Bi-Weekly News Update: June 29 to July 14, 2025

Businesses Urged to Embrace Governance and Green Innovation Amid Global Challenges; Vietnam Launches Real-Time Customs Data App to Boost Transparency and Digital Governance; Apple Ramps Up Hiring and Operations in Vietnam Amid Global Supply Chain Shift; Vietnamese AI Platform AI Hay Secures Fresh Funding Amid Rapid Growth; Huawei Seeks AI Chip Deals in Middle East and Southeast Asia Amid U.S. Scrutiny; Thailand Launches AI Platform WebD to Block Illegal Websites Faster and More Efficiently; Nvidia Briefly Hits $4 Trillion Valuation as AI Momentum Drives Market Surge; Unesco Backs Thailand as AI Capacity Hub, Calls for Asean Policy Unity; FTI Urges Urgent Action as US Tariffs Threaten Thai Exports and Competitiveness; Thailand’s E-Commerce Soars to 1.1 Trillion Baht in 2024, TikTok Emerges as Disruptive Force; US AI Chip Export Curbs Raise Alarm for Thailand’s Digital Ambitions

Businesses Urged to Embrace Governance and Green Innovation Amid Global Challenges
全球挑戰加劇之際,企業被呼籲擁抱治理與綠色創新

At a recent cross-border dialogue in Hanoi, experts from academia, industry, and government emphasized that sustainability is no longer optional but essential for long-term business success. Josse Roussel of the Paris School of Business highlighted the need for strong institutional governance, noting that legal frameworks and incentives from governments are crucial in guiding businesses toward sustainability. Echoing this, EY Singapore’s Praveen Tekchandani stressed that resilience, stakeholder expectations, and the drive for net-zero emissions are reshaping business priorities. Companies like Tetra Pak and Lego are already demonstrating the benefits of green innovation through resource efficiency and renewable energy use in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Can Van Luc of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council warned that businesses must first survive amid growing geopolitical risks, but long-term strategies like dual (green and digital) transformation are key to thriving. Business leaders such as Lawrence Chan of VSIP and Yap Kwong Weng of Vietnam SuperPort underscored rising demand for eco-industrial parks and carbon-efficient logistics. Experts agreed that regulatory support, proactive governance, and cross-sector collaboration are vital in turning sustainability into a competitive advantage and ensuring Vietnam’s businesses remain resilient and future-ready.

https://vir.com.vn/dual-goals-imperative-for-businesses-131866.html

小編點評:在河內舉行的跨境對話中,專家強調強健的治理、法律框架與綠色創新,對於企業在地緣政治風險升高的環境下維持長期韌性與永續至關重要。企業領袖與政策制定者也指出,市場對生態工業解決方案的需求正在上升,而「雙重轉型」(綠色與數位)策略將有助於確保越南產業保持競爭力並具備面向未來的能力。

Vietnam Launches Real-Time Customs Data App to Boost Transparency and Digital Governance
越南推出即時海關資料 App,提升透明度與數位治理

Vietnam has launched the Vietnam Customs Data mobile app, a major step towards digitalising trade reporting and improving policy efficiency. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Finance Bui Van Khang praised the initiative for enhancing internal governance, transparency, and the business environment. The app provides real-time import-export data via interactive dashboards, enabling government officials to detect anomalies, simplify trade procedures, and make informed decisions. It supports national statistics used for GDP calculations, trade balance monitoring, and international negotiations, replacing outdated paper-based reports with a modern, mobile solution.

Nguyen Van Tho, director general of the Department of Vietnam Customs, highlighted that the app is designed for leaders and policymakers, offering secure, permission-based access on both Android and iOS platforms. Integration with the Ministry of Finance’s system and VNeID is planned to ensure secure authorisation. Nguyen Trung Tien from the National Statistics Office noted that continuous updates now replace repeated data requests, significantly improving state planning. Developed under Resolution 57, the app reflects Vietnam’s broader push toward digital transformation, positioning the country to establish fully paperless, efficient customs operations in the near future.

https://vir.com.vn/mobile-app-drives-customs-modernisation-and-transparency-131769.html

小編點評:越南推出 Vietnam Customs Data App 以現代化貿易通報並提升透明度,透過即時儀表板與安全存取,協助政策制定者改善決策品質與治理效能。該 App 在第 57 號決議(Resolution 57)框架下開發,取代過時的紙本系統,反映越南更廣泛的數位轉型目標,並為高效、無紙化的海關作業鋪路。

Apple Ramps Up Hiring and Operations in Vietnam Amid Global Supply Chain Shift
全球供應鏈轉移之際,Apple 加速在越南招募並擴大營運

Apple has significantly expanded its presence in Vietnam in 2025, posting around 60 job openings since January—far surpassing the previous year’s recruitment levels. New positions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include roles in operations, supply chain management, public relations, and sales, signaling Apple’s intent to deepen its footprint beyond outsourced manufacturing. The move reflects a broader strategy to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on any single country, as confirmed by CEO Tim Cook’s May statement that nearly all iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirPods sold in the U.S. this quarter will originate from Vietnam.

A report by Vietnam’s FiinRatings underscores the electronics sector’s growing role in the country’s economy, with foreign-led firms—like Apple and Samsung—dominating exports and contributing heavily to national revenue and profits. While Apple’s suppliers such as Foxconn and Luxshare-ICT are well-established in Vietnam, local content in electronics production remains under one percent. Experts urge Vietnam to enhance supply chain resilience through localization and investment in materials manufacturing. Apple, for its part, is backing its suppliers with new equipment and capacity upgrades, making Vietnam a key hub in its evolving global supply network.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/apple-ramps-up-recruitment-in-vietnam-amid-strategic-expansion-103250711163532098.htm

小編點評:Apple 正迅速擴大在越南的營運以分散供應鏈風險,並在主要城市新增招募;同時規劃本季在美國銷售的大多數產品將由越南生產。儘管電子產業在地化比重仍低,Apple 正投資供應商設備與產能升級;專家則呼籲加強本地化,以提升越南在全球科技生態系中的角色。

Vietnamese AI Platform AI Hay Secures Fresh Funding Amid Rapid Growth
越南 AI 平台 AI Hay 在快速成長下獲得新一輪資金挹注

Vietnam-based AI startup AI Hay has secured new funding to accelerate the development of its generative AI-powered knowledge search platform, tailored specifically to the Vietnamese language and culture. Founded by local engineers and digital platform veterans, AI Hay has quickly made waves since its June 2024 launch, amassing over 10 million downloads and processing more than 100 million queries monthly. The platform, which provides cited and reliable answers to user questions, boasts a stellar 4.8/5 user rating from over 140,000 reviews. Existing investors—including Square Peg, Northstar Ventures, AppWorks, and Phoenix Holdings—participated in the latest funding round.

The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand into education and entertainment, and to develop AI-powered virtual assistants aimed at enhancing accessibility for Vietnamese users. Piruze Sabuncu, partner at Square Peg, praised AI Hay’s mission, noting it as proof that Southeast Asia can produce globally competitive technology built by local talent. With its free-to-use model and strong emphasis on supporting everyday learning and information needs, AI Hay is positioning itself as a transformative digital tool for millions across Vietnam.

https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnamese-ai-startup-raises-10mn-in-series-a-funding-103250703165541286.htm

小編點評:越南 AI 新創 AI Hay 取得新資金,將擴大其受歡迎的生成式 AI 搜尋平台;自 2024 年上線以來已累積超過 1,000 萬次下載與每月 1 億次查詢。公司計畫進軍教育與娛樂領域,以提升在地使用者的可近性,同時展現東南亞也能打造具全球競爭力的科技產品。

Huawei Seeks AI Chip Deals in Middle East and Southeast Asia Amid U.S. Scrutiny
美國嚴密關注之際,華為在中東與東南亞尋求 AI 晶片合作

Huawei Technologies is attempting to export limited quantities of its older-generation Ascend 910B AI chips to markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Malaysia, in a strategic push to challenge Nvidia’s dominance despite ongoing production constraints. The company has also offered access to its more advanced Ascend 910C chips through a China-based system called CloudMatrix 384, although these chips remain restricted to domestic sales due to limited supply. While Huawei’s outreach has yet to result in finalized deals, discussions with entities such as Saudi Arabia’s SDAIA are reportedly in advanced stages, and efforts continue despite tepid responses from some parties, including the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

U.S. officials have taken notice of Huawei’s moves, warning that even small-scale exports of Ascend chips could pave the way for larger market incursions. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the U.S. Commerce Department is deliberating new rules to tighten AI chip export controls to Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Although Huawei’s AI chips reportedly trail Nvidia’s by a generation or more, Washington sees the company’s global ambitions as a long-term threat. Meanwhile, delays in approving U.S. chip sales to the Middle East underscore growing uncertainty over how to balance technological competitiveness with national security concerns.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3067217/huawei-seeks-ai-chip-customers-in-middle-east-thailand

小編點評:華為正探索在中東與東南亞的 AI 晶片交易,以挑戰 Nvidia,並在供應與出口限制下推銷 Ascend 910B 及數量有限的 910C 晶片。地緣政治緊張升溫使美方審視加劇,官員警告此舉可能影響全球科技競爭格局與國安動態。

Thailand Launches AI Platform WebD to Block Illegal Websites Faster and More Efficiently
泰國推出 AI 平台 WebD,更快更有效封鎖非法網站

Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry has unveiled the WebD AI platform to crack down on illegal websites, with expectations to increase the blocking rate by over 70% compared to last year. DES Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong said WebD operates 31.5 times faster than human officers, cutting court petition processing time by five working days. It automates the search for illicit URLs, gathers evidence, prepares digital court filings, and sends shutdown orders to internet service providers. With more than 100,000 illegal websites surfacing annually in Thailand, the platform is expected to help block an average of 175 URLs daily, significantly improving online crime prevention.

In addition to WebD, the DES Ministry is accelerating the rollout of its DE-fence app, designed to protect users from fraudulent calls and messages. The app, currently in beta testing, screens incoming communications and verifies numbers against telecom databases and official agency lists, such as police and financial institutions. Minister Prasert emphasized that both platforms are developed in line with AI ethical governance principles and represent a critical step in Thailand’s broader strategy to enhance digital security and trust in online spaces.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3067198/webd-rolled-out-to-block-illegal-urls

小編點評:泰國 DES 部推出 WebD AI 平台以加速封鎖非法網站,透過自動化法院文件提交並提升下架效率,目標每日可處理並封鎖超過 175 個網址。與 WebD 並行的 DE-fence App 也旨在保護民眾免於數位詐騙,顯示泰國正以具倫理治理的 AI 方案強化線上安全與信任。

Unesco Backs Thailand as AI Capacity Hub, Calls for Asean Policy Unity
UNESCO 支持泰國成為 AI 能力樞紐,呼籲東協政策一致

Unesco has spotlighted Thailand as a strategic hub for building artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in Southeast Asia, urging Asean nations to prioritise regional cooperation in computing capacity, data interoperability, and policy harmonisation. Speaking at the first Asia-Pacific edition of the Unesco Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, Irakli Khodeli, head of Unesco’s Ethics of AI Unit, emphasised that AI governance must shift from abstract ethical principles to tangible impact. Thailand’s AI Governance Practice Centre and its hosting of two new global AI networks—focused on supervisory authorities and civil society participation—reflect its growing leadership in AI governance and capacity-building in the region.

Khodeli stressed the importance of coordinated investments to unlock AI’s potential in solving socio-economic challenges, including in healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning. However, he warned of existing risks such as bias, misinformation, and job displacement. Asean nations, he said, should pool data to create inclusive, accurate AI models and avoid policy fragmentation that could drive talent and technology to less regulated environments. By harmonising cross-border data policies and expanding access to compute infrastructure, the region can build stronger, fairer AI systems while reinforcing ethical standards at both local and global levels.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3067712/unesco-urges-asean-unity-to-build-ai-capabilities

小編點評:UNESCO 認可泰國作為區域 AI 樞紐,並呼籲東協國家在算力基礎設施、資料標準與政策協調上加強合作,以建立負責任且具實際影響力的 AI 系統。透過資源整合並處理偏見與就業替代等風險,東協可釋放 AI 的社經潛能,同時維持合乎倫理的治理。

FTI Urges Urgent Action as US Tariffs Threaten Thai Exports and Competitiveness
美國關稅威脅泰國出口與競爭力,泰國工業總會呼籲立即行動

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is mobilising data from 47 industry groups to help the Finance Ministry negotiate lower US retaliatory tariffs set to take effect on August 1, warning that failure to act could lead to export losses of up to 900 billion baht. FTI chairman Kriengkrai Thiennukul said the move comes amid concerns that recent trade deals between the US and countries like Vietnam and the UK could erode Thailand’s competitiveness unless similar tariff reductions are secured. With exports comprising 58% of GDP and industrial goods making up nearly half of that, a newly imposed 36% tariff on Thai products could seriously undermine investor confidence and global positioning.

The FTI outlined four urgent policy responses: relief measures such as low-interest loans and tax cuts for exporters; expansion of free trade agreements and domestic consumption via the “Made in Thailand” initiative; promotion of local content through enhanced BOI incentives; and exchange rate management to maintain competitiveness. Sectors at highest risk include machinery, electronics, rubber, auto parts, and furniture—industries heavily reliant on the US market. Mr. Kriengkrai emphasised that swift government intervention is vital, calling this an “unprecedented crisis” and urging coordinated national action to safeguard Thailand’s economic resilience.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3067776/fti-mobilises-data-from-47-industrial-groups-to-counter-us-tariff-hike

小編點評:泰國工業總會呼籲政府迅速採取行動因應新一輪美國關稅,否則恐使泰國出口損失高達 9,000 億泰銖,且衝擊多個關鍵工業領域。建議措施包括財務紓困、擴大貿易協定、推動在地含量,以及匯率管理,以維持競爭力與經濟韌性。

Thailand’s E-Commerce Soars to 1.1 Trillion Baht in 2024, TikTok Emerges as Disruptive Force
泰國電商 2024 年飆升至 1.1 兆泰銖,TikTok 成為顛覆性力量

Thailand’s e-commerce market surged by 14% in 2024 to reach 1.1 trillion baht, positioning it as ASEAN’s second-largest digital marketplace, according to a Priceza.com report. Shopee led the pack with 75% user engagement, followed by Lazada (67%) and the fast-rising TikTok (51%), which is reshaping online shopping through its seamless blend of short-form video content and in-app purchases. Forecasts suggest the market could hit 1.6 trillion baht by 2027, driven by growing consumer demand and a strategic shift by brands towards social commerce and influencer-driven marketing.

Despite TikTok’s impressive growth, experts have raised concerns about its monopolistic tendencies, such as restricting visibility of rival-linked content and pressuring merchants to adopt its internal systems. Small retailers, while benefitting from higher sales, face rising hidden costs and limited control. Logistics remain a weak link, with TikTok partnering with Thailand Post in mid-2024 to improve deliveries. However, Thailand Post president Danan Suphatthaphan noted difficulty in gauging the partnership’s revenue impact due to the platform’s opaque data-sharing practices.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40052525

小編點評:泰國電商市場 2024 年達 1.1 兆泰銖,TikTok 與 Shopee、Lazada 並列成為關鍵平台,憑藉影音帶貨的購物體驗與快速上升的用戶互動度展現強勁擾動效應。然而,外界仍擔憂 TikTok 的壟斷行為、資料透明度不足及物流挑戰,即便其已與泰國郵政合作,相關疑慮仍未完全消除。

US AI Chip Export Curbs Raise Alarm for Thailand’s Digital Ambitions
美國 AI 晶片出口限制傳聞引發疑慮,泰國數位雄心受震盪

Speculation over potential US restrictions on AI chip exports to Thailand and Malaysia has rattled investor confidence in Southeast Asia, casting uncertainty over Thailand’s goal of becoming ASEAN’s digital hub. While no formal decision has been announced by the Trump administration, industry leaders such as Gulf Development (GULF) say operations remain unaffected for now. GULF’s AI data centre joint venture with AIS and Nvidia is progressing as planned, with phase one launching mid-2025, and further expansion and collaboration with Google Cloud underway. CFO Yupapin Wangviwat affirmed the company’s commitment to growth despite geopolitical risks, forecasting 20–25% revenue growth this year.

However, industry experts warn that if Thailand is perceived as a weak link in technology transfer controls to China, it could deter future investments from major tech firms. While the immediate impact may be minimal—given Thailand’s limited AI chip imports and focus on packaging and testing—analysts recommend establishing a national AI chip monitoring system, strengthening strategic ties with US allies, and diversifying Thailand’s digital strategy. With the global spotlight on AI infrastructure, Thailand must ensure it balances innovation with regulatory transparency to maintain its investment appeal.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40052296

小編點評:外界揣測美國可能限制對泰國的 AI 晶片出口,使泰國數位發展目標面臨不確定性,儘管如 GULF 與 Nvidia 合作的資料中心等重大專案目前仍按計畫推進。專家警告若泰國被視為技術轉移風險環節,恐影響未來投資吸引力,因此建議提升透明度、監測 AI 晶片流向,並強化與美國盟友的合作關係。

Pertama Digital launches initiatives to bridge digital divide
Pertama Digital 推出新措施,致力彌合數位落差

KUALA LUMPUR: Pertama Digital Bhd is accelerating its efforts to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia, particularly for underserved groups, including schoolchildren and micro-enterprises. At a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer Designate Lim Nasrul Halim revealed that current core projects underway include Kocek Pintar and BizKecil, part of its push for inclusive digitalisation.

Nasrul added that the rollout includes providing digital payment infrastructure for school canteens, bookshops, and administrative offices, helping public schools modernise their operations with minimal barriers. Meanwhile, BizKecil targets micro and small business owners, especially those in the B40 group, providing simple digital finance tools and access to microloans in partnership with a local financial institution.

Pertama Digital is targeting a return to profitability in financial year 2025, backed by a RM32.4 million profit guarantee over two years from D-Ron and growing contributions from its digital projects. Pertama Digital is now executing a 100-day integration plan, combining surveillance and analytics technologies to strengthen its smart city and enforcement technology offerings.

小編點評:Pertama Digital 的相關計畫旨在縮小馬來西亞的數位落差,為弱勢族群,特別是學生與微型創業者,提供金融工具與數位接入,進一步促進金融包容並推動小型企業成長。然而,農村地區基礎設施不足與數位素養偏低仍是主要挑戰。未來,馬來西亞可透過擴大網路覆蓋、強化數位教育,以及促進公私合作來持續改善。

Website: https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2025/07/1238421/pertama-digital-launches-initiatives-bridge-digital-divide

Anwar holds bilateral talks with leaders from China, Australia and five other countries
安華與中國、澳洲及其他五國領袖舉行雙邊會談

PUTRAJAYA, July 11 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today held a series of bilateral meetings with senior leaders and representatives from seven countries and international entities, on the sidelines of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings currently taking place here. The meetings, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, involved China, Australia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Palestine, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union.In his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Anwar said both sides discussed various aspects of Malaysia–China ties, which continues to be strengthened following President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia in April, during which 31 memoranda of understanding and agreements were signed.

The prime minister also said he looks forward to the official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Malaysia in October, which is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral relations based on trust, shared values and aspirations for a more peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. In a meeting with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Anwar said discussions revolved around the upcoming official visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Malaysia, during which several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed.

According to Anwar, Turkiye is currently Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in West Asia, and Malaysia is keen to encourage further investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, digital and green economy, artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace. Meanwhile, Anwar’s meeting with United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary David Lammy focused on enhancing cooperation across various areas, including investment, energy transition, education, climate change, defence, digitalisation and AI.

小編點評:首相安華與中國、澳洲及多個國家領袖的雙邊會談,預料將進一步強化馬來西亞在貿易、科技與教育等領域的全球夥伴關係。若要充分受益,馬來西亞必須持續推動數位與綠色經濟發展,同時妥善應對地緣政治緊張局勢,確保本地產業在外資湧入下仍能穩健成長。

Website: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/11/anwar-holds-bilateral-talks-with-leaders-from-china-australia-and-five-other-countries/183606

MCMC identifies 10 instruments to support Online Safety Act rollout, says deputy minister
副部長:通訊委員會擬定 10 項配套工具,支援《線上安全法》落實

PETALING JAYA, July 12 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has identified 10 subsidiary instruments, including regulations and codes, to facilitate the effective implementation of the Online Safety Act 2024, says Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said that the instruments were at various stages of development, with prioritisation guided by the need to ensure alignment with the act’s objectives and scope. According to Teo, the development of the regulations is contingent upon completion of the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), followed by approval from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).

She said child sexual grooming was one of the core concerns addressed under the Online Safety Act 2024, a landmark legislation aimed at creating a safer digital space, especially for young and vulnerable users. Teo also mentioned MBR’s upcoming 13-episode television series, Malaysia Luar Biasa, produced in collaboration with Bernama, noting that the programme would spotlight 30 to 40 national records featuring extraordinary Malaysians.

She said Bernama TV, then known as Bernama News Channel (BNC), was one of the key platforms delivering the historic 25-hour non-stop national broadcast in four languages, held from Sept 16 to 17, 2019, in conjunction with Malaysia Day. Meanwhile, Teo also lauded the National Information Dissemination Centre’s (NADI) achievements at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Awards 2025 in Geneva earlier this week, through its Pulau Banggi Initiative and Pulau Ketam Stingray II Project. She said as of June 30, a total of 1,097 NADI centres had been successfully established out of the 1,099 planned nationwide, while the remaining two centres in Sabah were in the final stages of implementation.

小編點評:《線上安全法令 2024》透過制定 10 項監管配套,加強馬來西亞的數位安全,特別是對兒童與弱勢族群的保護。該法有望提升對網路威脅的防範能力,但在實施過程中仍面臨法規進度緩慢,以及安全與言論自由之間的平衡問題。為提升成效,馬來西亞需加快政策落實、提高公眾意識,並強化執法能力。

Website: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/12/mcmc-identifies-10-instruments-to-support-online-safety-act-rollout-says-deputy-minister/183676

Neutral but firm: Malaysia upholds Zopfan-based foreign policy to maintain peace and balance, says minister
中立而堅定:部長稱馬來西亞堅守 ZOPFAN 外交政策以維持和平與平衡

KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 — Malaysia maintains a balanced and neutral foreign policy approach in managing strategic relations with major powers such as the United States (US) and China, in line with the principles of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN), said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. As a trading nation, he said Malaysia cannot be seen as leaning towards any bloc, but must maintain a neutral stance for the sake of the country’s stability and interests.

Mohamad said the neutral policy aligns with Malaysia’s commitments under ZOPFAN and Asean, which aim to maintain the region as a peaceful and stable zone.“ZOPFAN is very important for Malaysia and Asean. We are in a zone of peace. Therefore, we cannot be seen to lean towards any side, and that is our approach in balancing relations with all major powers,” he said. When asked about the outcome of the Asean-US meeting on Thursday, Mohamad explained that no specific list of demands was presented by either party; instead, the discussions focused more on regional security issues and long-term cooperation.

The 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held over four days in Kuala Lumpur, focused on strengthening regional cooperation and jointly addressing global geopolitical and economic challenges. According to Mohamad, the successful organisation of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings by Malaysia as Asean Chair 2025 demonstrates that the bloc continues to be respected and trusted by the world’s major powers. 

小編點評:馬來西亞以 ZOPFAN 為基礎的外交政策,有助於在大國競逐中維持區域和平與戰略平衡,並提升其外交公信力與經濟穩定性。然而,面對來自主要強權的地緣政治與貿易壓力,政策執行仍具挑戰。未來,馬來西亞需持續強化 ASEAN 合作,同時提升自身的外交與經濟韌性。

Website: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/12/neutral-but-firm-malaysia-upholds-zopfan-based-foreign-policy-to-maintain-peace-and-balance-says-minister/183654

Malaysia acts to avoid US sanctions amid escalating global AI chip war
全球 AI 晶片戰升溫,馬來西亞採取行動避免美國制裁

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) has announced that all exports, transhipments, and transit of high-performance AI chips of US origin now require a Strategic Trade Permit, effective immediately. The new requirement falls under Section 12 of the Strategic Trade Act 2010, which serves as a catch-all control provision for items not explicitly listed in the Strategic Items List. Companies and individuals must notify authorities at least 30 days before moving these AI chips if they know or suspect potential misuse or restricted activities.

Malaysia has warned it will take strict legal action against any violations of the Strategic Trade Act 2010 or related laws. The ministry emphasised that while Malaysia supports investments and trade aligned with international best practices, all entities must comply with relevant international obligations to avoid secondary sanctions. Miti also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, transparent, and rules-based trading environment with all trade partners.

Despite Malaysia’s previous pledges to tighten import scrutiny, chip exports to the country have surged, drawing US attention and prompting proposed curbs that may include temporary exemptions for American and allied firms operating there.

小編點評:在美中科技競逐加劇之際,馬來西亞正收緊 AI 晶片出口管制,以避免遭受美國制裁。作為全球半導體供應鏈的重要一環,馬來西亞必須提升執法力與透明度,以維持國際信任。然而,如何在地緣政治壓力、複雜物流監管與產業聲譽之間取得平衡,仍是其面臨的關鍵挑戰。

Website: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/07/14/malaysia-acts-to-avoid-us-sanctions-amid-escalating-global-ai-chip-war/183871