Independent Malaysian news, politics and national affairs.
Indonesia is drafting regulations to integrate artificial intelligence into major government initiatives, including a $15 billion free meals programme. The move aims to boost GDP by 12% by 2030 and help the country catch up with regional AI leaders like Singapore and Malaysia.
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged the government will expand the Media Innovation Fund, which has already distributed RM24.57 million to 72 media companies since its RM30 million launch last year.
Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, former Broadcasting Malaysia director-general, has been honoured with the HAWANA 2026 Award for his three decades of service to the Malaysian media industry.
The Malaysian Inland Revenue Board reports that 52,540 taxpayers have voluntarily declared RM4.07 billion in income following the implementation of the e-Invoicing system, which launched on August 1, 2024, signalling improved tax compliance.
Media organisations cannot treat algorithms as adversaries but must learn to harness them strategically to distribute credible journalism, according to a Malaysian communications expert.
Malaysia's media sector gathers in Penang for HAWANA 2026, with industry bodies organising programmes to strengthen professional standards and tackle emerging challenges including artificial intelligence's role in journalism.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has underscored the critical importance of strengthening Malaysia's statistical infrastructure and embracing artificial intelligence in government decision-making to deliver the 13th Malaysia Plan 2026-2030.
A Federal Court judge has warned that Malaysia's evidence law must evolve to handle the complexities of the digital era, citing the judiciary's growing struggle with electronic communications and forensic evidence.
Media organisations must prioritise credibility and integrity to survive the digital era, according to Media Prima's deputy group managing editor. The challenge intensifies as newsrooms balance commercial pressures with editorial standards.
McKinsey estimates Hungary could unlock €15 billion in productivity gains by deploying artificial intelligence across its economy by 2030, though executives warn success depends on swift action to avoid competitive disadvantage.