BANGKOK (Feb 20): Quentin Griffiths, who co-founded British fast-fashion retailer Asos, has died after a fall from a balcony in Thailand, Thai police said on Friday. Police told Reuters that Griffiths, 58, had fallen from the 17th floor of an apartment block in the seaside resort city of Pattaya on Feb 9. The police went to the scene and found the body of a British national, whom they identified as Quentin John Griffiths, on the ground directly below the balcony, they said. The police also quoted a Thai friend of Griffiths as saying the Briton had been worried about lawsuits from his former wife, a Thai national. Griffiths was marketing director at Asos before he left the firm in 2004.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): Foreign investor participation in the Malaysian bond market continued to grow for the fourth straight month in January 2026, with net foreign inflows reaching RM951.9 million, said RAM Rating Services Bhd (RAM Ratings). In a statement, the rating agency said the net inflows were driven primarily by continued demand for Malaysian Government Securities (MGS) and Government Investment Issues, which saw inflows of RM2.1 billion. “This was partly offset by outflows from Malaysian Treasury Bills and Malaysian Islamic Treasury Bills and corporate bonds, amounting to RM480.0 million and RM709.3 million respectively,” it said. In contrast, it said, the 10‑year MGS yield declined 1.4 basis points m‑o‑m to 3.52%, supported by resilient domestic demand and stable policy expectations. “The resulting wider yield differential of 74.4 basis points (end-December 2025: 65 basis points) likely reduced the attractiveness of Malaysian bonds to foreign investors,” it said.

SEREMBAN (Feb 20): The new Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA), costing over RM200 million, will strengthen water supply in this district and ensure steady treated water for future growth, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said. “The new facility is important as the existing Ngoi-Ngoi Phase 1 plant in Sungai Terib is already operating at full capacity with little reserve. The project also helps the state meet key performance indicators set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), including maintaining at least a 15% water reserve margin to ensure supply security. Despite the current dry season affecting parts of the country, he said Sepri Dam and Sungai Beringin Dam are at full capacity. Sungai Terip, Talang, Gemencheh and Teriang dams are above 90%, while Kelinchi Dam stands at 68% and supports Sungai Terip Dam.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): The Madani government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing social development and advancing social justice to ensure inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, in conjunction with the World Day of Social Justice. National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said this year’s theme, “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice,” reflects the government’s determination to leave no one behind as the nation progresses. He also cited the National Social Policy 2030, which coordinates 44 social policies across 19 ministries, focusing on basic needs, individual potential, social support systems and social responsibility. Aaron said initiatives such as the Anti-Bullying Bill 2025, the People’s Residency Programme (PPR) and the Zero Abandoned Project 2030 further demonstrate the government’s commitment to social justice. “Let us together renew our commitment to strengthening social justice, building citizens' welfare, and strengthening national unity.

(Feb 20): UK retail sales started the year with the fastest growth in 20 months, an unexpected surge that could boost the Labour government’s efforts to revive the economy. The numbers were lifted by fuel sales, while the ONS also pointed to strong sales of artwork and antiques, alongside continued high numbers from online jewellers. “Online sales have been a particular bright spot, likely boosted by the wet weather,” said Sandra Prince at Lloyds, a bank. Interest rate cuts and falling inflation are also likely to have improved the mood in British shopping districts. Still, Paul Dales from Capital Economics warned: “With employment growth weak and wage growth slowing, households won’t be able to maintain this rate of spending.”

These problems were linked to soil movement and sinking caused by climate change. The SSGP case shows that climate risk is now a real and physical threat to infrastructure in Malaysia’s upstream oil and gas (O&G) industry. Reality of exposureThe O&G industry operates in an exposed industrial landscape. The National Climate Change Policy 2.0 is the main plan to include climate action in government and move the country towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Article 7 of the Paris Agreement requires countries to prepare for climate change and build resilience in key sectors of the economy.

(Feb 20): Jollibee Foods Corp, the Philippines’ largest restaurant operator, said it signed a definitive agreement to acquire a Korean hot pot brand for around US$87 million (RM339.92 million). A subsidiary will buy All Day Fresh Co Ltd, which is behind Seoul-based hot pot and eat-all-you-can chain Shabu All Day, Jollibee said in a statement on Friday. The purchase “reinforces the company’s commitment to its Chinese cuisine segment and franchising initiatives, while providing entry into the global hot pot category,” Jollibee said. It generates annual system-wide sales of US$285 million, Jollibee said. Private equity firm Elevation will retain its 30% stake in All Day Fresh and remain as a strategic partner, Jollibee said.

(Feb 20): India formally joined a US-led initiative to protect supply chains, including on critical minerals, in another sign that both sides are resetting ties after a turbulent year. “India joins Pax Silica, the coalition that will define the 21st century economic and technological order,” Gor said in remarks before the signing. The alliance aims to strengthen critical minerals supply chains and deepen cooperation on artificial intelligence. The signing comes days after Helberg said the US is discussing a critical minerals price floor system with allies and partners. Modi has invited Trump to visit India, Gor told reporters after the ceremony, though no date has yet been announced.

(Feb 20): The Trump administration is planning a new Peace Corps initiative that would send thousands of US science and math graduates abroad to boost foreign countries’ reliance on American technology and reduce global adoption of competing products from China, according to a US official. Called the Tech Corps, the programme would deploy as many as 5,000 American volunteers and advisers over the next five years to Peace Corps partner nations, the official said. Adding the tech initiative would mark a significant expansion of its mandate. The administration is now trying to jump start a previously announced effort, dubbed the American AI Exports Program, offering nations bundles of chips, servers, AI models, cloud services and networking. The Tech Corps aims to build on that plan by providing volunteers to countries that lack national AI strategies or operational capacity to adopt AI solutions.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang described the Madani government’s move to restore the dignity of the nation’s history by strengthening history education through the National Education Blueprint (RPN) as timely. “Feb 20, 1956, is more than just a date in the nation’s history. It marks the rise of a nation, uniting the hopes of its people and beginning the journey to true independence,” he said. Aaron said the National Unity Ministry set up the National Historians Council last year to pool expertise, preserve accurate historical narratives, and keep the nation’s history alive among the people. “History is the foundation of unity, and unity is the safeguard of the nation’s future.

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 20): MBSB Investment Bank Bhd maintained its full-year total industry volume (TIV) forecast at 788,000 units for 2026, implying a 4.0% decline from last year’s 821,000 units, which had grown 0.2% year-on-year (y-o-y). “This represents 8% of our full-year TIV forecast and is in line with expectations. Sales are expected to remain subdued this month due to a shorter working period,” the note added. Meanwhile, momentum is building in completely knocked-down battery electric vehicle assembly, with a growing number of investments expected among non-national marques this year. MBSB said the trend is supported by tax exemptions through end-2027, although it remains uncertain whether the relatively short window will sufficiently incentivise long-term local assembly plans.

BENGALURU (Feb 20): The Philippine peso fell to a one-week low on Friday on higher oil prices and cautious comments from the central bank governor, while South Korean and Singapore stocks hit record highs. The peso was still up 0.4% for the week, set to snap a four-week losing streak. Analysts also pointed out that the rise in oil prices could impact Asian currencies, especially the peso, as most economies in the region are net oil importers. Singapore stocks rose as much as 0.5% to hit a record high as well. Thailand stocks shed 1%, but were set to rise 3.4% this week, its sixth consecutive week of gains.

: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee have risen to No. PETALING JAYA: Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee may well be Malaysia’s next big hope in women’s doubles, but the 19-year-olds must stay patient as they work their way towards the world elite. “From the junior level, they (Carmen-Xing Yee) are now competing against stronger and more experienced players. Rosman added that the success enjoyed by Pearly-Thinaah has made it easier for him to guide Carmen-Xin Yee, as the formula for success has already proven effective. Carmen-Xin Yee will next make their debut in the All-England from March 3-8 in Birmingham.

PETALING JAYA: Former national squash player Low Wee Wern may have been away from her hometown in Penang during Chinese New Year, but her players in the Philippines made sure she felt right at home. Wee Wern, who will mark two years as head coach of the Philippines national team next month, was touched when her players surprised her with a makeshift lion dance using their jerseys at the National Squash Centre in Manila. It is gestures like these that have strengthened her resolve to make her mark abroad.

KOTA KINABALU: Three places in rural Sabah have been declared disaster zones following floods that hit the areas early Friday (Feb 20). The affected areas are Kota Marudu, Pitas and Paitan, reported the Civil Defence Force. As of 9am, assessments for evacuation are still being carried out with preparations to rescue badly affected victims ongoing, especially in Kota Marudu and Pitas. Flooding and cases of fallen trees have also been reported in Sandakan.