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Malaysia pledges over US$240b in US deals to avert trade fallout, lower tariffs
Malaysia has secured a reduced US tariff rate of 19% through substantial trade agreements valued at over US$240 billion, as announced by Trade Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz in Parliament. The comprehensive package includes US$150 billion in semiconductor and technology procurement, a US$19 billion Boeing aircraft deal, and US$70 billion in Malaysian investments in the US, along with commitments for coal, LNG, and telecommunications equipment purchases. In return, Malaysia will reduce duties on 98.4% of US imports and ease restrictions on US tech companies.
The new tariff rate aligns Malaysia with most ASEAN nations, while protecting an estimated 100,000 jobs potentially at risk from trade disruptions. While semiconductors currently enjoy tariff exemption, they remain under US national security review. Notably, the Boeing aircraft purchase was clarified as part of a pre-existing fleet renewal strategy rather than a tariff response. The US remains Malaysia’s largest export destination, with exports worth RM198.7 billion in 2024, and it continues to be a significant source of foreign direct investment, at RM32.8 billion.
Read the original article here: https://www.businesstimesintl.com/asean/aseans-qr-linkage-push-go-local-could-chip-away-greenbacks-grip
A bold, innovative and ambitious new direction envisaged for the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Secretariat has concluded a series of consultations with its 97 accredited organisations and Board of Governors to shape its strategic priorities for 2025-2030.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey outlined her vision for the next five years, emphasizing the need to make democracies and social development more responsive to citizens’ expectations, with key focus areas including driving inclusive economic growth by reforming trade models to benefit a wider consumer base, leveraging distance education to equip Commonwealth youth with digital and entrepreneurial skills, and accelerating the renewable energy transition across member states.
To achieve this vision, the Commonwealth Secretariat will strengthen its advocacy in global forums around three key pillars: democratic resilience by supporting human rights, the rule of law, and electoral integrity; economic resilience by ensuring equitable access to finance and sustainable debt; and environmental resilience by promoting climate action and sustainable resource use. These pillars will be underpinned by initiatives to enhance social inclusion, particularly for youth and women.
The strategic planning process involved input from member countries, staff, and other stakeholders. Proposals under consideration include establishing regional centres and centres of Excellence, as well as reforming high-level government meetings.
Read the original article here: https://thecommonwealth.org/news/bold-innovative-and-ambitious-new-direction-envisaged-commonwealth
Alpha Ladder patents carbon stablecoin framework
Singapore-based Alpha Ladder Group (ALG) has received patent protection for its innovative CNT Carbon Stablecoin framework, developed by its AI subsidiary MVGX Tech. This blockchain system converts verified decarbonization activities into programmable carbon-backed stablecoins.
The technology uses IoT sensors and AI to authenticate real-time decarbonization data and transform it into tradeable carbon credit assets. The framework addresses regulatory requirements, including Paris Agreement commitments, through a structure similar to American Depository Receipts.
The system’s first proof-of-concept launched in September 2021 under Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act, backed by Chinese Certified Emission Reduction credits from a wind power project in Zhangjiakou City.
With global carbon emissions reaching 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024, ALG positions this technology as essential infrastructure for carbon-linked digital finance. The patent strengthens ALG’s role as a regulated digital green infrastructure provider, offering solutions for cross-border payments and foreign exchange trading while promoting verified net-zero efforts.
The framework aims to transform carbon credits from a niche asset into a mainstream financial instrument, supporting the transition to a more sustainable financial system.
Read the original article here: https://www.theasset.com/article-esg/54579/alpha-ladder-patents-carbon-stablecoin-framework
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Fireside chat with Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy: Lessons to be learnt from Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis
Join us for an enlightening fireside chat with Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy on Sri Lanka’s Economic Road to Recovery in collaboration with RCS Sri Lanka. Dr. Coomaraswamy will provide crucial insights into Sri Lanka’s current economic standing and potential paths to recovery, drawing on his extensive experience as a former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
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