SoftBank's Arm to Play Key Role in Malaysia's Chip Ambitions
Malaysia, which packages roughly a tenth of the world's semiconductors, has inked a pact to pay the SoftBank Group Corp. -owned UK firm $250 million over a period of ten years for a slew of semiconductor-related licenses and knowhow. The government plans to use that to aid local companies design their own chips and target semiconductor exports of 1.2 trillion ringgit ($270 billion) by 2030.
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Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
Disappearing in Southeast Asia: How to Start a New Life Legally
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Southeast Asia has become one of the most viable regions in the world for individuals seeking to start a new life legally. Whether you are escaping harassment, rebuilding after public scrutiny, or simply starting over after a business failure, the nations of Southeast Asia offer a unique combination of residency flexibility, affordable living, and privacy protections that make lawful identity transformation both accessible and sustainable. Amicus International Consulting, a global leader in legal identity change and relocation services, has documented a 41% increase in clients relocating to Southeast Asia in 2024 alone. Countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia are proving to be safe havens for those who wish to disappear legally—not criminally—and begin again under a new legal framework. This guide outlines the legal process of disappearing in Southeast Asia, the best jurisdictions to consider, and how to avoid potential legal missteps along the way. Why Southeast Asia? Privacy Meets Opportunity Southeast Asia is an ideal location for legal reinvention for the following reasons: Visa-friendly nations offering long-term stay options offering long-term stay options Inexpensive cost of living that supports quiet rebuilding that supports quiet rebuilding Relaxed banking and registration frameworks Limited biometric surveillance in many jurisdictions in many jurisdictions Lack of aggressive data-sharing agreements with Western nations Many Amicus clients who move to Southeast Asia are not fleeing justice—they are reclaiming autonomy from overexposure, financial fallout, or reputational damage. What Makes a Legal Disappearance in Southeast Asia Possible? To disappear legally, an individual must: Use court-sanctioned name change procedures in a recognized jurisdiction Obtain valid residency and/or second citizenship Close out legal obligations from their former identity Rebuild financial and digital presence under the new credentials Remain fully compliant with the laws of both the origin and host countries Appropriately done, legal disappearance is not a crime—it's a reset. Step 1: Legal Name Change in a Recognized Jurisdiction While most Southeast Asian countries do not allow foreign nationals to change their names locally, name change can be completed before arriving, in places such as: Belize (affidavit-based and discreet) (affidavit-based and discreet) New Zealand (highly respected) (highly respected) Canada or the UK (with public notice, where applicable) or the (with public notice, where applicable) Dominica or St. Kitts (as part of the CBI process) Once the name change is completed, individuals can travel, apply for visas, and register businesses in Southeast Asia using their new legal identity. Step 2: Entry and Long-Term Stay Options in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia offers numerous legal visas for long-term stay. The most common include: Retirement Visas Thailand: O-A and O-X Visas for those 50+ Malaysia: MM2H Program for retirees with stable income Indonesia: KITAS for retirees with proof of funds Investment and Business Visas Cambodia: Renewable E-class business visa with minimal paperwork Vietnam: Investment visas for company formation Laos: Long-term investor visas Digital Nomad or Special Talent Visas Malaysia: DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass Thailand: Smart Visa for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs Indonesia: Upcoming remote worker permits (B211A) Residency under a new name allows applicants to register new tax IDs, open bank accounts, rent or buy property, and live freely under their new legal identity. Step 3: Financial Reinvention—The Legal Way To avoid penalties or allegations of fraud, financial transitions must be handled carefully. This includes: Closing or migrating prior financial accounts Establishing new banking relationships in Southeast Asia Reporting changes to tax authorities if required Avoiding blocked financial jurisdictions Top financial hubs in the region include: Malaysia – English-language banking system, reputable compliance – English-language banking system, reputable compliance Singapore – High security but tight KYC; recommended for professionals – High security but tight KYC; recommended for professionals Cambodia – Liberal banking policies, USD-based accounts – Liberal banking policies, USD-based accounts Philippines – Remote account opening and offshore structuring possible Amicus guides clients through the process of legally moving assets and re-establishing wealth without drawing attention from regulators. Case Study 1: The Canadian Developer Who Vanished in Vietnam After years of litigation and online smears from a failed tech venture, a Canadian software developer chose to dissolve their company legally. With Amicus's help: He legally changed his name in Belize Entered Vietnam on a long-term business visa Opened new bank accounts using his updated credentials Built a coding consultancy with no links to his past Deactivated and erased hundreds of online mentions through takedown requests Today, he runs his company in Da Nang and lives completely under his new, lawful identity. Case Study 2: The Divorcee Who Rebuilt in Cambodia A woman from the UK left a high-profile divorce with media fallout and financial ruin. Seeking peace, she: Legally changed her name via a UK court order Moved to Phnom Penh on a renewable E-class visa Started a boutique wellness business Opened accounts at ABA Bank under her new name Re-established a digital footprint with clean branding Now, she lives quietly in Cambodia, fully legal and financially independent. Step 4: Digital Erasure and Privacy Protection Disappearing legally in Southeast Asia also means disappearing digitally. Amicus supports: Full GDPR and CCPA data removal requests Suppression of online articles via SEO reversals Social media takedowns and facial recognition opt-outs Email, phone, and public registry anonymization Deep scan removals from data broker platforms While Southeast Asia has minimal regional enforcement of Western privacy laws, global deindexing still ensures local anonymity. Step 5: Social Reintegration and Legal Lifestyle Structuring A new identity needs to be socially and legally integrated. Amicus provides: Coaching on building a credible new backstory Assistance with employer references, lease agreements, and healthcare enrollment Community introductions in safe expat or blended local enclaves Psychological support during the transition This ensures the change is not just legal, but livable. Expert Interview: How Legal Is It to Start Over in Southeast Asia? Q: Can I disappear in Southeast Asia without breaking the law? A: Absolutely. If you enter into legal documents, register under your new name, and disclose everything truthfully to local authorities, you are fully compliant. Q: Are facial recognition and surveillance an issue? A: Only in countries like Singapore and Thailand. In Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, surveillance remains minimal, particularly in rural or secondary cities. Q: Will local banks and landlords accept my new name? A: Yes, as long as the documents match. Most countries accept foreign-issued name changes if they're notarized and translated. Q: What if someone from my past finds me? A: Legal identity change and digital suppression dramatically reduce risk. Amicus helps ensure your past is nearly impossible to trace online or through systems. Best Countries in Southeast Asia for Legal Disappearance Cambodia – Minimal surveillance, flexible business visas Vietnam – Quiet cities like Da Nang are perfect for privacy seekers Malaysia – Good infrastructure and supportive digital nomad laws Indonesia – Island life with limited biometric enforcement Laos – Low-cost living and limited digital integration Thailand – Viable for some, though more surveillance in Bangkok Each of these countries allows foreign nationals to build lives under new legal identities, provided all documents are in order and no local laws are violated. Amicus International's Role in Southeast Asia Disappearances Amicus offers: Name change coordination and verification Visa application and legal residency setup Financial account structuring and migration Digital erasure and privacy protection Cross-jurisdiction compliance monitoring Psychological and relocation support services With 20+ years of experience, Amicus remains the gold standard for lawful identity reinvention worldwide. Conclusion: Disappearing Legally in Southeast Asia Is Possible You don't have to commit fraud or fake your death to start over. In 2025, disappearing legally in Southeast Asia is a viable, lawful, and empowering path to personal freedom and reinvention. With expert support, the right legal strategy, and a jurisdiction that values discretion, you can build a brand-new life with no penalties, no fear, and no traces. Contact InformationPhone: +1 (604) 200-5402Email: info@ Website:
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
Marco Rubio meets with Chinese foreign minister, calls it ‘positive'
July 11 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Friday in his first trip to Asia since his appointment to the cabinet post. Rubio and Wang spoke for about an hour while at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Rubio told reporters it was a "very constructive, positive meeting" and said there is more the two countries could work on together. He hinted at a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said the odds for that meeting are high, and "I don't have a date for you, but I think it's coming." At the meeting, Rubio has been working to try to shore up support for United States policies on trade with China. Wang has been pushing Southeast Asian nations to resist American pressure and lean on Beijing. During the meeting, Rubio emphasized the importance of keeping channels of communication open, and they agreed to explore areas of potential cooperation, while seeking to manage differences, according to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce. "The Secretary emphasized the need for continued discussion on a range of bilateral issues. The Secretary also raised other issues of regional and global importance," she said in a press release. Trump has made new tariff threats on Southeast Asian nations, angering the foreign leaders at the conference, including the host country Malaysia. Japan and South Korea are also facing the threats, which cast doubt on Rubio's efforts. Wang met with a Bangladeshi official on Friday and said it was unreasonable and unethical for the U.S. to put 35% tariffs on Bangladesh, which is one of the least developed in the world. China has warned countries that they would face consequences if they worked with the U.S. to impede Chinese exports. "China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world and the most reliable partner" for Southeast Asian countries, Wang said on Thursday at a meeting with the region's diplomats. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Los Angeles Times
Rubio and Wang stress cooperation after talks in Malaysia as US-China tensions simmer
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed Friday to explore 'areas of potential cooperation' between Washington and Beijing, and stressed the importance of managing differences, following their first in-person meeting as they wrapped up a two-day regional security forum in Malaysia. Rubio and Wang met Friday on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, regional forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as tensions between the two global powers continue to rise over trade, security, and China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine. 'Look, we're two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on,' Rubio told reporters after the meeting. 'I think there's some areas of potential cooperation. I thought it was very constructive, positive meeting and a lot of work to do.' Both sides need to build better communications and trust, he said. Rubio also indicated that a potential visit to China by President Trump to meet with President Xi Jinping was likely, saying: 'The odds are high. I think both sides want to see it happen.' China's Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement later Friday, echoed Rubio's sentiment, calling the meeting 'positive, pragmatic and constructive.' The statement didn't provide details on specific topics such as tariffs or China's position on the Russia-Ukraine war, but it said that both countries agreed to 'increase communication and dialogue' and 'explore expanding areas of cooperation while managing differences.' Wang called for 'jointly finding a correct way for China and the U.S. to get along in the new era,' it said. While tariffs loomed in the background, Rubio said that trade wasn't a major focus of his talks because 'I'm not the trade negotiator.' 'We certainly appreciate the role trade plays in our bilateral relationships with individual countries. But the bulk of our talks here have been about all the other things that we cooperate on,' he said. The meeting with Wang was held less than 24 hours after Rubio met in Kuala Lumpur with another rival, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which they discussed potential new avenues to jumpstart Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The high-level meetings took place amid regional unease over U.S. policies — especially Trump's threats to impose sweeping new tariffs on both allies and adversaries. Southeast Asian leaders voiced concerns, but according to Rubio, many prioritized discussions on security issues, their concerns about Chinese domination and desire for cooperation with the U.S. 'Of course, it's raised. It's an issue,' Rubio said. 'But I wouldn't say it solely defines our relationship with many of these countries. There are a lot of other issues that we work together on, and I think there was great enthusiasm that we were here and that we're a part of this.' European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned separately that the U.S.-led trade war could backfire. 'There are no winners in trade wars,' she told reporters. 'If you start a trade war with everyone, you make your partners weaker and China stronger.' Kallas said that the EU doesn't seek retaliation, but has tools available, if necessary. Trump sees China as the biggest threat to the United States in multiple fields, not least technology and trade, and like previous U.S. presidents has watched the country greatly expand its influence globally while turning increasingly assertive in the Indo-Pacific, notably toward its small neighbors over the South China Sea and Taiwan. His administration has warned of major tariffs on Chinese exports, though talks have made little progress. Since President Biden was in office, Washington has also accused China of assisting Russia in rebuilding its military industrial sector to help it execute its war against Ukraine. Rubio said the Trump administration shares that view. 'I think the Chinese clearly have been supportive of the Russian effort,' he said. 'They've been willing to help them as much as they can without getting caught.' Rubio and Wang had been shadowboxing during the two-day ASEAN meeting, with each touting the benefits of their partnership to Southeast Asian nations. Rubio has played up cooperation, including signing a civil-nuclear cooperation agreement with Malaysia, while Wang has railed against Trump's threatened tariffs and projected China as a stable counterweight in talks with ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines. 'The U.S. is abusing tariffs, wrecking the free trade system and disrupting the stability of the global supply chain,' Wang told Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. In a meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, Wang said that the tariffs are 'an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate right to development.' He said that 'China is willing to be Cambodia's trustworthy and reliable friend and partner.' Wang also met with Lavrov on Thursday, where the two offered a joint message aimed at Washington. 'Russia and China both support ASEAN's central role in regional cooperation ... and are wary of certain major powers creating divisions and instigating confrontation in the region,' Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong sided with Rubio's call for a balanced Indo-Pacific, warning that 'no one country should dominate, and no country should be dominated.' But like Kallas, she said that engagement with China remains vital. 'We want to see a region where there is a balance of power ... where there is no coercion or duress,' Wong said. Lee writes for the Associated Press. Huizhong Wu in Bangkok, and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, contributed to this report.
