Australia fills Usaid gap in Asean with A$1b fund
This initiative is part of Australia's commitment to fostering lasting economic prosperity, climate resilience, and regional stability and security.
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The Star
12 minutes ago
- The Star
Malaysia ready to send monitoring team to Thailand-Cambodia border if requested, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Putrajaya is prepared to send a monitoring team to the Thailand-Cambodia border if requested by both countries, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. However, the Prime Minister said that the decision regarding military presence for monitoring purposes will be made later as the situation along the borders is currently under control. 'Whether military presence is needed for monitoring will be decided later. So far, the situation remains under control, although it is highly sensitive and tense. 'Currently, we have satellites assisting in monitoring, and there is an agreement that this will be coordinated by the Malaysian Defence Attaché. 'The Defence Attaché, along with Asean countries, is only monitoring from a distance,' he said during the Prime Minister's Question Time at the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Aug 5). He was responding to Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS–Batang Sadong), who asked about Malaysia's role in facilitating peace talks and a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. Anwar also said that so far both countries only requested Malaysia to coordinate further talks among the defence senior officials in Kuala Lumpur, with the decision set to be reached on or by Thursday (Aug 7). In a supplementary question by Rodiyah on whether there should be similar peace frameworks to address such disputes through the Asean Regional Forum, Anwar said that it was still too early to decide. 'In our decision that I conveyed to Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai of Thailand, we want both of them to agree and reach a final consensus, with Malaysia as a witness, and then be supported by all Asean countries,' he added. Earlier, Anwar expressed gratitude to all parties, including Opposition MPs, for their support of the Malaysia-led ceasefire. On July 28, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to an unconditional and immediate ceasefire following a special meeting in Putrajaya chaired by Anwar.
New Straits Times
12 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Petronas, TNB retain spots as top O&G and utility brands in Asean
KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) have maintained their positions as the top Asean brands in the oil and gas (O&G) and utilities sectors, respectively. According to Brand Finance's Energy 100 2025 report, Petronas remains widely regarded as a trustworthy brand that delivers good value for money, solidifying its role as a key player in the global energy landscape. The report noted that Petronas holds its place as the world's third strongest O&G brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 83.7 out of 100 and an AAA- rating. Trailing Petronas in the regional ranking are Thailand's PTT Public Company Ltd, whose brand value rose 11 per cent to US$9.2 billion and Indonesia's Pertamina, which saw a 15 per cent decline in brand value to US$3.8 billion. In the utilities sector, TNB, whose brand value surged 35 per cent to US$2.3 billion and Indonesia's Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) now rank as the second and third strongest utility brands globally. TNB achieved a BSI score of 88.9 out of 100 and received an AAA brand strength rating, underscoring increased consumer confidence and its strong focus on sustainability. "Notably, its Green Electricity Tariff programme has empowered consumers to choose renewable energy at accessible premium rates," it added. Brand Finance Asia Pacific managing director Alex Haigh said the solid performance of Petronas, TNB, PTT, and PLN highlights how Asean energy brands are not only holding their own on the global stage but are also at the forefront of embedding sustainability into their branding strategies. "It is encouraging to see that investments in green innovation and stakeholder trust are now translating into tangible brand value and strength.
Malay Mail
12 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Malaysia ready to send monitoring team to Thailand-Cambodia border if requested, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 — Malaysia is prepared to coordinate the deployment of a monitoring team along the Thailand-Cambodia border if both countries request it, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat today. He said the situation along the border remains 'under control, although still tense and sensitive', following recent incidents of violence between Thai and Cambodian forces. 'Whether or not troops are needed on the ground to monitor the ceasefire, it will be decided later,' Anwar said. 'It's not easy when killings and shootings have occurred; it takes time to de-escalate and cool down tensions.' He added that satellite monitoring is currently being carried out and both parties have agreed for Malaysia's Defence Attaché, together with Asean counterparts, to coordinate remote surveillance efforts. Anwar was responding to a question from Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS–Batang Sadong), who asked whether Malaysia would play a role in monitoring the border to ensure peace is maintained.
