FT: Malaysia's Q2 GDP hits 6% as AI chipmaking and data-center construction pace growth

The Financial Times reports Malaysia's Q2 2026 GDP grew 6% year-on-year, powered by 7.5% manufacturing growth driven by chipmaking and 6.6% construction growth supported by data-center buildout. The reading, following Bank Negara Malaysia's Aug 14 release, adds to evidence that AI capex is reshaping Southeast Asian economies alongside Singapore's earlier growth upgrade.