16/05/2026

SATURDAY | MAY 16, 2026

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China poised to deepen partnership with Malaysia

family relationships, reproductive health and emotional development. “In addition, access to reproductive health education and psychosocial support services for adolescents will also be expanded through the KafeTEEN youth programme, delivered via community outreach initiatives in collaboration with government agencies, NGO educational institutions and local communities.” – Bernama KUALA Various programmes will be held nationwide from May 21 in conjunction with MIC’s 80th anniversary celebration to encourage greater participation from both party members and the public, said its president Tan Sri S. A. Vigneswaran. He said this would include family oriented events, medical camps, sports activities, speech competitions and town hall sessions, culminating in a celebration in the capital on July 26. “The celebration would go beyond commemorating the party’s history, instead serving as an opportunity to strengthen engagement with the wider Indian community while highlighting MIC’s long-standing contributions and role in national development,” he said during a media briefing on Thursday. Vigneswaran said MIC has carried out numerous welfare and community initiatives, including educational assistance, medical programmes, food aid distribution and social support efforts. He said the party remains relevant as a political platform for the Indian community. – Bernama LUMPUR: KUALA LUMPUR: The government is taking a pragmatic approach to the ongoing global energy crisis, with the main focus on ensuring the stability of the country’s basic supply needs, protecting the public from extreme cost of living pressures and strengthening the country’s economic resilience in the long term. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said for this purpose, measures such as targeted assistance, price control, strengthening energy security and strategic cooperation among the government, industry and the public are being implemented. He added that it is important for all parties to come together with a spirit of unity, discipline and the confidence of the public in supporting the nation’s efforts. Global supply disruptions, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising international logistics costs have caused the prices of food, transport and various essential goods to increase in most countries. “The government remains committed to ensuring public welfare is a priority.” – Bernama ‘Pragmatic approach chosen for energy crisis’ Programmes to herald MIC 80th anniversary

in his opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the 6th China Smart Technology Expo 2026 yesterday. Also present at the event were Communications Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia president Datuk Keith Li. Ouyang added that China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. The strategic significance of China–Malaysia cooperation in regional industrial, supply and innovation chains continues to grow, creating broad prospects for economic and technological cooperation.

technology and economic exchanges. He said through the platform, more and more Chinese enterprises are deepening cooperation with Malaysian partners, achieving continuous progress in areas such as AI, 5G communications, smart cities, new energy, intelligent manufacturing and the digital economy. Ouyang expressed hope that the expo would further promote ties between the two countries in technology research and development, industrial synergy, talent exchange and investment cooperation. “China stands ready to work with Malaysia to uphold openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit

o Collaboration in science, technology, digital economy and AI to boost development of both countries: Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR: China stands ready to further deepen cooperation with Malaysia in scientific and technological innovation, digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI), while strengthening joint research, people-to-people exchanges and industrial collaboration. China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said the collaboration would ensure innovation

both countries, contributing to regional prosperity, stability and sustainable development, Bernama reported. “Malaysia is an important economy in Asean and a key partner of China in Southeast Asia, as well as a major Belt and Road partner country.

and cooperation, and jointly write a new chapter of ‘Connecting China and Malaysia through Intelligence, Creating the Future Together.’” Call for stronger cooperation among BRICS members achievements better serve the economic and social development of “It has a strong foundation in electronics, electrical engineering and semiconductors, and is one of the world’s major semiconductor packaging and testing hubs,” he said He also said the expo has become an important platform for promoting cooperation in science,

NEW DELHI: Malaysia has called for stronger cooperation among BRICS nations and partners to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable global order amid rising geopolitical tensions, weakened global institutions and disruptions to supply chains. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the significance of BRICS cooperation has become increasingly important in recent years as the world grapples with economic uncertainties and shifting geopolitical realities. “Against a backdrop of weakened global architecture, intensified risk of geopolitical conflict, and destabilised energy markets and global supply chains, there has never been a greater need for our collaboration,” he said during the BRICS Partners’ Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He added that BRICS, as a grouping that represents some of the world’s most productive economies, has the potential to strengthen global resilience through greater intra-trade and cross-investment. “By leveraging on our relative strengths, BRICS has the potential to forge a major global supply chain. One that is diversified, dependable and able to withstand global shocks.” However, Mohamad said resilience alone would not be sufficient as the current phase of global growth is increasingly shaped by technology and digital transformation. “Digital public infrastructure, PUTRAJAYA: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry is committed to strengthening the family institution through an inclusive approach and family education initiatives to ensure the continued wellbeing of children. In a statement issued in conjunction with International Day of Families yesterday, the ministry said this year’s theme, Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing, highlights the importance of

Mohamad said BRICS, as a grouping that represents some of the world’s most productive economies, has the potential to strengthen global resilience through greater intra-trade and cross investment. – BERNAMAPIC

major share of the global population and economy, encompassing approximately 3.87 billion individuals, or about 48.8% of the global population. As of 2025, the collective GDP of BRICS member countries is projected at approximately US$32 trillion, representing about 28.5% of global output. Malaysia, together with Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan became BRICS Partner Countries starting Jan 1, 2025. – Bernama “The approach to strengthening families is guided by the Kasih values, which are love, morals, health and safety, and knowledge and harmony,” the statement said. The ministry added that it would continue to empower family education programmes such as the Smartstart Marriage Course, Positive Parenting Programme, Youth Development initiatives and Kasih values advocacy, with an emphasis on effective communication, stronger

said green finance must move “from the margins to the centre of global development planning”. He also said institutions such as the New Development Bank have a critical role in ensuring financing is fair, accessible and responsive to the needs of the global south. “Without this, the gap between ambition and implementation would only continue to widen.” BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia, represents a Population and Family Development Board, is hosting various programmes and initiatives to strengthen family resilience, improve the community’s psychosocial wellbeing and expand access to family education and community support services. “Among the ministry’s key priorities is reinforcing family education and support services in line with the National Family Kasih Policy, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in February.

fintech systems, and AI are changing how economies function and governments deliver services. But without inclusive access, these technologies would only widen inequality, instead of bridging the gap.” He said Malaysia sees value in deeper BRICS cooperation on digital governance, particularly in AI, digital infrastructure and skills development to ensure that technological advancements benefit all countries more equitably. On sustainable development, he reducing social and economic inequalities. The theme also focuses on gaps in access to basic services that could affect the development of children. The ministry added that stable and harmonious families are a cornerstone of sustainable national development and play an important role in shaping a healthy, resilient generation with strong social values. In line with this aspiration, the ministry, through the National

Ministry committed to strengthening family institution