World

The ongoing war in Ukraine's fertile Black Sea region risks massive agricultural disruption, with farmers unable to cultivate lands and key ports closed, potentially causing wheat shortages and price increases worldwide starting July.

The FBI has released a 16-page partially redacted document about the September 11, 2001 attacks, following President Biden's executive order. The report highlights contacts between hijackers and Saudi officials but does not conclusively prove government complicity.

Toyota and Honda have spoken out against a proposed tax incentive plan by House Democrats that would provide an additional $4,500 tax break for union-made electric vehicles. The automakers argue the bill discriminates against workers who choose not to unionize, potentially benefiting Detroit's Big Three automakers with union-represented plants.

Malaysia is working to resolve semiconductor order backlogs accumulated during COVID-19 lockdowns. Global supply chain challenges, including factory disruptions in Japan, the US, and Taiwan, along with incidents like the Suez Canal blockage, have complicated semiconductor component production and delivery.

Chinese bubble tea chain Nayuki Ltd. is set to raise US$656 million through its Hong Kong initial public offering. Founded in Shenzhen in 2014 by Peng Xin and Zhao Lin, the company plans to sell 257.3 million shares at HK$17.2 to HK$19.8, potentially valuing the founders' stake at over US$1.1 billion.

Telecommunications giants Axiata Group and Telenor Asia have completed a strategic merger of their Malaysian wireless operations, creating a commercially stronger digital service provider. The new entity, MergeCo, will be jointly owned by Axiata and Telenor, each holding a 33.1% stake, with projected pre-tax profits of 5.7 billion ringgit and significant potential for synergies and growth.

UEM Sunrise Bhd has partnered with Maybank Islamic's HouzKEY to help first and second-time homeowners acquire their dream homes. The collaboration offers zero down payments, zero payments during construction, and 100% financing for 10 projects, making homeownership more accessible.

Malaysian engineering firm KAB partners with Janakuasa to enter Vietnam's renewable energy market, targeting three hydropower stations with 180 MW total capacity. The projects have power purchase agreements valid from 2030 to 2039, with commercial operations already established between 2015 and 2019.

A Federal Reserve study shows Trump-era tariffs caused billions in losses, with unusual trade reporting patterns emerging between the US and China, potentially due to strategic valuation manipulations by exporters and importers.

Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd has purchased a 16% stake in Sunway Healthcare Holdings through Greenwood Capital, investing RM750 million. The transaction involves share subscription and convertible preferred shares, signaling strategic interest in healthcare investment.