Malaysia's ringgit is poised for its strongest gains in Southeast Asia if exporters convert their foreign earnings into local currency, driven by the country's substantial foreign-currency deposits. Foreign deposits across Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have surged to $62.2 billion as of March, with Malaysia accounting for nearly all of this growth. Goldman Sachs strategists recommend that Asian exporters continue converting dollars to local currencies, citing years of accumulating dollar deposits.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/22/the-rm265b-reason-malaysias-ringgit-is-about-to-outperform-every-asean-currency/177719Malaysia's economy could see hundreds of billions of ringgit in additional trade and capital over the coming years due to integration efforts with Singapore and other Asean countries. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone is expected to contribute RM110.9 billion annually by 2030, while total trade volume could reach RM3.87 trillion by 2027. Foreign direct investment (FDI) is projected to increase to RM300 billion by 2030, with at least RM15 billion going into the real estate industry, including industrial parks and housing developments.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/money/2025/05/22/asean-summit-set-to-unlock-rm300b-in-fdi-boosting-malaysias-economy-says-juwai-iqi/177709The European Commission's head of US trade relations, Matthias Jørgensen, expressed caution about the U.K.-U.S. pact, warning that "the devil is in the detail" of the deal. He emphasized the need for both parties to respect their commitments, particularly regarding tariff-rate quotas. The new agreement includes a quota allowing up to 13,000 metric tons of American beef to enter the UK tariff-free and replacing a 19% tariff on ethanol with a zero-tariff quota for 1.4 billion liters.
https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-accused-undermining-wto-rules-us-trade-deal/US intelligence suggests Israel plans to attack Iran's nuclear sites, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently met in Jerusalem, Israel. The planned attack on Iran's nuclear facilities could have significant implications for the region and global diplomacy.
https://krcgtv.com/news/nation-world/us-intelligence-suggests-israel-plans-to-attack-irans-nuclear-sites-nuclear-weapons-negotiations-policy-expert-weighs-in#Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed openness to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, citing the need to free hostages, but reaffirmed Israel's goal of bringing all of Gaza under its control by the end of the operation. The Israeli military recently fired "warning shots" at a delegation of foreign diplomats visiting the occupied West Bank, prompting global condemnation and fresh diplomatic tension. A humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with Palestinians struggling to access basic supplies due to a two-month blockade that was only partially eased this week. At least 19 people were killed overnight by Israeli strikes, including a one-week-old baby, and aid shipments have been held up due to security concerns. The European Union has called on Israel to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable, while the United Nations has warned of a critical food and medicine shortage in Gaza.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/05/22/netanyahu-says-israel-open-to-temporary-ceasefire-in-gaza-amid-global-pressure-humanitarian-crisis/177700Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Bilawal as the leader of a high-profile delegation consisting of senior politicians and diplomats including Sherry Rehman, Hina Rabbani Khar, Jalil Abbas Jilani, and Tehmina Janjua. The team will brief global powers on Kashmir, terrorism, and the Indus Waters Treaty, arguing that India's actions are destabilizing the region due to what Pakistan claims is the "weaponisation" of water resources.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364029/new-delhis-narrative-relies-on-lies-bilawalPakistan's exporters are concerned about the recent US tariffs imposed on them, but some see an opportunity to boost exports to the US due to higher tariffs on competitor countries. The government has set up a Steering Committee and working group to analyze and respond to US reciprocal tariffs. The Ministry of Commerce is coordinating with various ministries, departments, exporters, and stakeholders to develop a strategy for engaging with US authorities.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364100/pakistan-has-25bn-surplus-in-trade-with-us-aurangzebPakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has clarified that his decision to promote Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir to field marshal was made independently, contrary to speculation that ex-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was influencing key decisions. Sharif emphasized the importance of lasting peace, stating that wars only lead to one side winning and the other losing. He also confirmed that any future talks between Pakistan and India would be led by their national security advisers, with Lt Gen Asim Malik currently holding this role in Pakistan.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364106/pm-says-decision-to-promote-coas-made-independently-by-himSingapore has warned of a risk of technical recession due to US tariff tensions despite posting better-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter, with its Gross Domestic Product growing 3.9% from a year earlier.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3311309/singapore-warns-technical-recession-risk-us-tariff-tensions?module=top_story&pgtype=section