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India, Malaysia Discuss Cyber security, Defence Ties

MoD said that Malaysia has expressed confidence in the capability of the Indian defence industry and discussed possibilities for co-design, co-production and co-development in the field of defence industry…reports Asian Lite News

Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that the 12th meeting of Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) was held in New Delhi on Tuesday.

MoD said that the two chairs articulated steps in the direction of emerging areas of cooperation like cyber security and issues pertaining to global commons.

It said that they identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defence industry, maritime security and multilateral cooperation.

The Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane shared an 8-point proposal with the Malaysian side to expand cooperation between India and Malaysia on a wide range of areas such as Government to government-level engagement, Tri-Service cooperation, Training, UN Peacekeeping, Bilateral Services Engagement, Defence Industrial Cooperation, Research and Development and Regional/ Sub-Regional Engagements.

The Defence Secretary highlighted the potential of the domestic defence industry with capacity and capability to cooperate with the Malaysian Armed Forces in its shipbuilding and maintenance plans.

MoD said that Malaysia has expressed confidence in the capability of the Indian defence industry and discussed possibilities for co-design, co-production and co-development in the field of defence industry.

“Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to implement fully the Enhanced Strategic Partnership based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and rule of law,” MoD said.

It said that as part of the visit, the Malaysian delegation also interacted with DRDO officials and identified areas of mutual interest. The delegation is scheduled to visit Mumbai on September 20 for interactions at Mazagaon Dockyard Limited and Headquarters, Western Naval Command.

MoD said that the meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Deputy Secretary General (Policy), Malaysia Mohd Yani bin Daud.

“During the meeting, both sides reviewed the outcomes of the two sub-committee meetings namely Sub Committee on Military Cooperation held on July 27, 2023 and Joint Sub Committee on Defence Science Technology and Industry Cooperation held on September 18,” MoD said.

It said that both sides assessed the existing defence cooperation between the two countries and held wide-ranging discussions on issues of mutual interest including regional issues.

It said that they explored effective and practical initiatives to further expand bilateral defence engagements and agreed to establish a Strategic Affairs working Group (SAWG) to formulate a consultative mechanism intermediate between the MIDCOM and the two Sub-committees to handle all aspects of the defence cooperation between the two countries.

ALSO READ-Chinese Premier Li Meets Malaysian PM in Nanning

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Chinese Premier Li Meets Malaysian PM in Nanning

Li noted that China and Malaysia are good partners working toward common development, and good neighbors that help each others…reports Asian Lite News

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday met with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Nanning, the capital of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Li noted that China and Malaysia are good partners working toward common development, and good neighbors that help each other. He said the two sides in March reached an important consensus on the joint construction of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future — a milestone in the history of bilateral relations.

Li observed that next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties. He said that under the guidance of the consensus, China will take the anniversary as an opportunity to work with Malaysia to pass on and deepen the friendship from generation to generation, enhance the level of political mutual trust, and make overall plans for the next stage of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. Such cooperation will continuously bring tangible results and benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Li expressed China’s willingness to enhance the synergy of Malaysia’s development strategies and its own, and to continue working together to build a high-quality Belt and Road and implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. China is ready to work on flagship China-Malaysia cooperation projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link, he said. It is willing to work with Malaysia to create new growth points for cooperation on new energy vehicles and the digital economy, promote the continuous expansion and upgrading of bilateral cooperation, and strengthen exchanges in education, scientific research, cultural tourism and local areas, he added.

China stands ready to coordinate and cooperate more closely with Malaysia, work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, safeguard the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation framework, and advance the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations to facilitate regional economic integration, Li said.

Anwar said that Malaysia has a high appreciation for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, and is willing to further close exchanges with China at all levels and strengthen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, the digital economy and green development. He said Malaysia stands ready to enhance exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations, strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional affairs, and strengthen Malaysia-China relations.

Malaysia supports China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, he added.

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Malaysia Marks 66th Independence Day with Unity Theme

Thousands of Malaysians marked the occasion through the singing of patriotic songs and other activities…reports Asian Lite News

Malaysia on Thursday celebrated its 66th Independence Day with parades, fireworks and large scale gatherings under the theme of unifying ties between the nation’s diverse groups.

Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, thousands of Malaysians marked the occasion through the singing of patriotic songs and other activities, with the festivities culminating in a parade overseen by King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at the administration centre of Putrajaya on Thursday morning, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Malaysian monarch was joined by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, members of the cabinet and other officials, with thousands of military and civilian personnel participating in the parade besides dancers and other performers.

In a message to the people, Sultan Abdullah reminded Malaysians that unity is key to harmony, wellbeing of the people and the Southeast Asian country.

“In fact, this strong unity is also the main key to the stability and prosperity of the country, as well as the seed and source of strength for us to face any current and future challenges,” he said.

“Therefore, it is a joint responsibility of the leaders and the people to not only preserve and strengthen the harmony and unity that has been achieved but also to fuel it among us,” he added.

On August 31, 1957, the then Federation of Malaya gained independence from British rule.

ALSO READ: Malaysian PM Fuels Energy Transition with $430M

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Malaysian PM Fuels Energy Transition with $430M

Malaysian PM said the facility would enable catalytic blended finance to ensure a seamless flow of financial resources towards energy transition projects…reports Asian Lite News

Malaysia will allocate 2 billion ringgit ($430 million ) as a seed fund National Energy Transition Facility to enable catalytic blended finance, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday.

In his remarks at the second phase of the National Energy Transition Roadmap, Anwar said the facility would enable catalytic blended finance to ensure a seamless flow of financial resources towards energy transition projects that are marginally bankable or yielding below-market returns, reports Xinhua news agency.

Considering Malaysia’s current state of immature decarbonization technologies, the country’s progress would significantly hinge on alternative energy sources and robust regional and international collaboration, he explained.

“As the paramount challenge in energy transition is financing, it is estimated that an investment of at least 1.2 trillion ringgit between 2023 and 2050 is needed to enable responsible energy transition,” Anwar said.

He added that 60 billion-90 billion ringgits are needed to be allocated for crucial projects, including the expansion of public transportation, strengthening grid infrastructure, and reskilling of human capital, in this decade alone.

He also highlighted energy efficiency as one of the energy transition levers that offer effective long-term solutions to manage energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions.

The Prime Minister added that the government will launch a major retrofit program to enhance energy efficiency in government buildings. 

ALSO READ: Razorpay launches first int’l payment gateway in Malaysia

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Malaysia Launches $430 Million Seed Fund for National Energy Transition

He also highlighted energy efficiency as one of the energy transition levers that offer effective long-term solutions to manage energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions…reports Asian Lite News

Malaysia will allocate 2 billion ringgit ($430 million ) as a seed fund National Energy Transition Facility to enable catalytic blended finance, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday.

In his remarks at the second phase of the National Energy Transition Roadmap, Anwar said the facility would enable catalytic blended finance to ensure a seamless flow of financial resources towards energy transition projects that are marginally bankable or yielding below-market returns, reports Xinhua news agency.

Considering Malaysia’s current state of immature decarbonization technologies, the country’s progress would significantly hinge on alternative energy sources and robust regional and international collaboration, he explained.

“As the paramount challenge in energy transition is financing, it is estimated that an investment of at least 1.2 trillion ringgit between 2023 and 2050 is needed to enable responsible energy transition,” Anwar said.

He added that 60 billion-90 billion ringgits are needed to be allocated for crucial projects, including the expansion of public transportation, strengthening grid infrastructure, and reskilling of human capital, in this decade alone.

He also highlighted energy efficiency as one of the energy transition levers that offer effective long-term solutions to manage energy consumption, thus reducing carbon emissions.

The Prime Minister added that the government will launch a major retrofit program to enhance energy efficiency in government buildings. 

ALSO READ-Razorpay launches first int’l payment gateway in Malaysia

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Razorpay launches first int’l payment gateway in Malaysia

Razorpay.(photo:Instagram)

The Razorpay release, citing unnamed reports, said digital trade in Malaysia today contributes to 22.6 per cent to it’s GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5 per cent by 2025…reports Asian Lite News

India’s home-grown fintech and payments solutions provider Razorpay has announced the launch of its first international payment gateway services in the Malaysian market with Curlec, the startup it acquired earlier.

In February 2022, Bengaluru-headquartered Razorpay which was established in 2014, announced its first international expansion into South-East Asia with the acquisition of a majority stake in Curlec. The new Curlec payment gateway by Razorpay aims to serve more than 5,000 businesses with a target of Malaysian Ringgit worth 10 billion in annualised Gross Transaction Value (GTV) by the year 2025.

India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing ecosystems for fintech innovation and the PM Modi-led government has been instrumental in driving the globalisation of India’s digital payment infrastructure. A key emphasis of the Indian government has been on ensuring that the benefits of UPI are not limited to India only, but other countries, too, benefit from it.

Meanwhile, Razorpay in a release Wednesday said the firm has 10 million businesses in India, and added that with today’s launch it aims to bridge the gap between local and international payment gateways.

This launch, the company said, is expected to pave the way to further “penetrate into international waters and make its capabilities available in emerging markets”, besides strengthening the Digital India initiative back home.

Stating South-East Asia (SEA) as a digital payment powerhouse, Razorpay said Malaysia and its businesses have the potential to achieve a remarkable 150 per cent increase in economic activity, reaching USD 52.7 billion by 2030.

The Razorpay release, citing unnamed reports, said digital trade in Malaysia today contributes to 22.6 per cent to it’s GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5 per cent by 2025.

“We have always been aware that simplifying payments is a universal problem. We see great potential in SEA (South-East Asia), we recognise the power of payments in Malaysia and what it means for businesses of any kind and size. We firmly believe that our extensive experience in operating within the diverse and dynamic market of India has prepared us to tackle different challenges and solve payment problems on a global scale,” said Shashank Kumar, MD and Co-Founder, Razorpay India.

Zac Liew, Co-Founder and CEO of Curlec said, “We are very excited about bringing a first-of-its-kind offering for our Malaysian businesses. With the launch of our Payment Gateway, ‘Curlec by Razorpay’, we are now a full-stack payment solutions provider, combining the might of both worlds – world-class tech capabilities and an understanding of the local payment ecosystem. In the recent past, Curlec has enjoyed significant traction in insurance, lending, and savings, having tracked a 110 per cent increase in transaction volumes.

Curlec’s Co-Founder and CEO added it aims for about 10X growth in the next two years. (ANI)

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Rajnath meets Malaysian PM, evaluate defence ties

Rajnath Singh is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia from Sunday to deepen the defence cooperation between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday called on Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and evaluated the defence cooperation between the two countries.

Taking to Twitter, the Union minister said, “Called on the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr @anwaribrahim in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply appreciate his positive approach and interest towards further deepening India-Malaysia bilateral relations.”

In a series of tweets, Malaysia’s Prime Minister tweeted, “In this meeting, we were able to evaluate the defence cooperation between Malaysia and India as well as discuss new forms of cooperation that can be explored together.”

He stated that both sides also had the opportunity to exchange views on international issues of mutual interest.

Ibrahim also said that he was also informed about the exchange of letters (EOL) to amend the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defence cooperation between Malaysia and India which was completed by the two Ministers involved.

After meeting Prime Minister, Singh met Foreign Minister of Malaysia Zambry Abdul Kadir and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest aimed at further strengthening the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

“Fruitful meeting with the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dr Zambry Adbul Kadir. Discussed wide range of issues of mutual interest aimed at further strengthening India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership,” Singh said.

Rajnath Singh is on a three-day official visit to Malaysia from Sunday to deepen the defence cooperation between the two countries.

Singh made a courtesy visit to the Malaysian Defence Ministry office and inspected the Main Guard of Honor from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Soldier Regiment.

He also held a meeting and discussed extensive bilateral defence engagement and roadmap for the 4th Decade of India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation, with his Malaysian counterpart, Mohamad Haji Hasan.

Taking to Twitter, Mohamad Haji Hasan stated, “Received a courtesy visit from his counterpart HE @rajnathsingh the Minister of Defense of India at Wisma Pertahanan early this morning. He then received and inspected the Main Guard of Honor from the 1st Battalion of the Royal Malay Soldier Regiment 1 RAMD”.

Rajnath Singh meets Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, evaluate defence cooperation

Calling the meeting meaningful, the Malaysian Defence Minister stated that Rajnath Singh witnessed the Signing Ceremony of the Letter of Exchange between the two governments.

“We then witnessed the Signing Ceremony of the Letter of Exchange between the Governments of Malaysia – India to amend the Defense Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in 1993,” the Malaysian Defence Minister stated.

He added, “This is a very meaningful meeting between Malaysia and India in order to strengthen the already established bilateral relations”.

India and Malaysia share deep and warm relations. Recently in April, India and Malaysia agreed to settle trade in the Indian rupees, the Ministry of External Affairs announced. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Rajnath to visit Malaysia to consolidate defence ties

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Rajnath to visit Malaysia to consolidate defence ties

During his visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan…reports Asian Lite News

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Malaysia on an official visit from July 10-11 with a focus on further consolidating bilateral defence cooperation and Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

During his visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The two leaders will review defence cooperation between India and Malaysia and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements. Rajnath Singh and Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan will exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest. Singh will also call on Malaysia’s Prime Minister YB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim.

The Ministry of Defence statement said, “India and Malaysia have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region. The two democracies have a robust and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.”

Both countries are committed to working under the vision of the enhanced strategic partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia in 2015, the Defence Ministry statement said.

Earlier this June, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan met with Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar and they agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on opening all sectors to Indian workers in Malaysia.

Taking to Twitter, Muraleedharan stated, “Glad to meet Hon’ble Minister of Human Resources Malaysia H.E. @Sivatronoh in Kuala Lumpur Thanked the Minister & Malaysian government for opening all sectors to Indian workers at par with other foreign workers in Malaysia. Both agreed to expedite signing an MoU in this regard.”

He also met a Member of the Malaysian House of Representatives M Kula Segaran. Following the meeting, Muraleedharan tweeted, “Pleased to meet YB @mkula, National Vice Chairman of Democratic Action Party and other senior members in Kuala Lumpur. Discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people connect.”

During his visit to Malaysia, Muraleedharan also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.” Delighted to interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Malaysia during the Pravasi Bharatiya Utsav, hosted by @hcikl. Commended the significant contributions of Indian diaspora to all walks of life in Malaysia & in nurturing India-Malaysia ties,” he tweeted.

MoS V Muraleedharan also attended cultural performances organised as part of an event titled ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Utsav’. During his visit, he met members of the Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veteran Association (MAFSVA) in Kuala Lumpur and appreciated their valour and courage.

Muraleedharan tweeted, “Pleased to have met with committee members of Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciate their valour and courage.”

During his visit, he also met and interacted with the office bearers of Netaji Welfare Foundation and Netaji Service Centre. The MoS commended their efforts in preserving the legacy of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in Malaysia. (ANI)

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India, Malaysia look to strengthen defence ties

Pic credits Twitter@rajnathsingh

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Malaysia on an official visit from July 10-11 with a focus on further consolidating bilateral defence cooperation and Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

During his visit, Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, the Ministry of Defence said in a press release. The two leaders will review defence cooperation between India and Malaysia and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements. Rajnath Singh and Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan will exchange views on regional and global issues of shared interest. Singh will also call on Malaysia’s Prime Minister YB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim.

The Ministry of Defence statement said, “India and Malaysia have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire region. The two democracies have a robust and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.”

Both countries are committed to working under the vision of the enhanced strategic partnership established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia in 2015, the Defence Ministry statement said.

Earlier this June, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan met with Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar and they agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on opening all sectors to Indian workers in Malaysia.

Taking to Twitter, Muraleedharan stated, “Glad to meet Hon’ble Minister of Human Resources Malaysia H.E. @Sivatronoh in Kuala Lumpur Thanked the Minister & Malaysian government for opening all sectors to Indian workers at par with other foreign workers in Malaysia. Both agreed to expedite signing an MoU in this regard.”

He also met a Member of the Malaysian House of Representatives M Kula Segaran. Following the meeting, Muraleedharan tweeted, “Pleased to meet YB @mkula, National Vice Chairman of Democratic Action Party and other senior members in Kuala Lumpur. Discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people connect.”

During his visit to Malaysia, Muraleedharan also interacted with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.” Delighted to interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Malaysia during the Pravasi Bharatiya Utsav, hosted by @hcikl. Commended the significant contributions of Indian diaspora to all walks of life in Malaysia & in nurturing India-Malaysia ties,” he tweeted.

MoS V Muraleedharan also attended cultural performances organised as part of an event titled ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Utsav’. During his visit, he met members of the Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veteran Association (MAFSVA) in Kuala Lumpur and appreciated their valour and courage.

Muraleedharan tweeted, “Pleased to have met with committee members of Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) in Kuala Lumpur. Appreciate their valour and courage.”

During his visit, he also met and interacted with the office bearers of Netaji Welfare Foundation and Netaji Service Centre. The MoS commended their efforts in preserving the legacy of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose in Malaysia. (ANI)

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UAE, Malaysia keen to strengthen bilateral ties

The two sides discussed issues related to the bilateral cooperation between their countries…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his official visit to Kuala Lumpur.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, noting that relations between the UAE and Malaysia are witnessing growing momentum, aided by the keenness of their leaderships to boost their ties.

In turn, Ibrahim relayed his greetings to Sheikh Mohammed, wishing the UAE continued growth and prosperity.

He also highlighted his country’s keenness to bolster its partnership with the UAE, underscoring the long-standing friendship between the two friendly countries.

The two sides discussed issues related to the bilateral cooperation between their countries, including in the areas of commerce, investment, the economy, energy and climate.

They also highlighted the importance of the signing of a joint declaration of intent between the two countries during the visit of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in May 2023, which began talks between the two countries on the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA).

The two sides then discussed their cooperation in climate action and stressed the importance of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 at Expo City Dubai in November 2023.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Abdullah also met with his counterpart Zambry Abdul Kadir. They discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation paths in several fields, including economy, trade, investment, energy, and climate.

The parties also exchanged views on the latest regional and global developments.

The two ministers emphasised the strong friendship ties between the UAE and Malaysia, pointing that the two countries look forward to a prosperous stage of cooperation and partnership which would support their development efforts.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia welcomed Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation, stressing the significance of the visit in opening new horizons for cooperation between their countries.

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