King and Queen extend Chinese New Year greetings
KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, have extended their Chinese New Year greetings to Malaysians celebrating the festival. Through a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page today, His Majesty expressed his hope that the Chinese New Year celebrations would be observed in an atmosphere of joy, harmony, and a spirit of unity. "May this Chinese New Year celebration also bring continued happiness, well-being, and prosperity to our beloved country,” His Majesty decreed. According to the lunar calendar, the Chinese New Year celebrated tomorrow marks the Year of the Horse, symbolising energy, resilience, and success.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 14:19 UTC
Taiwan TV host Dee Hsu returning to work a year after sister Barbie Hsu’s death
Taiwanese TV host Dee Hsu is returning to her talk show, Dee Girls Talk (2022 to present), after almost a year away. The 47-year-old stepped away from work after her elder sister, actress Barbie Hsu, died at the age of 48 in February 2025 from pneumonia during a family trip to Japan. Dee Hsu, better known as Little S, took to social media on Feb 13 to announce her return to work, uploading a photo of herself back in the studio. Hsu and Liu won Best Host in a Variety Show for Dee Girls Talk at Taiwan’s Golden Bell Awards in October 2025. “The three months mentioned by Little S refer to the recording time for a ‘special project’ we tailored specifically for her,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 13:54 UTC
ATM sets 18-month cap for high-risk posts in integrity drive
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 16): The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will enforce a maximum 18-month period for officers holding high-risk posts as part of a broader reform anchored on three core values to strengthen integrity, governance and operational readiness. Chief of Defence Force Gen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman said the cap applies to positions exposed to higher risks, including procurement-related roles, to prevent conflicts of interest and abuse of power. Malek Razak said the policy is part of a comprehensive realignment of leadership and governance to address weaknesses and restore public confidence in the ATM. On asset declarations, Malek Razak said the requirement covers all levels of command and officers handling financial management, with updates aligned to current positions and Inspectorate guidelines. Earlier in his address, Malek Razak said the new strategic direction of the ATM will be guided by Akhlak Teras (Moral Compass), Tatakelola Tuntas (Good Governance) and Martabat Tempur (Combat Credibility).
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 12:49 UTC
Billionaire Cheng’s units agree settlement with HK regulator
Two units of Chow Tai Fook Group, which is owned by the family of billionaire Henry Cheng, reached the settlement, according to a statement from the Securities and Futures Commission. The regulator found that Chow Tai Fook Nominee Ltd and its concert parties failed to make a mandatory general offer at HK$3.60 a share in 2016, when their combined stake in the clothing retailer surpassed 30%. That settlement would mark the largest payout tied to breaches of the Hong Kong Takeover Code, which governs takeovers, mergers and share buy-backs in the city. Under the settlement agreement, Clear Prosper and Sino Wealth International Ltd, another Chow Tai Fook entity, have agreed to make cash payments to compensate independent shareholders who held Giordano shares at the time of the rule breaches. The SFC said the settlement is in the public interest and underscored the need to comply with takeover rules.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 12:23 UTC
Kak Noor unfazed by bumpy growths on her skin
Compiled by DIVYA THERESA and C.ARUNOSMALL, bumpy growths began appearing on her skin in early adulthood, yet Wan Noor Azaziah Wan Aziz never let that stop her from stepping out, Metro Ahad reported. I enjoy going out, especially to religious events, even with my face like this,” said the 40-year-old, who is known as Kak Noor. Kak Noor said that with her spiritual belief she was able to endure any test. > The daily also reported that Norhafaiza Taib, 48, mistook blurred vision during a boat ride for motion sickness and awoke the next morning to darkness. “I took motion sickness medication and slept on the boat.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 11:32 UTC
Goldman says gilts to look past political risk in strong 2026
That 40-basis-point drop is based on disinflation leading to BOE action, outweighing any nerves caused by political risks, he argued. While the “UK risk premium and political uncertainty will likely remain elevated through upcoming local elections, we think the favourable macro backdrop will drive gilt yields lower,” Cole said in a note to clients. Ongoing political uncertainty ahead of local elections in May, where Starmer’s Labour party is forecast to do badly, is likely to keep this risk premium elevated, Cole said. Political risk is also tempered by tight fiscal constraints on the British government, which Cole said “ultimately limits the degree of policy volatility” in a potential change of administration. That leaves gilts being helped by reduced macro uncertainty and further disinflation, an outlook leading money markets to price nearly two BOE rate cuts in 2026.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 11:18 UTC
Kremlin says main Ukraine issues will be discussed in Geneva talks, including territory
MOSCOW (Feb 16): The Kremlin said on Monday that what it called the "main issues", including sensitive questions of territory, would be discussed in peace talks on Ukraine due to be held in Geneva this week. The Kremlin confirmed that the Russian delegation would be led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "This time, the idea is to discuss a broader range of issues, including, in fact, the main ones. The main issues concern both the territories and everything else related to the demands we have put forward," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. US President Donald Trump has said he is keen to broker an end to a conflict he has called a senseless "bloodbath", though Russia and Ukraine remain far apart on key issues including territory, who controls the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the role of any Western troops in post-war Ukraine.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 11:08 UTC
Rain, thunderstorms forecast for first day of CNY
KUALA LUMPUR: Thunderstorms and rain are forecast for most states in Peninsular Malaysia, the east coast of Sabah and several areas in Sarawak on the first day of the Chinese New Year, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Based on checks on MetMalaysia’s official website, thunderstorms are forecast in most coastal areas of Perak on Tuesday (Feb 17) morning, while rain is expected across the inland areas of Johor. "Rain is also forecast in several areas in Terengganu, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Kelantan and Selangor. In the afternoon, thunderstorms are forecast in Perak, inland Kedah and most areas in Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negri Sembilan, Melaka and Perlis. Thunderstorms are forecast over the inland and west coast areas of Sabah, including Tawau and Sandakan, while Kudat is expected to experience rain.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 10:53 UTC
An ink-credible stroke of luck
Wong took the opportunity to dabble in calligraphy again after her three children grew up, leaving her with time to spare. Now aged 68, she has since produced hundreds of calligraphy pieces, even helping to create them for auctions to raise funds for Chinese school projects, charities and for NGOs. Wong said one of her calligraphy pieces was auctioned off for almost RM30,000 in aid of a Chinese society two years ago, with a lawyer purchasing it. Wong, who is the Johor Calligraphy Society treasurer, said she owed her ability in calligraphy to a primary school teacher who encouraged her. She said Chinese New Year was one of the busiest periods for calligraphers as they were highly sought after for calligraphy pieces for the opening of businesses, weddings and birthdays.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 10:26 UTC
MetMalaysia:Thunderstorm warning across Malaysia until 6pm
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds over 12 states as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, effective until 6pm on Monday (Feb 16). MetMalaysia, in a statement, said the severe warning is expected to affect several districts in Kedah (Kuala Muda, Baling, Kulim dan Bandar Baharu), Pulau Pinang (Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah dan Seberang Perai Selatan) and Perak (Kerian, Larut, Matang Dan Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta dan Kampar). Over in the east coast, alerts were also issued for Kelantan (Gua Musang), Terengganu (Hulu Terengganu, Dungun dan Kemaman). Over in East Malaysia, affected areas include Sarawak (Limbang) Sabah interior of Nabawan dan Keningau, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Kudat (Pitas). A thunderstorm warning is a short-term warning that is valid for a period not exceeding six hours for any single release.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 10:21 UTC
Commanding officers must declare assets, says Armed Forces chief
KUALA LUMPUR: Officers in commanding positions and key personnel dealing with finances must comply with asset declaration requirements, says Armed Forces chief Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman (pic). Speaking at a press conference at the Sungai Besi Camp after his first official address to the troops, Jen Malek Razak noted that these regulations are not new and have been in practice previously. “This is for all levels of command and key personnel dealing with finances. Jen Malek Razak also announced that officers serving in high-risk areas, including those in acquisitions, will have their postings reviewed after 18 months. Addressing disciplinary and moral issues, the Armed Forces chief said the religious corps (Kagat) will now report directly to him to strengthen ethical conduct.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 10:20 UTC
'Datuk' businessman charged in RM20mil cheating case
KOTA KINABALU: A businessman who lobbied to be a candidate in last year's state election has been charged with seven counts of cheating a 75-year-old man of about RM20mil over shares in a real estate company. Datuk Chee Chi Vun, 52, pleaded not guilty on Monday (Feb 16) before Sessions judge Zaini Fishir @ Faisal after being charged under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating, read together with Section 34 for a criminal act committed jointly with a common intention. Judge Zaini granted Chee bail of RM3mil, with RM1.5mil to be deposited under two local sureties, and fixed April 6 for case management. The offences were allegedly committed in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang between April 25 and Aug 30, 2022. Chee was briefly in the spotlight when he lobbied to be Sabah PKR’s candidate for the Api Api state seat in the Nov 29 election, but was not selected.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 09:55 UTC
Miss Jamaica shares update from hospital 3 months after shocking stage fall
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry gave fans an update Friday (Feb 13) on her recovery, nearly three months after her devastating fall at the Miss Universe pageant. In November, the beauty queen was carried off on a stretcher after falling off the stage during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown competition. After the fall, the Miss Universe Organization confirmed that Henry had been hospitalised for several injuries including a fracture and an intracranial hemorrhage. On Friday, Henry took to Instagram to share how she’s progressing, saying the season has “redefined restoration and renewal” for her. “From neurosurgeons and neurologists to nurses and physiotherapists, in Thailand and in Jamaica, each has played a vital role,” she wrote.
Source:The Star
February 16, 2026 09:52 UTC
Laopu Gold, CMOC shares jump on addition to Hang Seng Index
(Feb 16): Shares of Chinese jeweller Laopu Gold Co and miner CMOC Group Ltd rallied in Hong Kong after Hang Seng Indexes Co added the stocks to the city’s equity benchmark gauge following a quarterly review. The changes, effective March 9, will bring the number of members on the Hang Seng Index to 90 from 88, according to a statement. The Hang Seng Index was little changed on Monday before financial markets close for a three-day Lunar New Year holiday. Changes were also announced for the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and the Hang Seng Composite Index. Looking at previous patterns following the reshuffle, “HSI additions outperformed early but gave back gains into the announcement,” they added.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 09:47 UTC
Alibaba unveils major AI model upgrade ahead of DeepSeek release
(Feb 16): Alibaba Group Holding Ltd unveiled a major upgrade of its flagship AI model, accelerating a race with a panoply of startups and sectoral leaders aiming to get in ahead of Chinese sensation DeepSeek’s next big platform. Alibaba has been among the most aggressive investors in and advocates for AI since DeepSeek reinvigorated the local tech industry. It rolled out last month its latest reasoning model, Qwen3-Max-Thinking, aiming for performance gains in areas like complex reasoning and autonomous agent capabilities. Beyond fundamental technological advancement, Alibaba is also locked in a costly subsidy war in AI with rivals including Tencent Holdings Ltd and Baidu Inc. Its 100 million users can now order bubble tea and book travel via agents within the app.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 16, 2026 09:32 UTC