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Lu Wei Hoong

Malaysia Correspondent

Wei Hoong joined The Straits Times in July 2024, after serving as press secretary to Malaysia’s transport minister. An international studies graduate from Monash University Malaysia, he has had a varied career, including as a risk analyst for a consulting firm and a corporate communications manager for a state government agency. He cut his teeth as a political journalist with independent media outlet Malaysiakini, reporting in English, Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese. In his spare time, he enjoys soaking in a hot spring with a good book.

Latest articles

Cambodia and Thailand to hold ceasefire talks on Dec 24

(From left) Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, Laos Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro,Brunei Second Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 22.

PM Anwar reshuffles Cabinet in possible last rejig before GE16, after rout in Sabah state polls

This rejig may well be the last Cabinet reshuffle by Mr Anwar to strengthen his coalition’s line-up before the next general election, which must happen by early 2028.

Malaysian Mandopop fans turn to Malay in resistance against China’s ‘yellow cows’

Malaysian fans say they find it hard to get tickets to Taiwanese rock band Mayday's concert in Kuala Lumpur in Jan 2026.

Chinese tourists flock to Malaysia’s Semporna diving paradise, but local businesses feel sidelined

whsemporna - Chinese tourists filled the void left by Western and Japanese tourists in Semporna after the sea-kidnapping incidents in the 2010s. All photo credit to ST Lu Wei Hoong

So near yet so far: Sabah grapples with water woes ahead of election

Kunak community leader Chong Pak Kong said said blue plastic tanks have become essential to overcome low water pressure.

Malaysia media magnate behind company that owns Sin Chew Daily and Ming Pao dies at 91

Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King was a major figure in Malaysia’s Chinese-language media scene.

The sea warrior returns: Shafie fights to reclaim Sabah and shake up Malaysian politics

whwarisan - Warisan president Shafie Apdal pledged to steer Sabah toward greater autonomy by drawing inspiration from Sarawak’s approach to reclaiming control over its lucrative hydrocarbon revenues.

ST Photo: LU WEI HOONG

Asean and China ink upgraded free trade pact amid US tariffs and Chinese trade surplus

Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz (right) and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao signed the pact in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 28.

Malaysia, US ink trade deal enhancing America’s access to rare earths 

US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after signing a critical minerals deal in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.

As Trump watches on, Cambodia and Thailand sign ‘peace deal’ at Asean Summit

(From left) Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and US President Donald Trump during the ceremonial signing of a ceasefire agreement on Oct 26.