Malaysia Rises To 15th In Global Competitiveness Ranking, Records Best Achievement -- Anwar

KAZAN, June 18 (Bernama) – Malaysia rising to the 15th spot in the 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is proof that efforts to strengthen efficiency and improve execution continue to pay off, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Countries Seeking To Develop AI Capabilities Need To Navigate Trusted Partner Networks, Says Expert

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 18 (Bernama) -- Countries seeking to develop artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will need to navigate new alliances, controls and trusted partner networks as the technology increasingly becomes a geopolitical issue, said an expert today.

Malaysia Jumps Eight Spots To 15th In 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has jumped eight spots in the 2026 International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking, rising to the 15th spot among 70 economies, marking its best ranking in recent years. 

Uzbekistan Enhancing Islamic Finance Regulatory Framework With INCEIF University's Assistance

From Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 16 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan is strengthening its Islamic finance regulatory framework by engaging experts from Malaysia's INCEIF University in areas such as sukuk securities, Islamic finance licensing, Shariah governance, and a comprehensive regulatory ecosystem as part of the third stage of its industry development.

Banks Must Build Specialised SME Lending Capabilities – EBRD

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 16 (Bernama) --  Developing deeper capital markets and expanding financing access for underserved segments remain among the key challenges facing emerging Southeast Asian economies, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

IRDA, Taiwan's Taoyuan City Govt In Pact To Advance Industrial Collaboration

ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 16 (Bernama) -- The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has formalised a strategic partnership with Taoyuan City Government in Taiwan to promote industrial collaboration, strengthen talent development and enhance mutual economic competitiveness.

ASEAN+3 1Q 2026 Fiscal Position Remain Resilient Amid West Asia Conflict -- AMRO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- ASEAN+3’s fiscal position remained broadly resilient in the first quarter (1Q) of 2026, despite emerging expenditure pressures and tighter financing conditions following the escalation of the West Asia conflict, according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) ASEAN+3 Quarterly Fiscal Bulletin.