Consumer spending lifts Wall Street
U.S. stock markets ended higher on Friday, following largely in-line inflation figures, although indices recorded losses over the week....
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to fortify the country's semiconductor sector by diversifying partnerships, building local expertise, and deepening ASEAN cooperation.
Malaysia will prioritise resilience in its semiconductor sector by working with trusted partners and strengthening domestic capabilities to guard against global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday.
Speaking at the ASEAN Semiconductor Summit 2025, Anwar stressed that the region’s stability and development hinge on collaboration, especially as technology supply chains face increasing uncertainty.
"True supply chain resilience means eliminating weak links, either by producing what we need effectively or securing reliable partnerships to access what lies beyond our domestic capabilities," Anwar said. "In these volatile times, diversifying our options is not just wise, it is essential."
He outlined a shift from a foreign direct investment-first model towards fostering local champions within Malaysia’s well-established semiconductor ecosystem. However, he clarified that this would not deter foreign investors, but rather aim to attract long-term partners committed to knowledge transfer and supply chain strengthening.
"We want long-term collaborators who grow with us, and we will continue to welcome partners who strengthen our supply chains, transfer their knowledge and technologies," Anwar said.
To support this transformation, Malaysia is expanding its pool of skilled engineers to overcome labour shortages in the sector. The country is also contributing to a broader ASEAN-wide strategy that emphasises shared development rather than individual national efforts.
"Malaysia must build on its local strengths to serve a larger regional and global purpose. By strengthening our domestic ecosystem, we are also helping to raise ASEAN's industrial capacity," Anwar said.
The remarks come amid a global race to secure semiconductor supply chains following disruptions caused by the pandemic and intensified competition between major powers. Malaysia is already a key player in the global chip supply chain, accounting for an estimated 13% of global chip testing and packaging capacity, according to data from the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA).
Anwar’s speech underlines the country's ambition to evolve from a manufacturing hub into a regional innovation leader, while aligning with ASEAN's broader digital and industrial goals.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Video from the USGS (United States Geological Survey) showed on Friday (19 September) the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii erupting and spewing lava.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
The UN Security Council on Friday vetoed a draft resolution submitted by Russia and China that sought to delay the “snapback” sanctions on Iran. The resolution received only four votes in favour, with nine members voting against and two abstaining.
At least 10 people have been killed in the Philippines after Tropical Storm Bualoi brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the country, officials confirmed Friday.
The U.S. considers limiting India’s purchases of Russian oil a key requirement for reaching a trade agreement.
On Friday, the UN Security Council vetoed a draft resolution to extend the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program until April 18, 2026.
The Maghreb branch of the Global Sumud Flotilla, en route to Gaza with humanitarian aid, has reported a second encounter with military aircraft this week. According to the group, two unidentified planes flew at low altitude over its vessels while they were sailing in Greek territorial waters.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment