinking. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Shah Fiesal Hussain, Head of Global Operations for MERCY Malaysia and Team Leader of the fifth Specialized Care Team (SCT 5), and Mohd Radzi Jamaludin, Ex Officio Member of MERCY Malaysia.
China: factory output resists tariffs, but growth may slow
China’s factory output slowed in April but showed resilience. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) spokesperson says foreign trade withstood difficulties, maintaining steady growth and global competitiveness.
Middle East: Trump's visit highlights tech-driven power shift
U.S. President Donald Trump Middle East tour highlights a shift in American foreign policy. Assoc Prof Saeed Khan from Wayne State University shares what this means for global power dynamics and the future of technological leadership.
Middle East: Trump's visit a cold shoulder to Israel?
U.S. President Donald Trump notably excluded Israel from his tour of the Gulf states, breaking decades of tradition. Assoc Prof Saeed Khan from Wayne State University weighs in on this diplomatic pivot.
Turkiye: Russia, Ukraine hold first talks in three years
Russia and Ukraine held peace talks in Istanbul, Turkiye, marking the first time delegates from both countries met in person since 2022.
Palestine: Trump vows U.S. will 'take care' of Gaza
Following the conclusion of his Middle East tour, President Donald Trump vows the U.S. will "take care" of the situation in Gaza, acknowledging the growing hunger crisis there.
ASEAN centrality: Bilateral U.S. tariff deals or unified strategy?
ASEAN has long promoted a unified economic front, but when it comes to U.S. tariffs, is it better to negotiate collectively or pursue bilateral deals? Prof Shandre Mugan Thangavelu from the Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia weighs in.
It's About YOUth: Empowering young leaders for sustainable development
The Malaysian-ASEAN Youth SDG Summit 2025 brings together young leaders, public and private sectors, and NGOs to drive progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Summit Advisor, Zoel Ng, and Director Philus George discuss the future of youth leadership in sustainable development.
Consider This: Inclusive Education — Centring Orang Asli Voices
The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) with support from Yayasan Sime Darby, recently launched a report on a five-year pilot project aimed at building a more inclusive education model for Orang Asli children in Malaysia. The report offers not just data, but deep insights drawn from the ground—using participatory methods that actively involve Tok Batins, parents, students and teachers. On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks with Dr Suria Selasih Angit, Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia’s School of Education, and Durrah Sharifah Ahmad Azlan, Researcher at IDEAS.
Turkiye: Russia, Ukraine hold first talks in three years
Russia and Ukraine held peace talks in Istanbul, Turkiye, marking the first time delegates from both countries met in person since 2022.