Posts by Stephanie Irvin
Malaysia plans cargo rail link to Bangkok to boost trade
Published Mon, May 5, 2025 · 12:11 PM [KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia is planning to start a direct rail cargo service between its capital Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand this year to boost bilateral and regional trade, state media reported, citing the transport minister. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the cabinet and prime minister…
Read MoreSingapore’s AI large language model Sea-Lion to offer more features as more firms use it in S-E Asia
[SINGAPORE] Singapore’s home-grown large language model (LLM), Sea-Lion, is steadily gaining traction, with some 235,000 downloads so far, bolstered by adoption by large companies such as GoTo Group in Indonesia. After releasing the latest model with “reasoning” capabilities on Apr 15, its researchers at AI Singapore told The Straits Times that they plan to add…
Read MoreGreen Business: Profit from Saving the Planet
Starting a green business isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a necessity. With climate change and environmental concerns at the forefront of many consumers’ minds, sustainable business ideas are gaining traction. Entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to make a profit while also making a positive impact on the planet. This article will explore various sustainable business…
Read MoreBHP partner says Filo copper discovery is largest in 30 years
Copper mines are getting harder and much more costly to develop, even as global demand for the metal is projected to increase given its role in the energy transition Published Mon, May 5, 2025 · 09:47 AM [MELBOURNE] BHP’s joint-venture partner Lundin Mining declared that the companies’ Filo del Sol project in South America to…
Read MoreNew Zealand central bank sees AI adoption posing risk to financial stability
Published Mon, May 5, 2025 · 09:01 AM [WELLINGTON] The rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence adoption in financial services presents a risk to financial stability, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said in a report on Monday. “Errors in AI systems, data privacy concerns and market distortions could amplify existing risks,” the report said. “The…
Read MoreIndonesia seen to cut rate twice this year amid US tariff talks
[JAKARTA] Indonesia’s central bank is expected to resume monetary easing after holding its rate unchanged for three consecutive meetings, moving to bolster economic growth against the backdrop of rising tariffs and trade policy uncertainty. Economists predicted a quarter-point reduction in Bank Indonesia’s benchmark rate to 5.5 per cent by the end of the second quarter,…
Read MoreWestpac’s first-half profit slips 1%, misses estimates
Published Mon, May 5, 2025 · 07:09 AM AUSTRALIA’S Westpac Banking Corp recorded a marginal 1 per cent drop in its first-half net profit on Monday, as a rise in operating costs due to technology investments offset growth in total loans. Westpac recorded growth in home, business and institutional lending volumes, but its operating expenses…
Read MoreSaudis warn of more supply unless Opec+ cheats fall in line
Published Mon, May 5, 2025 · 06:11 AM [CAIRO] The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (Opec+) leader Saudi Arabia warned the group’s overproducing members it could amplify a historic shift in policy and deliver further production increases unless they fall in line, delegates said. Riyadh steered the Organization of the Petroleum…
Read MoreSinarmas Land offer price may be hiked
SINCE this column broached the topic of the lowball offer for Sinarmas Land five weeks ago, there have been two important developments. After the market closed on Apr 23, it was announced that the offeror had received valid acceptances amounting to nearly 936.3 million shares, representing 22 per cent of Sinarmas Land’s total number of…
Read MoreTrump says he would give TikTok another extension if needed
Published Sun, May 4, 2025 · 10:37 PM President Donald Trump said he would give social-video platform TikTok another extension of a deadline to sell to a US owner if it was needed to reach a deal. Trump said he has “a little warm spot” in his heart for the popular app and he would…
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