AGP Executive Report

Malaysia Budget Watch: Selangor says its Resilience Strengthening Package is delivering savings and a RM230m surplus, after setting operating spending ceilings at 95% and development at 90% in Budget 2026, with Phase 2 adding 15 initiatives worth RM209.26m aimed at easing the energy crisis. Corporate Appointments: Wolters Kluwer’s CCH Tagetik names Kumiko Minowa as Head of Asia Pacific and Japan, based in Singapore, to drive regional strategy and performance management. Telecom Capital Reallocation: Singtel sells a 2.8% stake in Thailand’s Gulf Development for about S$1b, booking a gain of around S$140m as it redeploys capital. AI, Work and Markets: A new workplace piece argues AI is shifting performance from “effort” to “outcomes,” while a separate report flags a global tech sell-off tied to chip weakness and AI spending worries. Urban Data Centres: Forty mayors back a pact urging sustainable data-centre growth that protects city resources, energy prices and climate targets. Sports & Culture: India hosts its first Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Fun Run in Kerala, drawing 40,000 participants and highlighting athlete pipelines. Energy Storage Deal: Google and Energy Dome plan a 23MW/200MWh CO2 battery project in Offaly, Ireland, using two large energy air domes.

Higher Education Spotlight: QS World University Rankings 2027 put Singapore’s NUS at 10th globally, with NTU at 12th and Malaysia’s Universiti Malaya in the top 100. Wellbeing & Jobs: Therme Group broke ground on Therme Singapore in Marina South, aiming for a 2030 opening and about 400 jobs. Women in STEM: AtkinsRéalis HR head Cindy Chiu highlights how clearer pathways and inclusive workplaces can help women thrive in engineering. Labour Rights: Thailand and the ILO discussed strengthening labour standards, expanding social protection, and preparing workers for economic and tech change. AI Shopping Push: Sea and OpenAI deepen their Shopee-ChatGPT tie-up, adding Shopee in ChatGPT across Southeast Asia and Brazil and rolling out ChatGPT for Business for sellers. Markets & Energy: Asian stocks trade mixed as investors weigh US-Iran peace talks and oil moves; the Strait of Hormuz remains a key risk. Culture & Heritage: Golden Village seeks IMDA approval for more Teochew screenings of Chinese film “Dear You,” citing dialect heritage value. Road Safety: A tipper truck skidded and flipped on Singapore’s TPE, spilling sand and briefly obstructing lanes.

West Asia Oil Watch: Malaysia will keep monitoring West Asia developments before deciding whether to restore its BUDI MADANI RON95 petrol quota from 200 litres, saying it’s too early to judge the impact of a temporary US-Iran ceasefire. Bangladesh–Malaysia Migration: Bangladesh’s PM Tarique Rahman urged Malaysia to reopen the labour market for Bangladeshi workers, citing concerns over exploitation and pushing for transparent recruitment and better handling of detained workers. ASEAN Tech & AI: ASEAN’s science, technology and innovation advisory council met in Vientiane, reviewing AI-focused health work and startup and space-technology cooperation plans. Malaysia Trade Surge: Malaysia’s exports grew 24.3% in Jan–May 2026, with AI infrastructure-linked semiconductors driving gains and a record trade surplus of RM132.77bn. Central Asia Growth: Uzbekistan is betting on fintech ecosystems and a faster-than-expected aviation boom, with Tashkent’s airport demand already ahead of forecasts. Energy Deal Signals Confidence: Economists said Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Turkmenistan visit and Petronas agreements go beyond diplomacy, boosting investor confidence amid geopolitical and protectionism risks.

HIV Funding Alarm: WHO and UNAIDS warn that 2025 funding disruptions are putting HIV prevention, testing and community-led services at risk across Asia-Pacific, where about 7 million people live with HIV and several countries face fast-rising epidemics. Media Freedom & Pay: UNESCO has launched a consultation on fair compensation for news as digital platforms and AI increasingly rely on journalistic content, seeking feedback until July 30. West Asia, Markets & Energy: US-Iran talks in Switzerland show “major progress” amid fragile Lebanon ceasefire efforts, helping ease oil and risk sentiment; crude stays near $80 as Strait of Hormuz conditions remain a key driver. Tech, Security & Governance: Optro expands into Singapore to support APAC GRC teams as AI and cyber risks rise; Zscaler urges Southeast Asian CIOs/CISOs to extend zero trust to AI agents amid tighter data rules. Business & Industry Moves: GS E&C and I Squared Capital plan a renewable energy joint venture in Korea targeting up to 1.5GW by 2035; Thailand advances a plan to become an ASEAN semiconductor centre. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Kobakhidze leads a first official visit to Tajikistan to deepen Central Asia ties. Rights at Work: A Delhi case highlights the precarious safety and legal protections for domestic workers, renewing calls for enforceable rights.

APEC Openness Push: Officials at the APEC China CEO Forum in Beijing said Asia-Pacific growth depends on staying open despite unilateralism and protectionism, urging faster progress on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, better connectivity, and tougher action on non-tariff barriers and digital trade. Education Snapshot (US): New York school enrollment data shows Asian and Pacific Islander students remain a major share in some districts—P.S. 214 Michael Friedsam (65.3%) and P.S. 21 Edward Hart (55.6%)—while other schools see smaller shares, like Scotia-Glenville Middle (1.8%) and Valleyview Elementary (2.8%). Sports—Japan’s World Cup Moment: Japan made history in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match, beating Tunisia 4-0 and becoming the first Asian team to score four in a World Cup game. Business—India EV Shift: Tata Motors says it has secured 3,400+ electric commercial vehicle orders, signaling mainstream EV adoption in freight and passenger segments. Health & Trade—Sunscreen Update: The US FDA approved bemotrizinol, a sunscreen ingredient used for decades in Asia and Europe. Regional Diplomacy: Asean lawmakers urged President Marcos to push for Aung San Suu Kyi’s release, calling for unconditional and immediate freedom for political prisoners.

Energy Diplomacy: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim hailed Petronas’ new Turkmenistan deals as a boost to access major gas reserves, with cooperation spanning Caspian Sea presence and upstream expansion. ASEAN Human Rights: Lawmakers urged ASEAN to press for the immediate release of Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, citing the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus. Regional Security & Trade: A week of debate in Washington over how to contain Beijing highlights the limits of proposed anti-PRC coalitions, while markets watch shifting West Asia risks. Public Health & Rights: A global report says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, with land and conflict-related work among the deadliest. Business Confidence in Nepal: Nepal’s private sector is staying defensive despite cheap credit, citing regulatory uncertainty and weak demand. Drugs & Enforcement Debate: Thailand-based harm reduction voices warn that seizures alone don’t reduce harm as supply chains adapt. Sports—World Cup Milestone: Japan and Tunisia meet in the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match, while China’s Ma Ning becomes the first Chinese lead referee in 24 years.

ASEAN Diplomacy: More than 130 current and former lawmakers from 11 countries urged ASEAN to press Myanmar for the immediate, unconditional release of democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and thousands of political prisoners, citing the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus. ASEAN-Russia Ties: Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said ASEAN-Russia cooperation should deepen in AI, data centres and power generation after attending the ASEAN-Russia summit in Kazan. Migration Tragedy: Libya’s coast near Tobruk saw a migrant boat sink; at least 15 bodies were recovered and 13 were treated after survivors reached safety. Energy & Trade: India’s crude import bill jumped 81.5% in May as West Asia tensions pushed up global prices; meanwhile, India-US trade talks hinge on India securing a “competitive advantage” on tariffs. Business & Development: Petronas marked 30 years in Turkmenistan with new offshore exploration deals; in India, BHEL and Coal India plan a Rs 25,000 crore coal gasification project in Odisha. Culture & Sports: LA declared Jan 6, 2027 “Diljit Dosanjh Day,” while Japan and Tunisia play the 1,000th World Cup finals match in history.

ASEAN–China Trade & Connectivity: China and ASEAN officials launched an ASEAN-China (Zhengzhou) Economy Development Centre, pitching openness and business support as protection against protectionism and supply-chain shocks. Eurasian Rail & Food Security: A Xinhua report spotlights how the China-Europe Railway Express is moving high-protein Kazakh wheat into China, boosting cross-border trade from noodles to broader economic development. South Asia Jobs & Youth: India’s PM Modi disbursed about Rs 2,400 crore under PM-VBRY, tying incentives to youth employment and a growing startup ecosystem. Nepal Water Resilience: The ADB approved a $115m loan to expand water supply, sanitation, and disaster resilience across 13 Nepal municipalities, targeting 850,000 people. Labour Migration Watch: Bangladesh’s PM visit to Malaysia is raising hopes of reopening Malaysia’s labour market for Bangladeshi workers, with rights groups urging a formal bilateral labour agreement. Regional Security & Energy: Russia and ASEAN wrapped up the Kazan summit with pledges on energy, nuclear cooperation, and deeper ties under the Kazan Declaration. Music & Culture: The Grammys added a new Best Asian Pop Music category for 2027, triggering debate among fans over whether it’s recognition or a separate lane. Gulf Aviation Recovery: Reuters reports Gulf airlines are back near pre-war flight levels as the Strait of Hormuz reopens after a US-Iran interim deal.

Markets & Finance: India’s Sensex fell 607 points and Nifty slipped to 24,013 after a five-day rally, with IT stocks hit hard following Accenture’s weaker growth guidance and renewed caution as US-Iran talks were postponed. Corporate & Industry: Reliance Industries outlined a new growth push—manufacturing and export platforms spanning fresh produce, apparel, and affordable electronics—aimed at strengthening its consumer ecosystem. Gold & Commodities: Gold futures dropped over 2% as uncertainty around the US-Iran peace process and weaker global cues weighed on demand. Energy & Policy: The ADB approved a $115m concessional loan for Nepal to expand resilient water supply and sanitation in 13 municipalities, targeting 850,000 people. Tech & Innovation: Karnataka’s Bengaluru ecosystem ranked Asia’s No. 2 for AI-native startups in the GSER 2026, highlighting gains in early-stage AI funding and R&D. Sports & Culture: Indonesia’s Prabowo backed the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup bid, while Hawaiʻi’s Supreme Court is set to decide whether elephants should receive human rights-style protections.

ASEAN–Russia Summit: Leaders in Kazan adopted the Kazan Declaration and a 2026–2030 plan to deepen cooperation on maritime security, cybercrime, energy, agriculture, digitalisation and cultural ties, with Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong urging action where interests converge. Energy Transition Watch: The World Economic Forum says 56% of countries improved energy transition scores in 2026, but only 24% advanced across all core areas at once—India stands out for readiness gains tied to infrastructure and human capital. Oil Palm Outlook: Malaysia’s crude palm oil is forecast to trade at RM4,400–RM4,650 per tonne in July as Indonesia supply tightens and El Niño risk rises, with production and export patterns still shaped by weather and harvesting cycles. Pakistan Insurance Push: The ADB approved a USD 700m policy-based loan to expand insurance coverage and cut protection gaps, aiming to boost resilience to disasters and life-cycle risks. Pacific Politics: PIFS is retooling its 2050 Strategy with a more structured, ASEAN-style partner model to protect unity and manage outside pressure. Sports: Canada stunned Qatar 6-0 in World Cup 2026, while India’s Manika Batra protested her Asian Games table tennis exclusion over selection transparency. Travel & Culture: Singapore tops Mastercard-CrescentRating’s Muslim-friendly travel ranking outside the OIC, and Nikkei Asia won a SOPA editorial award for its AI-driven North Korea succession analysis.

ASEAN–Russia Summit: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used the Kazan commemorative summit to push deeper ASEAN-Russia cooperation on peace, maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber resilience, and trade—while highlighting food and energy security and a bigger role for MSMEs. Energy Costs: The IEA warned Southeast Asia’s energy bill is still vulnerable, citing heavy fossil-fuel import dependence and Strait of Hormuz disruptions that have pushed 2026 costs higher, even as electricity access improves. Tech & Industry: China’s Hongqi launched in Thailand with its E-HS9 EV SUV via Metro Group, aiming to expand its Thai lineup over three years. AI Infrastructure: Nokia and Comin Asia announced an AI-ready data center push across Southeast Asia, with Cambodia and Laos flagged as priority markets. Culture & Heritage: The Philippines won a UNESCO seat on the Intangible Cultural Heritage committee through 2030. Education Snapshot (US): New York school data showed mixed Asian and Pacific Islander enrollment levels, from 7% at Hillside Elementary to 58.1% at I.S. 25 Adrien Block.

ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim thanked Vladimir Putin for backing energy cooperation with Petronas and pushed visa liberalisation and trade in local currencies as leaders seek deeper ASEAN-Russia ties. West Asia and markets: Asia shares jumped after the US and Iran signed an initial deal to end the war, easing oil and lifting risk appetite, even as investors watched Fed signals. Energy security pressure: The IEA warned Southeast Asia faces higher energy costs and vulnerability from fossil-fuel import dependence, with Strait of Hormuz disruptions driving a projected 2026 import bill. India-West Asia diplomacy: Trump called India a “trusted ally” playing a “big role” in addressing the West Asia crisis, while Modi urged Gulf stability and safe sea lanes. Philippines-Russia talks: Marcos met Putin on energy and food security, inviting a Russian visit to Manila. Trade facilitation win: Pakistan Single Window won an Asia-Pacific award for digital border clearance using risk scoring and automation. China auto push: Chinese brands are targeting right-hand-drive, affluent markets in Asia, with Hong Kong showing rapid EV gains.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Kazan for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit, with leaders set to adopt the Kazan Declaration 2026 and a 2026–2030 plan of action covering food and energy security, trade, and cultural cooperation, alongside expected bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin. Central Asia Trade Finance: Malaysia’s Agrobank says it is working to set up trade facilitation and payment links with Uzbekistan and the wider CIS by year-end, aiming to boost agricultural and commodity flows such as Malaysian palm oil and CIS sunflower oil. Energy Infrastructure Deal: I Squared Capital and the US International Development Finance Corporation plan a $3 billion platform to back critical energy infrastructure across South and Southeast Asia, targeting LNG and connectivity to close regional gaps. Cybersecurity Readiness: A Vancouver firm is pushing “quantum readiness” services in Southeast Asia as governments race to replace encryption ahead of quantum computing threats. China Tourism Boost: Shanghai theme parks are seeing a surge in visitors for the Dragon Boat Festival and summer travel, with inbound tourists from Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia contributing to the “fun economy.” Sports Spotlight: Cristiano Ronaldo is set to enter FIFA World Cup 2026 as Portugal faces Congo, chasing the record of scoring in a sixth World Cup.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has departed for Kazan to join the ASEAN–Russia commemorative summit, aiming for concrete cooperation on security, trade, energy and food security, and marking his first visit to Russia since taking office. Energy Transition & Grids: A new report warns Southeast Asia’s underfunded power grids could block billions in green investment as demand surges, with investors deterred by slow grid connections and unclear rules. Clean Energy Finance: Another analysis flags that ASEAN’s clean-energy growth hinges on grid reforms, not just new generation projects. Trade Corridors: China’s Pinglu Canal is nearing completion for trial navigation, set to cut shipping times between southwestern China and ASEAN; meanwhile, Pingxiang’s border fruit hub is expanding cold-chain and e-commerce links for China–Vietnam trade. West Asia Shock on Food: West Asia’s crisis is lifting demand for Kashmiri saffron as Iran’s output falls, offering a boost to growers despite local production declines. World Cup Moment: Iraq’s return ended in a 4-1 loss to Norway, but Zidane Iqbal became the first player of Pakistani origin to feature in a men’s World Cup match. Business & Markets: Asian stocks edged lower as investors weigh central-bank moves, while oil prices react to easing West Asia tensions.

ASEAN-Russia Summit: Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has flown to Kazan for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit on June 17-18, with meetings including a scheduled encounter with Vladimir Putin and a Russia-ASEAN Business Forum, as both sides look to expand cooperation across trade, investment, energy, food security, the digital economy, education, culture and tourism. Energy & security ties: Russia’s ASEAN envoy says Moscow is ready to share peaceful nuclear energy experience and technologies to bolster ASEAN energy security, pointing to progress such as a Rosatom–ASEAN Center for Energy memorandum. Markets & geopolitics: Asian currencies rebounded after a US-Iran peace deal lifted hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing oil-price pressure and helping energy-import-heavy economies like the Philippines. Hong Kong development: China’s top Hong Kong official Xia Baolong inspected progress on the Northern Metropolis and new development areas, including transport plans and light public housing. Research funding gap: A Lancet study finds South Asia climate-health research led by foreign-affiliated authors is far more likely to get funding than work led by domestic institutions.

ASEAN-CHINA Trade: Guangxi is emerging as a key gateway for ASEAN fruit into China, with nearly one-third of imports routed through its ports and a cold-chain push boosting volumes. Trade Policy: Over 80 community groups are urging ASEAN and Australia-New Zealand to review and potentially remove ISDS investor-sue-government rules in the updated AANZFTA. Regional Energy & Climate: Southeast Asia is eyeing interconnected power grids as countries pursue shared sustainability goals, with Chinese firms positioning themselves as major grid and clean-energy partners. West Asia Shockwatch: Asian markets cooled as investors weighed central bank decisions after initial Iran-deal optimism, while oil slid toward a three-month low amid cautious shipping expectations around the Strait of Hormuz. Business & Consumer Impact: In Ahmedabad, developers plan 5-10% higher prices for under-construction homes from July 1 as West Asia-linked construction costs surge. Crypto Crime Crackdown: A new analysis says Southeast Asia’s crypto scams are increasingly tied to how exchanges move funds, making enforcement and exchange controls central to stopping fraud. Culture & Soft Power: Paris Baguette is rolling out its “Annyeong” Korean-inspired campaign across six Southeast Asian markets, betting on K-bakery identity to drive expansion.