Asian Development Bank Announces US$70b Plan For Energy, Digital Infrastructure

ISTANBUL, May 4 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The Asian Development Bank on Sunday announced US$70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives through 2035, Anadolu Ajansi reported. "Energy and digital access will define the region’s future," said the bank's President Masato Kanda in a statement. The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative will link national and subregional power systems to enable the flow of renewable energy, while the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway aims to close digital infrastructure gaps and support AI-driven growth across the region. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. "By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people," he added. The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative targets US$50 billion by 2035 for cross-border power infrastructure. The Asia-Pacific Digital Highway aims to mobilize US$20 billion by 2035 to fund digital infrastructure and AI-ready economies, including fiber networks, satellites, and regional data centers. The bank aims to integrate around 20 gigawatts of cross-border renewable energy, expand energy access to 200 million people, create 840,000 jobs, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15 per cent by 2035. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, May 4 — The Asian Development Bank on Sunday announced US$70 billion in new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives through 2035, Anadolu Ajansi reported. “Energy and digital access will define the region’s future,” said the bank’s President Masato Kanda in a statement. The Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative will link national and subregional power systems […]

COURTESY CALL TO SARAWAK PREMIER STRENGTHENS FOCUS ON DEVELOPMENT AND PEOPLE’S WELFARE – DATUK SERI DR. ZAHID HAMIDI

KUCHING, April 15 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his official agenda yesterday with a courtesy visit to the Premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari Openg, at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi. During the meeting, Zahid expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions covering a range of issues, particularly those related to development initiatives and the welfare of the people in Sarawak. “Alhamdulillah, we were able to exchange views on key matters that will further enhance development and improve the well-being of the rakyat, especially in Sarawak,” he said. Zahid also took the opportunity to formally submit an official note regarding the implementation of the Rural Water Supply Project (BALB) on behalf of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), underscoring the government’s continued commitment to improving essential infrastructure in rural areas. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the federal and Sarawak state governments to ensure that development efforts are effectively implemented for the benefit of the people. “Insya-Allah, this strong relationship will continue to be reinforced and bring meaningful benefits to the rakyat,” he added. The visit reflects ongoing collaboration between federal leadership and the Sarawak state administration in advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the region. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Zahid Hamidi

KUCHING, April 15 — Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi continued his official agenda yesterday with a courtesy visit to the Premier of Sarawak, Abang Johari Openg, at Kompleks Satria Pertiwi. During the meeting, Zahid expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions covering a range of issues, particularly those related to development […]

Malaysia Calls for Lebanon Ceasefire Expansion, Reaffirms Support in PM’s Call with Nawaf Salam

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. During the call, Anwar extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H greetings while discussing the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly the worsening security and humanitarian conditions. He also conveyed Malaysia’s appreciation to the Lebanese Government for its continued support in ensuring the safety and welfare of Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) personnel serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), enabling them to carry out their duties effectively despite challenging circumstances. Anwar noted that Malaysia is advocating for the expansion of the current ceasefire to include Lebanon, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict, which has reportedly displaced about one million people and resulted in over 1,000 casualties. Reaffirming Malaysia’s stance, he stressed the country’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, strongly condemned attacks on public infrastructure, and called on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions and return to diplomatic dialogue. He also raised concerns over the increasingly urgent humanitarian situation in the region. The conversation concluded with Malaysia reiterating its commitment to continue working closely with Lebanon and international partners to help restore peace and stability in the region.

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed concern over the escalating security situation in southern Lebanon and rising regional tensions following a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam. During the call, Anwar extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H greetings while discussing the latest developments in Lebanon, particularly the […]