logo
Onn Hafiz is 82nd Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow

Onn Hafiz is 82nd Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow

JOHOR BARU: Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will begin an official visit to Singapore later today, at the invitation of the republic's Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
The visit comes as Onn Hafiz has been selected as the 82nd recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship, a prestigious honour given to leaders who have demonstrated strong governance and potential for national development.
He is the ninth Malaysian to receive the honour since the fellowship was established in 1991 to commemorate Singapore's founding Prime Minister.
The trip marks both a diplomatic engagement and a personal milestone in regional leadership.
In a statement, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Onn Hafiz will meet with key figures including Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong, and several other cabinet members during his three-day visit to Singapore.
He will also meet Lee Tzu Yang, chairman of the Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship.
The visit is expected to strengthen Johor–Singapore cooperation in various areas, particularly urban planning and community development.
Onn Hafiz will receive briefings and make site visits on topics such as hawker centre governance and sustainable urban development—sectors in which Singapore has earned global recognition, and which align closely with Johor's ongoing transformation efforts.
Viewed through the lens of regional leadership, the invitation reflects not only a diplomatic gesture but also a shared commitment to governance excellence and forward-looking collaboration.
The fellowship underscores the growing stature of Johor's leadership in the region and reaffirms the deepening trust between both sides of the Causeway.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jo Ghani: US' 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian palm oil competitive
Jo Ghani: US' 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian palm oil competitive

New Straits Times

time5 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

Jo Ghani: US' 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian palm oil competitive

PASIR GUDANG: The 19 per cent export tariff imposed by the United States (US) on Malaysian commodities, including palm oil, is considered competitive and not burdensome compared to other Asean countries, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Johari said Malaysia remained in a good competitive position as the tariff rate was among the lowest in the region. "The 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia is among the lowest in Asean countries. Even Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, is subject to the same tariff rate. If we look at the context of palm oil commodities, Indonesia is the largest producer, number one in the world, and we are number two. But Indonesia is also subject to 19 per cent like Malaysia, so there is no problem, meaning we have a 'fair fight'," he said. He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Pasir Gudang Umno Division Delegates Conference today. Also present was Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also an Umno vice-president and Pasir Gudang Umno division chief. Malaysia was subjected to the 19 per cent tariff based on an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump. The document for the reciprocal tariff rate adjustment, signed by Trump on July 31, 2025, has been uploaded to the White House website. Previously, Trump set a 25 per cent tariff for Malaysia, but it is understood that a phone conversation between him and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday may have been a factor in the tariff reduction. Johari, who is also performing the duties of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister, added that there had been no significant issues with the country's commodity exports due to the tariff rate. "Malaysia's commodity exports are still able to compete fairly in the international market. I don't see any problems so far with the 19 per cent tariff imposed by the US on our country's commodity exports," he said.

Exporters glad to remain competitive
Exporters glad to remain competitive

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

Exporters glad to remain competitive

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States' decision to reduce tariffs on Malaysian goods to 19 per cent has been welcomed by industry leaders and business groups as a timely move that could enhance the country's competitiveness in global trade. The Malaysian Furniture Council (MFC), Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) and various export-focused companies said the adjustment, though modest, helps Malaysia better align with regional peers and navigate the challenges of an increasingly cost-sensitive global economy. Furniture exporters see strategic realignment Malaysian Furniture Council president Desmond Tan said the tariff reduction brings Malaysia's treatment more in line with that of neighbouring Asean nations, helping preserve its relevance within the regional supply chain. "Hopefully these latest tariffs can reduce uncertainty. However, exporters will still need to adapt to a higher-cost trade environment and continued support from the government remains valuable," he told Business Times. On whether the impact will be felt by Malaysian exporters, Tan noted that US importers typically pass some or all of the tariff costs to end consumers or back to exporters through pricing negotiations. "In the near term, we do not anticipate a significant spike in export volumes as a result of the tariff cut. However, our members are using this window to consolidate operations, strengthen relationships, and prepare for any future shifts in demand," he said. Small reduction, big impact FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the six-point cut, while appearing small on paper, holds significance for sectors operating on tight margins or within highly competitive global supply chains. "The tariff cut enhances the cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and reflects improved bilateral trade relations," he added. Soh said the reduction enhances the overall cost competitiveness of Malaysian-manufactured goods in the US market and serves as an important signal of improved bilateral trade relations. While some may argue that the impact on Malaysian exporters could be limited because US importers bear the tariff cost, he said FMM believes that the burden of tariffs is often shared across the supply chain. "Therefore, a reduction in tariffs benefits not only Malaysian exporters but also US importers. "It improves the overall cost equation and can stimulate demand for Malaysian goods, especially in sectors where price plays a crucial role in purchasing decisions," he said. Palm oil and energy exporters take long-term view Pacific Inter-Link Sdn Bhd (PIL) chairman and group chief executive officer Datuk Fouad Hayel Saeed Anam called the tariff reduction a positive signal. He noted that the direct impact may be limited in the near term as the company's growth strategy is more focused on Latin America, Middle East, West Africa and Central Asia. "However, for the broader industry, especially palm oil exporters targeting the US market, this tariff cut improves price competitiveness and could open up opportunities for processed and specialty products," he said. He also urged the government to intensify efforts to open up new markets and support sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance to build long-term export resilience. Opens door for bio-based exports and SME growth For Glide Technology Sdn Bhd, which specialises in sustainable transformer oils and advanced lubricants, the tariff cut presents immediate commercial potential. "We see this as a strategic validation of Malaysian-made products. It enables us to fast-track exports of our MPOB-Glide Palm Oil-Ester Transformer Oil and other bio-based fluids to the US market," said its president and founder Datuk Muhazli Muhamad. Muhazli added that the tariff reduction may encourage more local small and medium enterprises to explore the US as a viable market. To support long-term growth, he proposed four key enablers including expanded trade financing, tax incentives for ESG-compliant manufacturing, sector-focused trade missions and improved logistics infrastructure. "Malaysia stands at an inflection point. With the right structural enablers, we can move up the global value chain not just as participants, but as leaders," he said.

Southern Thais laud Anwar's role in regional peace efforts
Southern Thais laud Anwar's role in regional peace efforts

New Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Southern Thais laud Anwar's role in regional peace efforts

KOTA BARU: The people of southern Thailand have expressed strong support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Five Southern Provinces of Thailand Administrative Board deputy chairman, Abdul Aziz Che Mamat, said Anwar's success in representing Malaysia as Asean chair and brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia was warmly welcomed by the Thai people. He said Anwar's leadership in mediating tensions, which led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two countries, was an exemplary effort. "The people of Thailand, especially the Muslims in the southern provinces, greatly welcome this peace initiative by the Malaysian Prime Minister. We pray that Allah rewards Prime Minister Anwar for his noble efforts. We also hope that Malaysia, under his leadership, will continue playing the role of facilitator in the southern Thailand peace process, so that it too can yield positive outcomes," said Abdul Aziz, who is also the deputy president of the Narathiwat Religious Council. He said the Muslim population in southern Thailand felt fortunate to have a neighbouring country like Malaysia that shares religious and cultural ties with them. On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha in Kuala Lumpur. After the meeting, Anwar announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Hun said the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand marked the beginning of efforts to rebuild trust, confidence, and cooperation between the two countries. Phumtham said the outcome reflected Thailand's commitment to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its people.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store