Malaysia

[Big read] Why Malaysian youths are choosing mainland China over Taiwan for degrees

For generations, a Taiwan degree meant upward mobility for Malaysian Chinese. Today, a rising China and evolving local options are changing where students choose to carve out their futures. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tan Jet Min reports.

Tan Jet Min

03 Jun 2026

Midas touch of Lin Xiang Xiong: Mining gold with one hand, creating art with the other

From scavenging for food in China to helming a gold mining empire in Malaysia, Lin Xiang Xiong’s life is a masterclass in resilience. The gold miner-cum-artist speaks with Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chew Boon Leong about how his accidental foray into gold mining has fuelled his true calling: a global crusade for peace through art.

Chew Boon Leong

28 May 2026

Not distracted: Southeast Asia remains firmly in China’s diplomatic orbit

China has kept Southeast Asia in its sights despite other pressing concerns: it seeks to draw Vietnam closer by highlighting their socialist credentials and has reached out to the Philippines despite their differences. Malaysia’s East Coast Railway Line will also bind Southeast Asia closer to China, says ISEAS researcher Lye Liang Fook.

Lye Liang Fook

06 May 2026

Hokkien roots, Brunei soil: My father’s journey across borders and spiritual planes [Eye on Fujian series]

From wandering between homes in Malaysia to setting roots in Brunei, one would never have thought that a young rebel with just a toy car to his name would live a life in service of the gods. ThinkChina’s Josephine Hong shares snippets of the life of her father, Richard Hong Kuan Yin.

Josephine Hong

01 Apr 2026

Why Anwar wants BRICS — without really joining it

Malaysia’s decision to join BRICS demonstrates its longstanding adherence to strategic equidistance. It also bears Anwar Ibrahim’s personal imprimatur, say academics Isabelle Chua and Francis E. Hutchinson of ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.

Isabelle Chua, Francis E. Hutchinson

22 Dec 2025

Indonesia’s high-speed rail hits a money crunch — can it pull through?

Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail (Whoosh) faces heavy financial losses as ridership falls short and debt payments rise. Can the project overcome these challenges and stay on track? Researcher Michael Hutahaean and academic Chen Xiangming examine the situation.

Michael Hutahaean, Chen Xiangming

12 Dec 2025

Malaysia becomes a lynchpin in US-led effort to break China’s grip on rare earths

Within the US-led rare earth alliance, Malaysia has emerged as a crucial processing and manufacturing hub, strategically positioned to help build a supply chain outside of China. But it remains to be seen if China’s dominance in this field can be easily broken.

Caixin Global

05 Dec 2025

Malaysia-US rare earths deal: Gold or poison?

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim certainly has his hands full after being accused of selling out Malaysian interests by signing an MOU on critical minerals with the US. How will Anwar balance both domestic criticism and his desire to develop Malaysia’s rare earths industry? Malaysian writer Anthony Chong tells us more.

Anthony Chong Lip Teck

19 Nov 2025

ASEAN’s charm offensive wins the room, but can it win the future?

Amid global fractures, the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur stood out for its warmth and wit — from Trump’s dance to Anwar’s deft diplomacy. But beneath the charm offensive lies a deeper test: can civility and consensus keep ASEAN united in a divided world? Academic Ma Haiyun explores the topic.

Ma Haiyun

29 Oct 2025

Trump at ASEAN: A showcase of US–China rivalry on Malaysia’s turf

As Malaysia hosts Trump amid protests and great power rivalry, its role as ASEAN chair becomes a stress test for the region’s diplomatic neutrality and fragile unity.

Tang Siew Mun

29 Oct 2025

Malaysia’s high-stakes ASEAN chairmanship amid global turmoil

All eyes are on Malaysia as it approaches the climax of its ASEAN chairmanship in late October, marked by the second ASEAN summit of 2025 and a series of key meetings, including the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Plus Three. These events could draw some of the world’s most prominent leaders. Malaysian academic Ngeow Chow Bing gives an assessment of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship thus far. 

Ngeow Chow Bing

07 Oct 2025

Visa-free travel, US tariffs drive Chinese companies to Malaysia

Thanks largely to US President Donald Trump’s tariff onslaught earlier this year, Chinese firms that would have looked to countries like Malaysia as a means to skirt tariffs are now boosting investment in the local market. In particular, Malaysia’s targeted government incentives and deepening ties with Beijing have benefited sectors including semiconductors, electric vehicles and infrastructure.

Caixin Global

03 Oct 2025