China AI startup Moonshot targets US$10 bil valuation — Bloomberg
Existing backers including Alibaba, Tencent and 5Y Capital have already committed more than US$700 million to the first tranche of the latest round, according to the people, who asked not to be named discussing private information. Representatives of Moonshot, Alibaba and 5Y didn’t respond to requests seeking comment. Beijing-based Moonshot last month released its Kimi K2.5, leading a wave of major Chinese AI model upgrades ahead of the crucial weeklong Lunar New Year holiday. Talks around the financing are progressing and it’s not certain if Moonshot can hit its target valuation, the people said. Moonshot was founded by former Tsinghua University professor Yang Zhilin, who had earlier stints working on AI projects at Meta Platforms Inc and Google.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 07:15 UTC
Slow moving traffic reported on major expressways nationwide as of noon Tuesday
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 17): Traffic flow on several major highways nationwide was reported to be slow as of noon on Tuesday, following an increase in vehicle volume and rainy weather in many locations. A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) said that on the North-South Highway (PLUS) E2, traffic was slow northbound at Pasir Gudang to Setia Tropika, Kulai to Sedenak, Simpang Ampat Intersection to Hentian Sebelah Pedas Linggi, Pedas Linggi to Senawang and Senawang to Seremban. For PLUS E2 southbound, traffic was slow at Bangi to Southville, Putra Mahkota to R&R Seremban, Seremban to Pedas Linggi, Machap to Simpang Renggam, and Setia Tropika to Dato Onn. A total of 32 smart lanes were activated along the PLUS Highway on Tuesday to ensure traffic remains smooth. The public can get the latest traffic information via 1-800-88-7752 for 24 hours from Feb 13 to Feb 22, as well as via the X website @plustrafik and @llmtrafik.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 06:25 UTC
Canada announces new chief trade negotiator to the United States
TORONTO, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday the appointment of public servant Janice Charette as the next chief trade negotiator to the United States. Canada sends about 70% of its exports to the United States. CUSMA, also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a continental trade pact that has shielded much of Canada's exports from U.S. tariffs. "As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States.”Charette has twice served as clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet, according to the statement. The clerk of the Privy Council is the head of the civil service in Canada.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 04:59 UTC
Focus on unity, not Azam Baki issue, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim deflected questions about Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s call for the removal of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki over allegations related to his shareholdings. Earlier in his speech, Anwar expressed hope that the Year of the Horse would bring economic growth and development for the people and the country. In his speech, Rafizi urged coalition partners to take a clear stand on the issue, saying that their position could influence public opinion. He also said they would return to the streets if an independent and transparent investigation into the issue was not carried out. On Saturday (Feb 14), Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar said a special committee led by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar had begun a probe into the matter.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:49 UTC
Activist Elliott builds over 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, WSJ reports
BENGALURU (Feb 16): Activist investor Elliott has built a more than 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line and plans to push for changes within the cruise operator, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter. Norwegian Cruise Line did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Last week, Norwegian Cruise appointed former Subway Restaurants CEO John Chidsey as its new boss, replacing Harry Sommer. Rival Royal Caribbean, however, in its outlook released last month projected strong demand, as affluent customers continue to favour sea-based vacations. Elliott has privately approached Adam Goldstein, the former president and COO of Royal Caribbean, as a potential nominee for a board seat at Norwegian Cruise, the WSJ reported on Monday.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 03:40 UTC
Anwar joins MCA’s Chinese New Year 2026 open house
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the MCA Chinese New Year 2026 reception at the party headquarters on Tuesday (Feb 17). The Prime Minister, who arrived at 9.30am in a red batik shirt, was welcomed by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Han Soon, secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon and other senior party leaders. Also present at the open house were Deputy Prime Minister and Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, former prime minister and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and former MCA president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan. Others in attendance included National Unity Deputy Minister R. Yuneswaran, MIC vice-president Datuk T. Murugiah, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, former deputy international trade and industry minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujin. Guests were treated to a lion dance performance at the entrance of the party headquarters.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:36 UTC
Australian gas producer Santos wins court fight over net zero claims
SYDNEY (Feb 17): An Australian court on Tuesday threw out a lawsuit against gas producer Santos that alleged the company misled the public on its plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions. The ACCR alleged Santos breached Australia’s corporations and consumer laws by engaging in misleading or deceptive behaviour when it said it had a clear pathway to reduce emissions by 26%-30% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2040. The group also challenged Santos' claims that it was a producer of "clean energy", that natural gas was a "clean fuel" and that hydrogen it produced from natural gas through carbon capture and storage (CCS) was "clean" with "zero emissions". But Federal Court of Australia judge Brigitte Markovic dismissed the case, with her reasons to be published on Feb 23. "This was a landmark case that paved the way for others around the world to challenge corporate net zero claims in court," she said in a statement.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 17, 2026 03:20 UTC
Anwar joins festive Chinese New Year gathering at KLSCAH
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended a Chinese New Year gathering at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (KLSCAH). He was greeted by the rhythmic beat of Chinese drums and a vibrant lion dance performance at the building’s entrance, setting a festive tone for the celebration. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:12 UTC
Seal dilutes stake in Mutiara unit
PETALING JAYA: Seal Incorporated Bhd , its wholly owned unit, Daiman Majumas Sdn Bhd and its 80% owned Mutiara Waterfront Habitats Sdn Bhd (MWHSB) has entered into a conditional subscription cum shareholders agreement with Biopolis Group Sdn Bhd and Titanium Greenview Sdn Bhd (TGSB). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Seal noted the deal sees Daiman buys 20% stake in MWHSB from Biopois, which will see Seal’s equity interest in MWHSB reduced to 17.66%. TGSB will then subscribe to 9.3 million new MWHSB for RM9.3mil and hold a 82.34% stake. MWHSB is undertaking land reclamation work in Penang and the deal sees TGSB funding such future works. Seal said the deal realigned with its strategic direction to improve business resilience and generate more consistent revenue and profits.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:03 UTC
Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse with speed and preparedness
Unlike gentler years that allow time for reflection and gradual growth, the Fire Horse brings speed, visibility and pressure. Testing resilienceIn classical Chinese metaphysical texts, Fire Horse cycles are often associated with periods of heightened intensity, says Chan. In this sense, the Fire Horse year does not punish randomly; it rewards foresight. The Fire Horse year does not reward burnout; it rewards alignment between effort, energy and direction. Ultimately, the Year of the Fire Horse does not reward comfort or waiting.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 03:02 UTC
Thunderstorm warning in several states until noon today
KUALA LUMPUR: Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to hit several states until noon today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). In a weather warning issued at 9am on Tuesday (Feb 17), MetMalaysia announced that among the states affected is Perak, namely in Manjung, Perak Tengah, Bagan Datuk and Hilir Perak. On the east coast, the affected areas include Hulu Terengganu, Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, Temerloh, Maran, Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and Rompin in Pahang; and Gua Musang in Kelantan. Similar weather is also expected in Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Klang and Kuala Langat in Selangor; Jelebu, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Jempol and Tampin in Negeri Sembilan, and the entire state of Melaka. In Johor, the areas predicted to be affected are Tangkak, Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat, Mersing and Pontian.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:54 UTC
‘Democratising’ private credit at your own peril
However, not long after Trump set the Department of Labour and Securities and Exchange Commission to work “democratising” private credit, some significant red flags began to appear. Both corporate failures spawned allegations of fraud, causing observers to question whether more massive losses might hit private credit firms before long. However, multiple firms with sizeable private credit operations, including Apollo Global Management, Ares Management and Blackstone, have also seen their share prices decline in 2026, with private credit exposure one of multiple potential catalysts. Private credit in its present form originated in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, as regulators tightened rules on bank lending. Importantly, that timeline means the private credit market has not yet been tested by a deep, prolonged economic downturn, raising concerns about what will happen when it does.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:49 UTC
Tradition bends to busy calendars
For Cian, 23, a manager who prefers to be known by her nickname, reunion lunch has long been part of the family dynamic. “Every year, we have both a reunion lunch and dinner. “It’s mainly because of family schedules and everyone understands if some relatives are unable to attend, so it’s okay for us. However, he does not see reunion lunch becoming a permanent fixture. “We aim for it if we can, but sometimes we end up having dinner at 8pm because restaurants are fully booked,” he added.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:21 UTC
Bersatu turmoil deepens as divisions seek dissolution
PETALING JAYA: Turmoil continues to reign within Bersatu, with more divisions and associate wings announcing plans to dissolve following the expulsion of deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. While the Lembah Pantai and Larut divisions have immediately dissolved, the Kepala Batas division has also agreed to dissolve. Division chief Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq said the division’s committee felt the party had strayed from its original struggle and objectives. “The Kepala Batas division committee will be dissolved. In a letter dated Jan 29, several Labuan division pro-tem committee members announced their resignations because their appointments had yet to be formally recognised.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:20 UTC
‘Give us foreign workers fast’
PETALING JAYA: Indian restaurant operators who are facing serious worker shortage are urging the government to approve the foreign workers replacement quota soon, especially to replace workers who have already returned home. He added that 2022 was the last time approvals were granted to hire new foreign workers for Indian restaurants. “The current applications process for new foreign workers started very late, but the deadline to submit was too early. Another Indian restaurant operator in Petaling Jaya, who wants to be known as Rajes, said she has been facing problems getting new and replacement foreign workers despite having prepared all the paperwork to be submitted to the Foreign Workers Management One-Stop Centre. “The quota for new workers and replacement workers has not been opened due to the heavy restrictions and bureaucracy,” she said, adding that currently she needs 20 foreign workers for her restaurant, as she also does catering.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 02:18 UTC