☕️ Pride of Klang: Lingling, Malaysia’s first female K-pop idol (Korean-pop, not Klang-pop)

1. MARKET SUMMARY 📈

2. NUMBERS AT A GLANCE 🔢

Every 1 hour and 56 minutes – Tragically, this is the frequency with which someone loses their life in a road accident in Malaysia, based on official statistics spanning from March 14, 2024, to March 18 this year. The data further reveals an alarming rate of road accidents occurring approximately every 50 seconds, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures in the country.

RM5.82 bil – PERKESO disbursed this amount in benefits to 871,949 recipients last year (average of RM6.7k), marking an increase in total payouts compared to previous years. In 2023, RM5.48 bil was distributed to 920,368 individuals, and in 2022, the figure was RM4.92 bil to 866,666 recipients, indicating a consistent upward trend in the total amount of aid provided.

Just last April, Google published 101 entries of real-world Google Cloud AI use cases. Google then revised the document in 2025, it now has 601 real-world use cases in multiple industries, from automotive to healthcare — that’s 6x growth in a year. If you’re not using AI to do some parts of your job, you might be missing out. Google has also published a prompt guide 101 here to teach users how to better use Gemini (or other LLMs for that matter).

3. IN MALAYSIA 🇲🇾

Anwar rules out cabinet reshuffle after PKR party polls
PM Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that no cabinet reshuffle will follow the recent PKR internal elections, despite several ministers and deputy ministers losing their divisional posts. Anwar stressed that the party polls were an internal affair and bore no impact on federal or state government administration. Notable names defeated in the divisional polls included Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Akmal Nasir, and Adam Adli. Anwar also reiterated that ministerial performance, not party positions, remains his primary benchmark for evaluation. While Malaysian political history has seen cabinet changes following party elections, such as Najib Razak’s reshuffle in 2009, Anwar appears intent on separating governance from internal party dynamics.

Hadi says political power trumps pilgrimage for Muslims
PAS president Hadi Awang has urged Muslims to prioritise political victory over performing the umrah and haj, stressing that Islam must be in power to lead in accordance with divine command. Citing the Prophet Muhammad’s decision to postpone his umrah until after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, he argued that political strength is essential for Islamic governance. Speaking at a Perikatan Nasional rally, he criticised former PAS members, Amanah, and Umno figures for lacking historical understanding and accused them of aligning with DAP out of ignorance (salah DAP lagi). Hadi asserted that while non-Muslims have a place in government, ultimate political leadership must remain with Muslims, as Malays form the majority.

Following this, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has raised concerns over PAS president Hadi Awang’s statement. Jakim, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Mufti Department and other authorities, is reviewing the statement to ensure proper understanding of the religious significance of the pilgrimages. The Ayer Kuning by-election, set for April 26, has sparked controversy, highlighting the growing intersection of religion and politics in Malaysian discourse. In a multi-faith democracy, such rhetoric walks a fine line between religious conviction and political exclusion.

MBI Selangor learning from Sarawak - eyes banking entry with possible stake in MBSB
MENTRI Besar Selangor Inc (MBI Selangor), the state investment arm managing Selangor’s RM32 bil in assets and cash, is exploring entry into the banking sector and is reportedly eyeing a significant stake in MBSB Bank Bhd. Sources suggest initial talks with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which owns 56.5% of MBSB, may be on the cards, with MBI likely targeting an initial stake of 5% to 10%. For a 5% stake in MBSB, MBI Selangor would need to invest around RM281.5 mil. If talks don’t progress, other banks such as AmBank and Alliance Bank are also on MBI’s radar.

The move aligns with MBI’s “Thrive28 Plan” to grow revenue and expand its digital and fintech portfolio.MBSB, which merged with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd in 2023, is now the second-largest standalone Islamic bank by assets but still trades at a low valuation of 0.6 times price-to-book value. Bank Negara’s approval would be required for any acquisition, though institutional limits are now more flexible under the Financial Services Act 2013. Also, Sarawak’s 31.25% acquisition of Affin Bank last year set a precedent, and talk of possible consolidation involving AmBank and Alliance Bank continues, especially amid generational transitions in shareholding.

New concert SOPs rolled out to ensure safer, drug-free events
In a bid to ensure safer entertainment spaces and curb drug abuse among youth, the Youth and Sports Ministry, in collaboration with the Home and Health Ministries, has introduced 5 new SOPs for organising concerts, particularly EDM events. Announced by Minister Hannah Yeoh, the SOPs include hydration points, on-site medical teams, anti-drug awareness materials, readiness of nearby hospitals, and deployment of K9 units for crowd control. These measures are now mandatory for events held at ministry venues such as Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia and Sepang International Circuit, which will also share monthly concert schedules with the police and anti-drug agency. Non-ministry organisers are encouraged to adopt these standards, while the Malaysian AIDS Council will establish Safe Spaces to promote drug awareness.

Shorts

1. Lingling set to debut as Malaysia’s first female K-pop idol

   Klang-born Alice Wong Lingling, or better known as Lingling, is set to make history as Malaysia's first female K-pop idol (to avoid confusion, the K here being Korean pop, not Klang pop), debuting in May under the Korean label Lean Branding. The 19-year-old gained recognition on Mnet’s survival show I-LAND 2, where her multilingual abilities and charming personality stood out. Having secured a spot in Lean Branding’s global girl group, Lingling's debut marks a significant milestone for Malaysian representation in K-pop. Fluent in Chinese, Malay, English, and Korean, she has already garnered attention for her versatility. Pride of Malaysia, especially Pa Sang Lang.
   Check out her IG here.

2. PAWS Penang races to raise RM2.2 mil to save shelter home

   The Penang Welfare Animal Society (4PAWS) is appealing for public support to raise RM2.2 mil to purchase the land it has rented for over 15 years in Teluk Bahang, now up for sale. The no-kill shelter, which houses more than 700 injured, sick, and abandoned dogs from across Penang, faces eviction if it cannot secure ownership. With only six dedicated workers and limited funds, 4PAWS continues its mission to rescue and care for strays, relying on donations that also qualify for tax exemption. The shelter has just one month to inform the landlord of its intent to buy. You can help out here.

4. AROUND THE WORLD 🌎

Trade War: China warns other nations on US deals
In a trade war update, Beijing has warned it will retaliate against countries that make deals with the US that hurt China’s interests. This follows reports that the US plans to pressure governments into restricting trade with China in exchange for exemptions to US tariffs. China’s promise of “countermeasures” also comes after a state-owned media portal published an editorial warning the EU against trying to “appease” the US. Trade partners have just started speaking to the US about the tariffs, with Japan and South Korea the first countries to start on the matter.

A papal passing
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Sunday. Though no cause of death was announced, the pope had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia. During his papacy, he initiated changes that emphasised transparency, accountability, and financial reform, but faced criticisms from both conservatives and progressives. The former accused him of trashing cherished traditions, while the latter felt he should have done more to reshape the Church.

Right now, there are no frontrunners as to who Pope Francis’ successor will be, though he did appoint about 80% of the cardinal electors who will choose the next pope, which increases the possibility that his successor will continue his progressive policies. In the meantime, eyes will be on the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, hoping for the white smoke that serves as the announcement that a pope has been elected. It is quite an interesting process.

Pope Francis’ death has also led to the suspension of the canonisation of the first saint of the millennial generation, Carlo Acutis, who was originally set to be made a saint at a ceremony on April 27.

There’s also a dig at US VP JD Vance, who met Pope Francis a few hours before he passed. During the meeting, Vance said he would pray for Pope Francis’ health. Yet now, the cardinal electors have to elect a new pope.

China: Chip, tea and battery

• Huawei readies AI chip shipments to plug Nvidia gap
  Chinese AI companies have been left scrambling to look for alternatives following the announcement that Nvidia will need an export licence to sell its H20 chip to China. However, Huawei has stepped up, with mass shipments of its 910C AI chip to go out to Chinese customers as early as next month. Sources indicate that there have been some shipments already made. This is not the first time that Chinese chipmakers have benefited from a US ban on Nvidia’s chips being sold to China. A similar situation happened in 2022 when US authorities banned Nvidia’s H100 chip from sale in China.

• Chinese battery maker teases battery with 520km range on five-minute charge
  World’s largest EV battery maker CATL announced that it now has a battery that is capable of a range of 520km with just five minutes of charging time at its recent Tech Day, one-upping BYD who recently launched a car system that can charge a vehicle for a range of 400km in about the same time. CATL also unveiled a range of dual-power batteries that offer a maximum range of 1,500km on a single charge. CATL reported a net income of CNY14 bil for 1Q2025, a 33% jump that defied estimates. Revenue for the quarter came in at CNY84.7 bil, falling short of estimates.
  Fun fact: CATL stands for Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited

• Chagee founder hits billionaire status after tea chain's Nasdaq debut
  Chagee founder Zhang Junjie reportedly hit billionaire status after Chagee raised USD411 mil when it listed on Nasdaq. Zhang, who founded Chagee in 2017 and currently serves as CEO, saw his stake in the tea chain valued at USD1.8 bil, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The company operates more than 6,440 outlets, mostly in China, with outlets in other locations such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Analysts noted that a US listing was “the only viable option” for Chagee, after a Hong Kong IPO by fellow beverage player Mixue showed an increasingly saturated market.

Shorts

1. UN: Asian scam centre crime gangs expanding worldwide

   The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warned that organised crime groups running cyber scam networks from China and Southeast Asia are geographically expanding, building up operations in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and some Pacific islands. This expansion not only allows the gangs to target more victims, but also allows them more options to launder their illicit gains, with various groups already teaming up. Countries in East and Southeast Asia lost an estimated USD37 bil to cyber fraud in 2023.

2. Gaza medic killings due to "professional failures", says Israel

   According to the Israeli military, the killing of emergency responders was due to “several professional failures, breaches of orders, and a failure to fully report the incident”. So far, this has led to the reprimand of a commanding officer and the dismissal of a deputy commander. The incident, which happened over three separate shootings at the same location near Rafah, saw 15 paramedics and other rescue workers shot dead. That’s it? A reprimand and a dismissal?

3. Drone carriers: The next big thing?

   China recently launched the world’s first purpose-built drone carrier, but it is actually the third country to operate such a vessel. Turkey and Iran have already adapted existing ships to launch aerial drones. These vessels mark the cutting edge of a revolution in warship construction, as it is suggested that drone carriers can offer an offensive capability similar to aircraft carriers, but at a fraction of the cost.

5. FOR YOUR EYES 📺

1. Humanoid robots participated in a half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday. Thankfully, they have not outrun their human masters - yet.

mychinatrip

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2. Have you seen a boomerang, of various wings, in real life? Learn how a boomerang works here.

ramrezboomerangs

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3. A resignation letter, delivered on a toilet paper.