Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein have signed a free-trade agreement with Vietnam, the governments of Norway and Vietnam announced on Sunday.

Vietnam signs free-trade pact with European countries including Norway, Switzerland

China's exports of refined oil products in September surged 39.4% year-on-year, data showed on Sunday, with diesel exports reaching their highest in more than three years amid a tight global market as the Iran war and other conflicts curb output from the Middle East and Russia.

China's September refined fuel exports surge amid Iran war; diesel exports more than triple

Chinese firms have emerged as the biggest losers of the faltering global artificial intelligence (AI) trade, a setback for Beijing’s efforts to use stock markets to supercharge its ambition of technological supremacy.

Chinese stocks turn biggest losers as global AI trade stumbles

Malaysia's still-robust growth is handing its central bank strong leverage to manage rising inflation risks in the final quarter of the year, economists said.

Robust growth gives BNM strong footing to confront inflation risks, economists say

China proposed adding advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to its export-control list, potentially restricting overseas transfers of AI models and chip designs in an effort to keep closer control over homegrown advancements in a strategically important sector.

China plans AI tech export curbs to manage security risks

The Human Resources Ministry plans to amend the National Wages Consultative Council Act 2011 to allow minimum wages to be set based on education levels, paving the way for a mandatory minimum starting salary of RM2,500 a month for graduates and semi-skilled workers under Budget 2027.

Govt to amend wage law for mandatory RM2,500 minimum starting salary for graduates, semi-skilled workers — HR minister

China is looking to tighten biotechnology exports, but will leave the door open for licensing deals with foreign drugmakers that have underpinned its position as a growing pharmaceutical powerhouse.

China looks to tighten biotech exports, allows licensing deals

China’s economy is heading for a second straight quarter of growth below the 2026 target set by the nation’s leaders, with their recent stimulus measures having come too late to make a notable impact.

China’s payback for late stimulus looms with sub-4.5% growth

The new minimum wage rule for larger firms will be assessed at the group level and not individual subsidiaries, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said.

Ramanan: Minimum wage threshold applies at group level, covers foreign workers too

China moved to stabilise its equity market by urging companies and state funds to buy shares while guiding some investors to curb selling, people familiar with the matter said.

China moves to prop up stock market with selling curbs, buybacks — Bloomberg

The upfront costs incurred by CelcomDigi Bhd (KL:CDB) and Maxis Bhd (KL:MAXIS) for the latest spectrum awards are expected to be offset by capital expenditure savings and lower network costs, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB).

CelcomDigi, Maxis spectrum costs to be offset by capex and network savings — HLIB

China’s campaign to promote the global use of the yuan appears to be accelerating as the authorities seek to build a more comprehensive financial ecosystem for the currency beyond just trade settlement.

China’s plan to make yuan a global currency enters faster phase

Malaysia’s economy expanded faster than expected in the third quarter as growth of manufacturing and services sectors offset a contraction in mining activities, official flash estimates showed.

Malaysia’s economy outperforms with 5.3% expansion in 3Q, official flash estimates show

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said there is little evidence yet of inflation becoming embedded in UK price and wage-setting.

BOE’s Bailey sees little evidence of second-round inflation

The MediAsas scheme, set to launch in January 2027, will provide a financial and healthcare safety net for Malaysia's middle-income group (M40), who are currently facing medical inflation.

MediAsas offers safety net for M40 group, says health minister

The day after waiving sanctions and tariffs related to Russian exports, US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he has yet to announce a final decision on the matter as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said officials want more time to evaluate the situation.

Rubio says Trump to take up to 60 days to weigh Russia sanctions

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has restructured its leadership in Sarawak, naming Mahmud Epah as the new state party chairman.

PKR shakes up Sarawak leadership, names Mahmud Epah chairman 

The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) has been appointed the official sponsor of the revered Hans Christian Andersen Award, considered the highest global honour for authors and illustrators of children’s books. As sponsor for the 2027-2036 term, the statutory body’s duties primarily entail facilitating the judging process and covering costs incurred during the award’s administration. In this week’s Options cover story, PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad breaks down what this opportunity brings to the local literary community and the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds.

A new chapter 

Gombak is entering a new phase of growth, with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen the district’s residential and commercial prospects. Property consultants discuss the renewed attention to the area’s commercial potential, surrounding property market and prospects for transit-oriented developments.

Gombak picks up speed for next growth cycle

Venezuela expects nearly US$76 billion (RM310.3 billion) in oil investment over the next five years under recently signed agreements, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said on Saturday, adding that a bilateral accord with the US includes plans to drill 250 rigs.

Venezuela expects nearly US$76b in oil investment over five years, acting president says

Rioting erupted in cities across France on Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

A pickup in UK inflation to a nine-month high in data this week is likely to set the stage for key decisions from the upcoming budget to a likely interest-rate increase.

UK inflation can seal the deal on BOE’s November rate hike

Rioting erupted in cities across France on Saturday as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.

Gombak is entering a new phase of growth, with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen the district’s residential and commercial prospects. Property consultants discuss the renewed attention to the area’s commercial potential, surrounding property market and prospects for transit-oriented developments.&nbsp;

The Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) has been appointed the official sponsor of the revered Hans Christian Andersen Award, considered the highest global honour for authors and illustrators of children’s books. As sponsor for the 2027-2036 term, the statutory body’s duties primarily entail facilitating the judging process and covering costs incurred during the award’s administration. In this week’s Options cover story, PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad breaks down what this opportunity brings to the local literary community and the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds.

The Johor government has extended the closure of schools and educational institutions across the state for another five days from Monday (Oct 19) due to the haze.

Johor schools to remain closed another week, says state exco