Business

Chipmakers driving AI boom

CHINA's artificial intelligence boom is increasingly being driven by chipmakers, as export controls by the United States on advanced semiconductors accelerate Beijing's push for AI development, according to a new ranking released by the Hurun Research Institute.

Social media

UK upper house approves social media ban for under-16s

Britain's upper house of parliament voted Wednesday in favour of banning under-16s from using social media, raising pressure on the government to match a similar ban passed in Australia.

Technology

Telenor sells its stake in Thailand's True Corporation for $3.9 billion

OSLO, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Norway's ‌Telenor said on Thursday it had agreed to sell its ‌30.3% stake in Thailand's True Corporation for 39 billion Norwegian ‌crowns ($3.92 billion), the company's second divestment from Asian markets in recent months.

Laos

Laos on track to graduate from Least Developed Country status this year, confirms UN

Laos has been officially recommended for graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026, according to the latest assessment by the United Nations.

Corporate News

Nationgate says IRB investigation completed, records in order

KUALA LUMPUR: Nationgate Holdings Bhd has announced that it has received a notification from the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) that it has completed its investigation and found the company's records to be proper.

Entertainment

Michelle Yeoh lands Worst Actress nomination at the 2026 Razzies

Yeoh's 'Star Trek: Section 31' is also nominated for Worst Picture alongside 'Snow White'.

Books

Look! Up on the screen! Superhero movies and TV shows to look forward to in 2026

Not tired of superhero films and television shows yet? Here are some to look forward to this year.

Nation

Perak revenue surpasses RM1.4bil target to reach record high

IPOH: Perak recorded nearly RM1.5bil in state revenue in 2025, surpassing its target of RM1.4bil, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Nation

Govt to review business entry rules as foreign F&B outlets mushroom

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will review guidelines on the entry and operations of foreign businesses in Malaysia following the rapid growth of overseas food and beverage (F&B) companies locally, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

Indonesia

Indonesia and UK strengthen green diplomacy with pact to restore 57 national parks

JAKARTA: Indonesia has secured a commitment from the United Kingdom (UK) to support the restoration and rehabilitation of 57 national parks nationwide, reinforcing green diplomacy between both countries.

Singapore

Singapore users flocking to Elon Musk’s Grok despite deepfake controversy

SINGAPORE: A wave of controversy over sexually explicit artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes has not made billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X or chatbot Grok any less popular in Singapore.

Banking

CIMB upgraded to AAA in MSCI ESG ratings on stronger sustainability practices

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has been upgraded from AA to AAA in the MSCI ESG Ratings, the highest possible rating, reflecting strengthened sustainability practices and disclosures, particularly in the consumer protection and workforce management pillars.

Markets

Poultry farmer Hock Soon Capital seeks to raise RM60mil from IPO

KUALA LUMPUR: Hock Soon Capital Bhd is aiming to raise RM60mil from its initial public offering, the bulk of which will go towards establishing a new poultry farm in Teluk Intan, Perak.

Markets

Bursa Malaysia continues uptrend at midday

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia extended its gains at midday on sustained buying interest in selected heavyweight stocks, supported by the firmer tone in most regional markets.

Cambodia

Cambodian PM convenes meeting to intensify fight against online scams

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (pic) on Wednesday (Jan 21) convened a meeting of the ad-hoc committee to combat online scams, as the country ramped up its fight against cyber scams.

Cricket

Cricket-Bangladesh seek 'miracle' to secure T20 World Cup participation

DHAKA, Jan 22 (Reuters) - The Bangladesh ‌Cricket Board (BCB) will speak to the country's interim government in a last-ditch attempt ‌to secure the team's participation in next month's Twenty20 World Cup after their ‌demand to shift their matches outside India was rejected on Wednesday.

Tennis

Tennis-Maestro Djokovic mows down qualifier Maestrelli in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) - ‌Novak Djokovic systematically dismantled Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli 6-3 6-2 ‌6-2 on Thursday to reach the Australian Open third round, continuing ‌his quest to make more history at the Rod Laver Arena.

Nation

Man claims trial to raping minor

SEREMBAN: A 22-year-old man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of raping a 15-year-old girl.

Philippines

Marcos stable after experiencing 'discomfort', says Philippine Presidential office

MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's health condition remains stable but he is currently under medical observation after experiencing discomfort on Wednesday (Jan 21) night, the Philippines News Agency (PNA) reported, citing the presidential office, Malacañang.

Badminton

Yew Sin urged to lodge police report over online threats

KUALA LUMPUR: Professional men's doubles player Ong Yew Sin has been advised to lodge a police report for the authorities to investigate recent online threats against him.