ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 18 January 2026
From Trump’s Board of Peace, Malaysia’s Q4 GDP, an urge for diplomacy, global risks and China’s trade surplus, this week highlights peace, economic success and diplomacy.
Here’s what’s making headlines:
1. White House Announces Board of Peace Members
The Trump administration has invited world leaders to join a "Board of Peace," a U.S.-led initiative aimed at overseeing Gaza’s transitional governance and resolving future global conflicts. Chaired by Donald Trump, the board includes figures like Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair. While supporters view the panel as a "bold new approach" to stability, critics argue its structure resembles a colonial system and lacks Palestinian representation. Additionally, Israel has expressed concerns over the board’s composition, specifically regarding Turkish involvement. Despite a fragile ceasefire, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire amid ongoing reports of violations.
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07xv92vrz2o
2. Malaysia’s Q4 GDP growth projected at 5.7%
Malaysia’s economy projected a strong 5.7% growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, surpassing the previous quarter's 5.2% expansion. This acceleration was fueled by robust domestic demand, holiday spending, and high-profile international events hosted during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship. The construction sector led with 11.9% growth, while manufacturing and services also saw significant gains. Despite a slight annual easing to 4.9% from 2024’s 5.1%, the Department of Statistics highlights strengthening industrial activity and exports as key drivers of this multi-sectoral resilience amid an uncertain global environment.
Read more:
3. Guterres urges revive of diplomacy
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a sharp critique of world leaders, accusing them of placing international cooperation on "deathwatch" through geopolitical divides and violations of international law. In his final annual priorities speech, Guterres condemned "wholesale cuts" to humanitarian aid, specifically referencing the U.S. decision to slash funding from $17 billion to $2 billion under "America First" policies. While Guterres remains committed to peace in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, he warned that a paralyzed Security Council and "1945 problem-solving" are failing to address 2026’s realities, including climate chaos and the "corruption of institutions" by the ultra-wealthy.
Read more:
https://dprk.un.org/en/308434-secretary-general-—remarks-general-assembly-priorities-2026
4. WEF highlights global risks in new report
The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Risks Report identifies "geoeconomic confrontation" and "state-based armed conflict" as the most severe near-term threats. Surveying 1,300 leaders, the report highlights a world "sitting on a precipice," with 50% of respondents expecting turbulent times driven by tariffs, supply chain weaponization, and inflation. While misinformation and societal polarization rank high for the next two years, extreme weather remains the primary concern for the next decade. Experts warn that rising global rivalries are eroding the multilateral cooperation essential for addressing systemic risks like climate change and the rapid, potentially uncontrollable advancement of artificial intelligence.
Read more:
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/world-economic-forum-2026-global-risks-report.html
5. China achieves $1.2 Trillion trade surplus
China achieved a record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025, driven by a strategic pivot toward emerging markets as shipments to the U.S. fell by nearly 20%. While high-tech exports like electric vehicles surged, this growth has intensified global friction, with European and U.S. leaders citing "industrial overcapacity" and unsustainable imbalances. To mitigate these tensions and address domestic deflation, Beijing plans to cancel export tax rebates on products like solar cells. However, the outlook remains precarious as new U.S. tariff threats regarding Iranian oil trade jeopardize the current fragile ceasefire.
Read more:
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/789122
https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/13/business/china-record-trade-surplus-despite-tariffs-intl-hnk
