Kuala Lumpur

Virtual taekwondo, combining VR technology with traditional techniques, is gaining traction as a competitive discipline and will debut at the Asian Games in Japan. Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Refract Technologies, the sport uses motion-tracking sensors and VR headsets for noncontact matches, attracting a growing community in Southeast Asia.

Singapore warns of 'severe' haze in August and September due to the El Nino effect. The haze, which affects cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, is described as a recurring regional issue tracked by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.

Oman Air launches a nonstop flight from Muscat to Singapore as part of its strategy to promote Oman as a tourism destination and expand services to North Asia. The airline cites lower costs and its Oneworld alliance membership as factors supporting the new route, which previously failed with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur nine years ago.

Malaysia has extended its contract with Ocean Infinity to search for MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean for another year, covering a remaining 7,428.54-square-kilometer area under a 'no-find, no-fee' agreement. The government approved the extension to provide closure for passengers' families, with Ocean Infinity to be paid $70 million only if wreckage is discovered. Previous searches, including a 2018 private effort, found no clues to the missing Boeing 777's location.

Malaysia's tourism industry is increasingly influenced by Chinese tourists using the RedNote app to capture and share experiences in locations like Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The app has reshaped how travelers perceive and document Malaysian destinations.

The article discusses China-Asean relations through dual lenses of geopolitical tensions (South China Sea, US-China rivalry) and economic opportunities (trade, infrastructure). It highlights a study tour by the University of Hong Kong’s Centre on Contemporary China and the World to Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta.

A judge compared the 1MDB theft to Attila the Hun's actions, calling the latter a 'choirboy.' Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was present in court in Kuala Lumpur.

AirAsia X postponed its planned flight route via Bahrain until August or September due to Middle East conflict, affecting passengers who can request refunds or rescheduling. The route was initially set to launch in June, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onward to London's Gatwick airport.

Petronas seeks access to a gas field in Turkmenistan, according to Bernama. The article also mentions the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and ongoing skyscraper development in the city despite concerns about property demand.

The article is a personal tribute to Alex Younger, former Chief of SIS, highlighting his leadership during counterterrorism efforts, his battle with cancer, and his collaborative, introverted nature. It details his work with the CIA to dismantle A.Q. Khan's proliferation network and his role in reorienting SIS to address the ISIS threat.

Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin criticized the international community’s muted response to Norway’s cancellation of a missile deal with Malaysia. He questioned whether global rules were subject to the will of bigger powers, highlighting concerns over unequal scrutiny.

Zetrix AI, based in a Kuala Lumpur penthouse, aims to deploy its AI agent 'Avatar' to 1 million Southeast Asian users by year-end. Avatar automates tasks like form-filling and social media responses for influencers. The article questions the regional AI boom's long-term costs.

The United States has denied involvement in Norway's cancellation of a missile sale to Malaysia, claiming it actually supported the acquisition. The dispute involves Naval Strike Missiles built by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for Malaysian combat ships valued at €126 million, with Malaysia having already paid 95% of the contract.

Malaysia's central bank holds interest rate steady due to stable inflation and ringgit performance. The decision aims to maintain economic stability. Customers in Kuala Lumpur seem unaffected.

Thousands of protesters in Malaysia have criticized Azam Baki, the outgoing chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), as Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that findings of an investigation into Baki's shareholdings will be disclosed after the probe concludes.

Malaysia has appointed Abdul Halim Bin Aman as the new chief of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The announcement follows protests against the previous MACC chief, Azam Baki, in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia’s IAQ Group is reportedly considering a 1 billion ringgit initial public offering (IPO). The potential listing would take place on Bursa Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

IOI Properties is filing for a REIT listing that could raise up to $500 million. The development comes amid ongoing construction of skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur's KLCC area, which includes the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.