China’s ByteDance releases Doubao 2.0 AI model for agent era
BEIJING (Feb 14): China's ByteDance has rolled out its Doubao 2.0 model, an upgrade of the country's most widely used artificial intelligence (AI) app, the company said on Saturday. The release of Doubao 2.0, ahead of a highly anticipated new DeepSeek model, is likely aimed at preventing such a scenario from repeating itself. A video-generation AI model that ByteDance released on Thursday, Seedance 2.0, has already drawn comparisons with DeepSeek's success last year after going viral on Chinese social media and drawing praise overseas on platforms like X, including from its owner Elon Musk. Doubao 2.0 is positioned for the "agent era", where AI models are expected to execute complex real-world tasks rather than only answer questions, ByteDance said in a statement. But Doubao 2.0's release could help ByteDance fend off recent pressure from domestic competitors.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 14, 2026 09:42 UTC
PM Anwar announces further RM20mil allocation for Chinese secondary schools
IPOH: A further RM20mil has been announced for secondary Chinese national-type schools (SMJKC). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation would be in addition to the RM80mil he announced in January for the maintenance and repair of schools. "In conjunction with Chinese New Year, I want to take this opportunity to announce that all Chinese schools will get more allocation. Anwar had last month announced RM80mil, an increase from RM50mil in 2025 as a "timely relief" for infrastructure needs. Also present were Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 09:38 UTC
Banks race to capture growing affluent market
IT is becoming increasingly clear that wealth management – from priority banking to private banking – is rapidly becoming a key growth engine for banks. This spans the mass affluent, emerging high-net-worth and ultra-wealthy segments, as lenders race to capture a larger share of clients’ financial lives.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 09:37 UTC
PAS open to accepting former Bersatu members, says Takiyuddin
KOTA BHARU: PAS is open to accepting anyone, including former leaders and members of Bersatu who wish to join the party, subject to established procedures and approval by the central leadership. PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said any application to join the party must go through the standard process and requires approval from the PAS central committee. “Generally, we accept anyone who wishes to become a PAS member, and it is subject to the approval of the PAS central committee. Takiyuddin added that individuals expelled from Bersatu still have the right to submit appeals in accordance with that party’s constitution. Asked whether the internal crisis within Bersatu would affect the stability of Perikatan Nasional, Takiyuddin acknowledged that it would have an impact.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 09:33 UTC
![Para-shuttler Liek Hou overtakes Nicol with record ninth world title [WATCH]](https://www.newssummedup.com/images/no_photo.png)
Para-shuttler Liek Hou overtakes Nicol with record ninth world title [WATCH]
Cheah Liek Hou wins the SU5 men’s singles event at the Para World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, on Saturday. - BERNAMA PICKUALA LUMPUR: Para-badminton star Cheah Liek Hou has become Malaysia's most successful individual athlete after clinching his ninth world title in Bahrain today, surpassing the record held by squash legend Datuk Nicol David. 1 dominated Taiwan's Fang Jen Yu 21-6, 21-11 in the Para World Championships men's singles SU5 final at the Isa Sports City in Manama. The victory extends Liek Hou's flawless head-to-head record against world No. Liek Hou returns to the court later today for the SU5 men's doubles final alongside partner Faris Ahmad Azri.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 09:29 UTC
Thunderstorms expected across seven states until 6pm
KUALA LUMPUR: Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds are expected to hit seven states until 6pm Saturday (Feb 14), according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). In a warning issued at 2.30pm, MetMalaysia said affected areas include Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah, and Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang. In Perak, the districts at risk are Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak and Batang Padang. Over in Pahang, the forecast covers Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan and Rompin, while in Selangor, the affected areas are Klang, Petaling, and Kuala Langat, while in Johor, Pontian, Kulai, and Johor Bahru are under alert. In Sabah, the warning covers the Interior (Nabawan and Tambunan), the West Coast (Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu and Ranau), Tawau, and Sandakan (Tongod, Telupid, Kinabatangan and Sandakan).
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 09:24 UTC
Tough to stretch the ringgit
PETALING JAYA: When V. Nandini landed her first job as a copywriter about a decade ago, she was over the moon. And after deducting grocery, rental and other expenses, I would still have some balance left for savings,” she said. Nandini, who is now 34 and earns substantially more, said that despite the better wages, the cost of living is a challenge. “A month of groceries used to cost only about RM150 but now I’m paying double for the exact same items. ALSO READ: Inflation erodes real income gains despite wage hikesNandini’s situation is a typical case faced by many people.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 09:10 UTC
PSG stunned by rampant Rennes, giving Lens chance to move top
Second-placed Lens can now leapfrog the champions and retake top spot on Saturday if they beat Paris FC in the capital. PSG started brightly, with Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue carving openings to no avail. Substitute Rennes striker Breel Embolo thumped in the third, decisive Rennes goal with nine minutes left to secure a famous win and lift them to fifth in the table. We have to play for Paris-Saint-Germain to win matches, because if we play alone on the pitch, it won't go well, we won't win the titles we want." The former Dortmund and Barcelona man praised Rennes, the club where he came to prominence a decade ago.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 07:53 UTC
Shorter game, big edge
Nova said the shorter format may suit European players, who could adapt more quickly thanks to their playing style and practice routines. I have trained with them several times and in my opinion, they could gain the most from the 15-point system,” said Nova. Nova believes his charges, including Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei and Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Hui, are also capable of adapting well. If international tournaments do adopt the 15x3 format, Nova is already preparing to incorporate it into their daily training sessions. In line with her coach, Ee Wei is ready to accept any changes and will try to adapt if the 15-point system is introduced.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 07:51 UTC
Shaidorov's triumph marks historic gold for Kazakhstan
Gold medallist Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan celebrates with his national flag after winning the Men Single Skating. Shaidorov's Olympic gold carries a profound emotional weight for Kazakhstan, not only as the country's first of these Games, but only the second ever in Olympic figure skating for the nation of about 20 million people. Denis Ten was the country's trailblazer in figure skating, winning Olympic bronze in 2014, but he was stabbed to death by two robbers in 2018 in a parking lot in Almaty. It was a loss that devastated the skating world and left a void in Kazakhstan's sporting identity. "I think Denis Ten influenced not just me but all figure skaters in Kazakhstan," Shaidorov said.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 07:49 UTC
Japan take silver and bronze in bittersweet night for Kagiyama
Kagiyama earned silver while teammate Shun Sato took bronze at the Milano Cortina Games after a cascade of mistakes upended the expected order and left pre-event favourite Ilia Malinin tumbling down the leaderboard. Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov delivered the day's biggest shock, seizing the Olympic title after producing the cleanest and most composed free skate of the final fight. Kagiyama, who also took silver at the Beijing Olympics, said performing at the Olympics was special but it also came with particular pressures. I really wish I could have put on a better performance, especially in a place like Milan," Kagiyama said. While Kagiyama expected to walk away with a medal in Milan, finishing on the podium was a shock for his teammate Sato.
Source:New Strait Times
February 14, 2026 07:47 UTC
Two burnt to death in Kuantan car crash involving a luxury vehicle
KUANTAN: Two people were killed after the car they were travelling in collided with a luxury sports utility vehicle and burst into flames along Jalan Industri near a petrol station in Taman Tualang Indah here early Saturday. Pahang Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Zulfadli Zakaria said the victims, a man and a woman, were found burnt to death inside the car that was completely destroyed by fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found that the crash involved two vehicles, one of which was engulfed in flames. "The car was totally destroyed by the fire, resulting in two occupants being found burnt inside the vehicle," he said. After the fire was fully contained, rescue personnel used hydraulic equipment to cut through the wreckage to extricate the bodies.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 07:45 UTC
TNB advises public to use electricity wisely amidst hot weather and festive season
KUALA LUMPUR: The public is advised to use electricity prudently amidst the ongoing hot weather and ahead of the festive season, when energy consumption is expected to rise. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said electricity usage typically increases during hot weather, particularly due to longer operating hours for electrical appliances such as air conditioners and fans. "The combined factors of the hot weather and festive season may lead to increased electricity bills, and potentially safety risks if precautions are not followed,” TNB said. Electrical safety tips:- Switch off the main power supply when leaving home and unplug unused electrical appliances. - Ensure electrical appliances are not exposed to direct sunlight, excessive heat or flammable materials such as curtains and paper.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 07:44 UTC
_ZHD-3_20251229181226_theedgemalaysia_2.jpg)
Thunderstorms expected across Selangor, six other states until 6pm
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 14): Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds are expected to hit across seven states until 6pm on Saturday, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). In a warning issued at 2.30pm, MetMalaysia said affected areas include Baling, Kulim, and Bandar Baharu in Kedah, and Seberang Perai Selatan in Penang. In Perak, the districts at risk are Kerian, Larut, Matang and Selama, Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Manjung, Kinta, Perak Tengah, Kampar, Bagan Datuk, Hilir Perak and Batang Padang. Over in Pahang, the forecast covers Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Kuantan and Rompin, while in Selangor, the affected areas are Klang, Petaling, and Kuala Langat, while in Johor, Pontian, Kulai, and Johor Bahru are under alert. In Sabah, the warning covers the interior (Nabawan and Tambunan), the West Coast (Papar, Putatan, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu and Ranau), Tawau, and Sandakan (Tongod, Telupid, Kinabatangan and Sandakan).
Source:The Edge Markets
February 14, 2026 07:36 UTC
Bersatu members 'strictly warned' not to join meetings, gatherings by expelled members
PETALING JAYA: All Bersatu members are strictly warned not to participate in any form of meetings or gatherings organised by those expelled by the Disciplinary Board. Such a directive was said in a circular issued by Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Azmin Ali on Friday (Feb 13), following the expulsion of several party leaders, including deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. “It must be remembered that it is an offence for any party member to collude with individuals or groups acting against the party constitution, or to utter abusive words that tarnish the good name and dignity of the party. “Therefore, all Bersatu members are strictly warned not to participate in any form of meetings or gatherings organised by those expelled by the Disciplinary Board. Clause 9.1.4 further emphasises that every member must comply with the party constitution as well as the Code of Ethics and Conduct,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 14, 2026 07:25 UTC