Latest news with #Malaysia-Australia
BusinessToday
11-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Malaysia Invites Australia To Join MIHAS
Malaysia has formally invited Australia to participate in the upcoming Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), as part of efforts to deepen bilateral trade and explore new opportunities in the fast-growing halal economy. The invitation was extended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a bilateral meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting this week. Highlighting Australia's growing interest in sectors such as smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, Anwar said the halal industry presents a promising new avenue for collaboration. 'Australia has also been invited to participate in MIHAS this September, in line with the halal economy's vast potential as a driver of future cooperation,' he said. Education, another key pillar of Malaysia-Australia ties, also featured prominently in the talks. Anwar confirmed that both countries are preparing to sign a new memorandum of understanding covering STEM, TVET and student exchange programmes at the Annual Leaders' Meeting in October. Anwar also acknowledged Australia's support in strengthening Malaysia's vaccine development capabilities, including a A$500,000 commitment for training and research. The meeting comes ahead of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's expected visit to Malaysia in October, which Anwar described as a chance to usher in a 'new chapter' of bilateral cooperation rooted in shared values and a common vision for the Indo-Pacific. Related
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Australia pledges A$1.28bn aid for ASEAN after USAID cuts
KUALA LUMPUR: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a A$1.28 billion development fund for ASEAN countries to mitigate the impact of USAID funding cuts. The initiative aims to strengthen economic resilience, climate adaptation, and regional security. Speaking at a special talk organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and the Australian High Commission, Wong stressed the urgency of filling the gap left by reduced US aid. 'At a time of disruption, Australia is directing this programme to meet Southeast Asia's highest needs,' she said. The funding will support critical humanitarian efforts, including vaccination drives in the Philippines, free meal programmes for children and pregnant women in Indonesia, and A$16 million in additional aid for Myanmar and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The move comes after the Trump administration slashed USAID funding by over 80% in March, a decision that could lead to millions of avoidable deaths by 2030, according to a Lancet study. Wong reaffirmed Australia's long-term commitment to ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific, stating, 'We're not going anywhere.' She emphasised the importance of regional collaboration, sovereignty, and shared responsibility in tackling global challenges. On Malaysia-Australia ties, Wong highlighted strong educational and economic links, with Malaysia being the largest source of international students in Australia and Australia ranking as Malaysia's fourth-largest tech investor. – Bernama
