From tax relief in Malaysia to AI-powered smart cities in Asia and SoftBank’s big Intel gamble, here are today’s top AGN headlines.

Malaysia

• PM Anwar Ibrahim confirms 1,826 goods exempted under SST, compared with 607 under GST.
  
• Goods include food, medicines, construction materials, and basic utilities.
  
• Umno objects to Tengku Zafrul’s move to PKR; Anwar to consult PKR leadership.
  
• Over RM9.35 billion in tax refunds issued to more than three million taxpayers as of June 2025.
  

International

• SoftBank invests US$2b in Intel, paying US$23 per share.
  
• Trump administration considering a 10% US stake in Intel.
  
• Analysts suggest this is part of a larger push in the semiconductor war against Asia’s TSMC and Samsung.
  

Asia

• Hong Kong and Shenzhen lead in smart city AI adoption.
  
• AI used in transport, healthcare, retail, and government services.
  
• Malaysia beginning AI adoption but still far behind regional peers.
  
• Experts say AI will amplify—not replace—jobs, stressing education and upskilling.
  

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