Malaysia boosts investment in green technology, digital transformation

At the National Economic Forum 2025 on July 17, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, said the Malaysian government is intensifying policies on in carbon management, hydrogen energy, green materials and circular economy models to help the country meet its sustainable development goals.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang (Photo: theedgemalaysia.com)
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang (Photo: theedgemalaysia.com)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia is stepping up investments in sustainability and digital transformation, a key priority under the government’s green growth agenda.

At the National Economic Forum 2025 on July 17, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang, said the Malaysian government is intensifying policies on in carbon management, hydrogen energy, green materials and circular economy models to help the country meet its sustainable development goals.

As part of its long-term clean energy strategy, Malaysia is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which not only offer low-carbon potential but also promote research and development (R&D), technology transfer, and the training of highly skilled workers.

The country is positioning itself as a regional hub for advanced materials, especially rare earth elements (REE), critical inputs for green technologies, electric vehicles, and digital industries. To achieve this, the government is enhancing the capacity of local industries along the entire value chain, from sustainable mining to high-tech applications, through strategic plans such as the National Advanced Materials Technology Roadmap.

The forum, themed “Turning Strategy into Reality: Institutional Delivery, Economic Resilience and Investor Confidence”, provided a platform for Malaysian stakeholders to discuss collaborative solutions to address emerging challenges amid global economic restructuring.

At the forum, delegates focused on discussing strategic measures for the next phase of Malaysia’s economy by building an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable economic ecosystem for the future./.

VNA

See more

The reactor was capable of generating five kilowatts of electricity, enough to power 10 to 12 homes. (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia strengthens position in global hydrogen ecosystem

Malaysia’s first solid-state hydrogen reactor, the HyPEReactor, has been launched at the Orang Asli Settlement of Pos Tibang. The launch marked a significant step towards providing clean and safe electricity to rural communities with limited energy access.

Thailand ramps up crackdown on online fraud

Thailand ramps up crackdown on online fraud

Thai authorities expect that the law will contribute to protect consumers from online fraud, ensure transparency and accountability from platform providers, and enable government agencies to effectively track, monitor, and regulate digital platforms.

Malaysia imports coal-fired fuel at record level

Malaysia imports coal-fired fuel at record level

Malaysia plans to boost gas-fired capacity by 50% and more than double renewable capacity by 2030 to cut coal use and meet growing power demand from data centres, which are expected to rise to 52% of peninsular demand, from 2% now.

The compact electric vehicle, made by Chinese carmaker Hozon Auto, is the cheapest EV on sale in Malaysia. (Source: malaymail.com)

Malaysia’s EV adoption rate projected to reach 9.6% by year-end

Currently, fully imported EVs in Malaysia enjoy import and excise duty exemptions until December this year, while locally assembled EVs benefit from additional tax incentives until 2027. EV owners are also exempt from road tax until the end of 2025, with further incentives offered for home charging infrastructure and industry investments.

 Thailand's new labour bill grants 120 days maternity leave, 15 for fathers (Photo: aseannow.com)

Thai approves law extending maternity leave

Thailand's House of Representatives on July 16 passed the updated Labour Protection Act, granting female employees an astounding 120 days of paid maternity leave. Additionally, fathers will enjoy 15 days of paid leave to assist with newborn care.

Anti-drug officials test methamphetamine in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on June 14, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua)

Cambodia cracks down on over 5,000 drug cases in H1

Among the cases, 3,086 were related to drug trafficking, transport and storage, resulting in the detention of 6,079 people, and eight cases involved drug processing and production, with 31 people detained.

Cambodia launches nationwide crackdown on high-tech scams

Cambodia launches nationwide crackdown on high-tech scams

The Cambodian leader was quoted as stating that leaders of cities and provinces, along with police forces, are responsible for eradicating all online scam operations within their jurisdictions in compliance with local laws and regulations.

Suspended Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Suspended Thai PM seeks more time to file defence

Suspended Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra has asked the Thai Constitutional Court to give her more time to file a defence statement in the ethics case that could lead to her dismissal

The central pagoda of Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Photo: thailand.prd.go.th)

Thai pagoda added to UNESCO tentative list

The central pagoda of Wat Arun Ratchawararam, situated along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, stands as one of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks, holding profound cultural and historical significance.