
Selangor Invests RM500,000 to Accelerate Drone Technology Ecosystem
Selangor has committed RM500,000 to develop its drone industry, upgrading facilities at Universiti Selangor's Droneport-1000 and attracting international players to the sector.
Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.

Selangor has committed RM500,000 to develop its drone industry, upgrading facilities at Universiti Selangor's Droneport-1000 and attracting international players to the sector.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on ASEAN to leverage artificial intelligence and digital innovation to strengthen public services while ensuring inclusive, sustainable adoption across the region's diverse economies.

Melaka's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh has called on accomplished professionals from the state to collaborate with the government, leveraging their experience and networks to nurture emerging talent and create opportunities for future generations.

Sarawak will develop a 3,655-hectare site transferred by the federal government into housing, infrastructure and agricultural projects, with RM1.5 million allocated for the programme.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong will unveil the long-awaited Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone master plan at their December Annual Leaders' Retreat meeting.

Vietnam has announced a new national child protection programme running through 2030, featuring enhanced legal frameworks, inter-agency coordination, and targets to reduce child violence and labour. The initiative aims to ensure all children access safety, education and healthy development.

Indonesia pursues a major airline consolidation while the Philippines handles tropical weather impacts. Singapore adjusts vehicle quotas, Thailand links traffic enforcement to tax renewals, and Vietnam positions itself amid global supply chain diversification.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has opened a new government office in Manchester, marking a significant decentralisation of economic policymaking from Westminster. The move signals stronger devolution of powers to regional authorities across the UK.

Southeast Asia moves forward on multiple fronts this week: Indonesia strengthens marine protection, Laos tackles illegal mining, ASEAN addresses energy security amid Middle East tensions, and Singapore announces cabinet changes balancing experience with youth leadership.

The East Coast Rail Link is projected to add RM80 to RM90 billion cumulatively to Malaysia's GDP by 2047, driven by 21 Economic Accelerator Projects and logistics hub development across Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.

South Korea's push to build a major semiconductor hub in its southwest region by 2030 confronts significant infrastructure challenges, particularly around power supply and water allocation, with local communities resisting nuclear expansion and dam modifications.

MBSB Bank and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority have sealed a memorandum of understanding to make available RM1 billion in financing for small and medium enterprises operating across the Northern Corridor Economic Region, spanning four states.

The Malaysian government has greenlit 46 development projects totalling RM207.2 million for Pasir Puteh in Kelantan, with emphasis on building industrial and logistics infrastructure around the East Coast Rail Link station.

Thailand's CP Group has formally requested termination of its three-airport high-speed rail partnership with State Railway of Thailand, citing failure to secure investment promotion status and construction permits.

Perlis aims for 5.5 to 6 million tourist arrivals this year following the resumption of the Kuala Perlis-Satun ferry service, which will strengthen cross-border connectivity and boost the state's tourism economy.

Across Southeast Asia, governments are accelerating digital infrastructure and modernisation programmes. Indonesia targets 100 Mbps internet access, while Singapore and Thailand expand broadcast platforms and the Philippines eyes military upgrades.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reaffirmed that the federal government ensures equitable development across all Malaysian states, emphasising Johor's current role as a key investment hub.

Pakatan Harapan candidate Yong Hui Yi is campaigning to rebrand Yong Peng as an economic hub leveraging its central Johor location, positioning the state seat to benefit from regional development spillovers.

Pakatan Harapan will unveil its manifesto for the July 11 Johor state election, promising to narrow the development gap between districts and improve living standards across the state beyond Johor Bahru's dominance.