Malaysia’s Innovation Paradox: Rising Aspirations, Declining Foundations
Malaysia's innovation story has long been told in the language of aspiration, the familiar refrain that the country stands on the cusp of becoming a knowledge-driven economy. However, real progress begins with truth, and the truth is that Malaysia's innovation journey has reached a point of uncomfortable clarity, revealing structural weaknesses that can no longer be ignored. The Global Innovation Index (GII) for 2024 and 2025, as well as the deeper indicators beneath it, make this point unmistakably.
The role of Malaysia–China green smart supply chain innovation
On April 16, 2025, during the visit of China's President Xi Jinping to Malaysia, the two nations formalised an agreement through a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in services trade and industrial sectors. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with total bilateral trade reaching RM484.12bil in 2024.
US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade needs clearer policy definitions, says Insap
THE Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap) held a series of engagements on Friday (Nov 7) to examine the implications of the recently signed US–Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART).
Xinhua commentary: Embracing 'China Opportunity 2.0' for shared prosperity
BEIJING: China has set its development priorities and policy directions for the next five years, and the world's second-largest economy will bring new opportunities for shared growth with global partners and investors.
Malaysia, are we ready to welcome the world?
From ancient cities to multicultural food, islands to mountains, and shopping that rivals the best in Asia, Malaysia has everything going for a traveller. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 just around the corner, the outlook for our tourism calendar is promising.
Why Malaysia must claim its place in the Semiconductor Wars
The world has woken up to an uncomfortable truth — we are dangerously dependent on one island — Taiwan — for the chips that power our lives.
Malaysia’s red carpet, America’s rulebook
THERE are moments when protocol collides with principle. Trump's visit to Kuala Lumpur, staged with spectacle, was one such moment. To many Malaysians, it felt like the surrender of moral authority. EMIR Research has consistently argued that Malaysia's strength lies in credible neutrality, dignity in the Global South, and policy anchored in justice.
Xi's S. Korea visit expected to consolidate economic cooperation, boost partnership
SEOUL: Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and pay a state visit to South Korea from Oct 30 to Nov 1 at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
China’s 15th five-year plan: What it means for Asia’s next decade
AS China prepares to implement its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), policymakers and economists across Asia are closely watching its implications for regional growth.
Asean’s next chapter: From aspiration to action
At today's inaugural Asean Inclusive Growth Summit organised by Mastercard in Kuala Lumpur, His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah set a tone both reflective and forward-looking.
Whither Trumpmania in Malaysia?
Despite public indignation, Malaysia is preparing to welcome a figure whose legacy is written not in diplomacy, but in destruction.
Budget 2026: From fiscal prudence to productive debt stewardship
BUDGET 2026 was tabled with the reassuring confidence of prudence. It promises a narrower deficit of 3.5% of GDP, an allocation of RM421.2bil, and a renewed commitment to fiscal responsibility under the Madani framework. The message is clear: tightening its belt while sustaining welfare.

