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 

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 11): Penang’s ChinaHouse has always been a microcosm of coolness and creativity. But Men with Plants IV, happening until Nov 30 at its Art Space along Beach Street, has just upped the ante by quite a bit. 

Led by Fuan Wong, one of Malaysia’s most renowned glass ar...

Botany bay

Ahmad Zakii Anwar’s Sementara brings together 75 paintings and drawings spanning decades of the painter’s career, from his celebrated Smokers and Sofa series to pieces exploring the human form, ritual, portraiture and animals. Drawn from the Steve Wong Art Collection, the retrospective highlights Zakii’s distinctive mastery of shadow, light, charcoal and chiaroscuro, alongside his fascination with the body and its spiritual dimensions.

State of becoming

For much of its history, women’s watchmaking has often drawn from a remarkably consistent visual lexicon. Motifs of flowers, ribbons, lace, diamonds and the polished geometries of Art Deco are all beautiful in their own right, but they inevitably reveal how femininity in horology has been imagined through forms already made familiar by the past. Richard Mille’s portfolio for the female collector, however, is compelling precisely because it is so little beholden to those conventions — preferring instead aerospace materials, saturated colour and cases whose curves and apertures feel closer to architecture. The assumed hierarchy, in which women wear and men collect, has been decisively shattered.

Pavé the way

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 27): The name John Heah might not instantly be on everyone’s lips when it comes to the topic of built spaces, but the designs dreamed up by the Penang-born, London-based principal and owner of architectural firm Heah & Co have been bewitching jet-set travellers and luxury e...

Of space + style

Humanity’s desire to delve into the unknown has long shaped how we see and experience the world, from the wilderness to outer space. In this season’s fashion spread, Options takes that instinct for discovery as its starting point, reimagining Autumn/Winter 2026 collections through the lens of adventure.

Window of opportunity

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): Hotelier and aesthete Chris Ong is keeping the time-honoured traditions of his Penang childhood alive. To preserve disappearing oral histories, his new book Heritage Rituals documents the intangible cultural and religious customs woven into George Town’s community life, from the sending-off of Chao Kun, the Kitchen God to the Hokkien thanksgiving celebration of Pai Ti Kong.

Of heart + heritage

Set against the limestone grandeur and deep greenery of the Templer Park forest reserve, the aesthetically pleasing Takun Retreat Club in Rawang is Joewel Lee’s answer to the country’s predictable wellness template.

Pause + play

Richard Mille brings the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics chapter to a close with a bedazzling finale

All that glitters

In celebration of the nation's 69th Independence Day, this week’s issue looks at the many things worth cherishing within Malaysia. From delectable bites and drinks, lesser-known natural wonders and far-flung heritage centres, this edit compiles the best ways to experience the country.

Home ground

Marking its 15th anniversary, the Selangor Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is preparing an experimental staging that puts Malaysia’s latest theatre — and the future of live concerts — to the test. Set to be held at the new Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JCPAC) in Sunway on Aug 29, the upcoming Chapter 30: Philharmonic Test Drive — Celebrating A New World is a collaboration that presents the rewards of hard work, shaped by dedication and passion.

Into a new world

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 16): Balancing scale and stewardship, Datuk Izwan Hasli, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd, reflects on why Merdeka 118 must remain a model of responsible nation-building, rooted in the interests of the rakyat. In this week’s Options cover story, he explains his vision behind Malaysia’s tallest landmark, which anchors the country’s global aspirations to the historic heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur.

Peak purpose

Growing up, Datuk Johan Rozali-Wathooth saw how acts of selflessness, service and sacrifice could change lives. The CEO of Bintang Capital Partners and active member of several social impact groups describes his journey in charity and suggests what Malaysia can do to reform the sector in this week’s cover story.

For the cause

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 2): Once a residence for immigration officers, a building in George Town has been revitalised in the form of 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection, a brand under Singapore-based lodging owner-operator Ascott Ltd. Datuk Koay Shao Sheong, director of Jetblue — a Penang-based firm that manages property development and hospitality projects — talks about bringing the site back to life in time to commemorate its centenary.

Historic charm

Amazon.com is introducing a new tool that allows its custom AI chips to run code written in the most popular AI coding language without modification, seeking to erode the advantage that underpins Nvidia's dominance in the AI computing market.

Amazon says its AI chips will work with popular coding language, challenging Nvidia

Former Taghill Holdings Bhd (KL:TAGHILL) chief executive officer and executive director Ng Wai Hoe has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in the construction outfit after disposing of 30 million shares.

Taghill’s former CEO Ng Wai Hoe ceases to be substantial shareholder 

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Monday:

Zetrix AI, Toyo Ventures, Mi Technovation, IHH Healthcare, Duopharma, LYC Healthcare, KIP REIT, GDB, MMAG, Jati Tinggi, Cosmos Technology, Eonmetall

The government is refining proposals to improve the national haze action plan, particularly regarding school closure directives and the Ministry of Education's (MOE) early preparations to ensure learning can continue if schools are forced to close.

Putrajaya fine-tuning national haze action plan, says PM

Nearly RM11 billion in Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) assistance had been disbursed to eligible recipients as of September 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

MOF: Nearly RM11b in STR, Sara aid disbursed as of September 2026 

Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (Lunas) remains committed to delivering the first littoral combat ship (LCS1) to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), with the target for physical delivery revised to April 2027.

Lunas ready to hand over LCS1, targets physical delivery in 2027

The US Homeland Security Department is ordering the removal of DeepSeek products and third-party services using the Chinese AI model from US civilian agency IT systems, according to a notice published Monday.

US banning Chinese AI DeepSeek from govt agency IT systems

The benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite gained on Monday, as AI-related stocks rebounded from last week's sharp sell-off, with easing oil prices providing additional support ahead of key earnings reports this week.

S&P 500, Nasdaq climb as AI-linked stocks recover ahead of earnings

White House National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said prices have been falling for items such as beef and eggs, though consumer price data for September shows overall inflation continues to need policy attention.

Hassett says CPI data shows inflation needs ‘some work’

Confidence among US homebuilders this month slumped to a 14-year low as mortgage rates above 7%, labour shortages and elevated supply costs batter the housing market.

US homebuilder sentiment drops to 14-year low on depressed sales

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Monday that the government has not made any commitment to provide financial support to AirAsia Group Bhd (KL:AAGB), whether through guarantees, loans or public fund injections.

Govt has made no commitment to financial support for AirAsia, says MOF

The Melaka High Court has found Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Salleh to have defamed DAP leader Teresa Kok over their halal certification row.

Umno Youth chief Akmal Salleh found to have defamed Teresa Kok, ordered to pay RM250k

Toyo Ventures Holdings Bhd (KL:TOYOVEN) has received an offer from its largest shareholder to take the ink manufacturer private at 28 sen per share.

Toyo Ventures’ largest shareholder offers to take it private at 28 sen per share

Zetrix AI Bhd (KL:ZETRIX) managing director Wong Thean Soon has sold another 600,000 shares, reducing his stake to 1.887% and further complicating the group’s efforts to remedy a breach of its RM2 billion sukuk covenant, which requires him to remain its largest shareholder, by the Oct 22 deadline.

Zetrix AI's TS Wong sells more shares as Oct 22 sukuk covenant deadline looms

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Monday: 
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The Court of Appeal on Monday set aside a 2022 High Court judgment ordering&nbsp;fugitive financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, and his father to pay US$3.7 billion to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and its four subsidiaries, and allowed the companies&nbsp;a fresh trial in a bid to get more compensation from the duo.

Court of Appeal allows 1MDB, 4 units new trial in bid to get more than US$3.7b from Jho Low, dad

IHH Healthcare Bhd (KL:IHH) is acquiring Afiniti Wellness in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, as part of plans to expand Gleneagles Hospital Johor into an integrated healthcare campus spanning approximately 18 acres.

IHH Healthcare to acquire Afiniti Wellness for Gleneagles Hospital Johor expansion

JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co’s asset management arm and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd are set to be among cornerstone investors in printed circuit board maker Suzhou Dongshan Precision Manufacturing Co’s upcoming Hong Kong listing, according to people familiar with the matter. 
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JPMorgan and Alibaba are said among investors in Dongshan’s listing — Bloomberg

Tech billionaire Elon Musk said on Monday that he would give every child in the United States a share in his SpaceX rocket company.

Musk says will give SpaceX share to 'every kid in America'

MMAG Holdings Bhd (KL:MMAG) is disposing of a Boeing 737-400SF cargo aircraft for US$2.8 million (RM11.43 million) as the group seeks to reduce costs amid rising fuel prices and weaker demand for charter services.

MMAG to sell Boeing freighter for RM11.4 mil, incur RM12.7 mil loss

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 19): Singapore will use “every legal and regulatory lever” against companies responsible for the haze choking the region, the Business Times reported, citing Senior Minister K Shanmugam.

Government agencies are considering legal, regulatory and economic measures...

Singapore vows to hunt haze-linked firms playing ‘hide-and-seek’ — report

Below is a summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Monday.

FBM KLCI down 0.75% to 1,595.75 on Oct 19, 2026

A by-election candidate who sought to wind up Reform UK lost his case and was ordered by an insolvency judge to pay £37,000 (RM201,309) of the party’s legal expenses. 
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Farage challenger faces £37,000 bill after losing court case

Malaysia recorded a score of 7.57 out of 10 in the Economic Freedom of the World: 2026 Annual Report, marking its strongest performance since the index was introduced in 1970, according to the Center for Market Education (CME).

Malaysia records highest economic freedom score since 1970 — think tank

KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:KIPREIT) reported an 18% rise in net property income in its recently ended quarter thanks to newly acquired assets by the REIT.

KIP REIT reports 18% rise in net property income in 1Q, expects to sustain results

Malaysia aims to equip at least 50% of its 34 expressways with Smart Highway technology to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow and boost transport system efficiency.

Malaysia targeting smart highway tech on 50% of expressways, says works minister  

Malaysia needs to prepare for an ageing society by investing in healthcare, elderly care and technologies that enable older people to live independently, says Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) chief executive officer Datuk Jay Khairil Jeremy Abdullah.

KWAP eyeing investment opportunities in longevity economy as Malaysia ages

Singapore’s government issued notices to three more Indonesian firms suspected to be linked to haze-creating fires, as it steps up action to combat its worst air pollution in more than a decade.

Singapore issues haze notices to three more Indonesian companies

Jati Tinggi Group Bhd (KL:JTGROUP) said the electrical engineering group has secured a RM30.1 million contract to build power infrastructure for a data centre in Kulai, Johor. 
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Jati Tinggi bags RM30 mil data centre power job in Johor

The government plans to draft the Digital Infrastructure (Data Centre) Bill for submission to the Cabinet next year to regulate the growth of the data centre industry in line with the country's energy and water supply capacity.

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