Topic: Malaysia

Change Agent
How renewable energy is rescuing US schools from budget cuts

Educators across the country are finding millions of dollars in savings through cheap and simple forms of renewable energy. Since 2003, one school district has cut more than $7 million in energy costs. That equates to 45 teaching positions.

Are moves to add jobs to US factory floors a harbinger, or outliers?

Apple, Lenovo, LG Chem, and now Daimler AG have all recently said they plan to add manufacturing jobs in the US. President Obama hopes it's a sign of the times, but economists say it's, at best, a nascent trend.

Kate Middleton pregnant: Where is the child in the line of succession?

Kate Middleton pregnant: Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge could have a boy or girl, but it won't change the line of succession. The Royal Family is "delighted' that Kate Middleton is pregnant.

Could China overtake US as global trader?

A special report by the Associated Press examines China's influence with its trading partners over three decades, and how business, politics, and daily life are changing with China's rise as a global player.

China's passport propaganda baffles experts

China is issuing passports with a map of the disputed South China Sea labeled as part of China.

What happened while Obama was in Asia? (+video)

President Obama's whirlwind Asia trip saw some surface compromise on disputed territorial issues, and the set up of a new Asian trade bloc.

Obama visit to Cambodia overshadowed by row over South China Sea

Disputes at the summit illustrate the difficulty of forging a Southeast Asian consensus over dealing with an increasingly assertive China.

Obama and Myanmar (Burma): 4 points about conflict there

A long-simmering ethnic conflict in Myanmar (Burma) recently broke into American newspapers: At least 89 people have been killed and more than 35,000 displaced in what is being described (not entirely accurately) as Buddhist-Muslim violence. With President Obama as the first US head of state to visit this country, there are four points to bear in mind about this detour from Myanmar’s road to a more open society:

The New Economy
Nutella tax: Is France taking austerity too far?

Nutella tax is aimed at reducing unhealthy ingredients in French food. But by taking on a French favorite, the Nutella tax is spurring a backlash.

Gas-to-liquids is a risky investment

Latin America Monitor
Cuban waters come up dry on oil

International oil companies have been searching for crude off the coast of Cuba for the past few years, but all came up short. In hindsight, did the drilling program make sense?

Energy Voices
Study: Canadians wary of Chinese oil deal

A survey of Canadian adults found that most reacted negatively to foreign control of their natural resources, according to OilPrice.com. Canadians are "not particularly supportive" of a proposed deal with the China National Offshore Oil Corp.

Burma just opened up after 50 years. But where are all the tourists?

As Myanmar comes out of five decades of Army-imposed hibernation, it is finding the tourist game a tough one to play.

Chapter & Verse
Booker Prize nominee Tan Twan Eng talks about his novel 'The Garden of Evening Mists'

Malaysian writer Tan Twan Eng: how to write historical novels that are also timeless.

Felix Baumgartner breaks the sound barrier. Sponsored by Red Bull. (+video)

Felix Baumgartner broke the sound barrier and the record for highest skydive Sunday when he leapt into the stratosphere from a balloon near the edge of space. Felix Baumgartner has made a career of risky jumps, including skydiving across the English Channel and parachuting off the Petronas Towers.

Bufori cars: What makes the Malaysian luxury auto so special?

Bufori cars have emerged as one of the most sought-after luxury items among Asia's ultra-rich. 

The Monitor's View: What Pakistan can do after Taliban shooting of schoolgirl Malala

The Taliban shooting of Malala Yousafzai, a famous 14-year-old girl activist, should spark Pakistanis to not only end the Taliban but to emulate Muslim societies that elevate the status of women in Islam.

High hopes for Philippines peace deal with Muslim rebels

Both the government and Muslim leaders trumpeted the deal, but doubts remain over whether powerful Muslim clan leaders will be willing to lay down their arms as promised.

Peace seems close for Philippines and rebel Muslims

A peace agreement, to be signed later this month, will give the Muslim minority in the Philippines an autonomous region in the south. The agreement is significant after 40 years of conflict, and 15 years of periodic negotiations with Muslim rebels.

Energy Voices
The impact of declining oil exports

Each year a dwindling global pool of exports has been generating ever greater competition among importing nations and has become a largely unheralded force behind record high oil prices, Cobb writes.

Complex web of interests drives US bid for calm on South China Sea

The US has increasingly urged China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines to keep calm in a region where maritime clashes have become a nearly daily threat since April.

In Pakistan, 'Love for the Prophet Day" demonstrations turn deadly

Tens of thousands of Muslims turned out across Pakistan Friday to protest an anti-Islamic film and vulgar cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad. 

Kate Middleton photos: Reminder of long reach of the public eye (+video)

Topless Kate Middleton photos in a French gossip magazine – less than a month after Prince Harry's nude Las Vegas photos went viral on the web – rip the relative decorum that had surrounded the royal couple.

Australia plans to deport asylum seekers to Pacific islands

Australia's government announced a plan to deter refugee boats from reaching its shores as it hopes to reopen refugee detention centers in the Pacific islands nations of Nauru and Papua New Guinea. 964 asylum seekers had died since 2001 while making the dangerous sea journey to Australia.

US Agent Orange cleanup in Vietnam indicative of stronger ties

The joint, $43 million project also comes as the US is looking to increase its presence in the Asia Pacific region.