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Malaysia 1MDB scandal
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Filipino children walk to school on Isla Pugad in Hagonoy town, Bulacan province. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ U$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

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Thailand

Who is running for Thai PM? Unofficial campaign starts as parties name candidates

The Philippines

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

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Vietnam

‘It drives me nuts’: why Vietnam’s newest craze is keeping neighbours awake

‘The noise makes it impossible for me to sleep. It just keeps going pop-pop-pop,’ a Hanoi resident says.

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People play pickleball in the playground of a residential area in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: AFP
People play pickleball in the playground of a residential area in Hanoi, Vietnam. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Singapore’s Pritam Singh faces leadership test as party seeks special meeting

The request comes after the opposition chief and party secretary general’s conviction for lying to a parliamentary panel.

Thailand

From PM purge to border bombs: Thailand’s year of upheaval

As the country mourns the loss of Queen Mother Sirikit amid political chaos and a sluggish economy, Lisa’s global reign lights up Thai public.

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Myanmar

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

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A voter shows her inked finger after casting a ballot in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday. Photo: EPA
A voter shows her inked finger after casting a ballot in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Indonesia

Spanish father, 3 children missing in Indonesia after tourist boat sinks

High waves are believed to have caused the sightseeing boat to capsize en route to popular tourist destination Labuan Bajo.

Malaysia

How the Peranakan Chinese built one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful networks

Born of trade and migration, the Peranakan community has forged a distinct identity that has bridged China and Southeast Asia for centuries.

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Thailand

‘Very happy’: Thailand, Cambodia sign ceasefire deal to end border clashes

Both sides agreed to freeze all troop movements and allow civilians living in border areas to return home as soon as possible.

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Thai and Cambodian defence ministers sign a ceasefire agreement at a border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province, Thailand, on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua
Singapore

Singapore in 2025: election fever, courtroom drama, pickleball mania

Local politics, tariff concerns, a horrific child abuse case and noise disputes dominate the headlines this year.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of the People’s Action Party thanks voters at an assembly area for the party’s supporters on general election day on May 3. Photo: AP
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of the People’s Action Party thanks voters at an assembly area for the party’s supporters on general election day on May 3. Photo: AP
Myanmar

‘Lost my future’: Myanmar’s ‘charade’ election dims hopes of diaspora

The junta’s phased election starting on Sunday has been slammed as a ploy for its generals to stay in power.

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Thailand

Thailand rediscovers ‘extinct’ flat-headed cat after three decades

Elusive feline spotted with cub, offering hope for endangered species’ survival.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis state in turmoil after chief minister’s shock resignation

Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned due to health reasons amid a withdrawal of support from eight PN state assemblymen.

Mohd Shukri Ramli resigned as chief minister of Perlis amid party sackings. Photo: Facebook/Mohd Shukri Ramli
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib sentenced to 15 years in jail for abuse of power in 1MDB saga

The ruling comes after a years-long trial in the financial fraud that saw more than US$4.5 billion plundered from the state fund.

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Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak is escorted by prison guards at the Kuala Lumpur Court complex on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak is escorted by prison guards at the Kuala Lumpur Court complex on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar

Stay or go? Rohingya see no way out of predicament as Myanmar heads to poll

Myanmar’s phased election, set to start on Sunday, is likely to be steered by the same leaders responsible for driving the Rohingya out.

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Malaysia

‘Don’t embarrass Malaysia’: minister furious over public littering

Nga Kor Ming stressed that urban cleanliness was crucial for national image ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

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Malaysia

With 1MDB verdict due, will Malaysia’s Najib have to ‘prepare for the worst’?

The High Court will rule on abuse of power and money laundering charges, with Najib facing the prospect of lengthy prison terms if found guilty.

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak attends the verdict of his house arrest bid at Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex in Malaysia on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak attends the verdict of his house arrest bid at Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex in Malaysia on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

‘Starting anew’: Indonesians in flood-struck Sumatra hold Christmas mass

Many in the congregation are still sheltering at evacuation sites after the fatal disaster wreaked havoc on the island four weeks ago.

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Indonesia

Red, white and Blue: Indonesia lodges complaint over porn star’s flag stunt

Bonnie Blue’s run-in with Indonesia began earlier this month when she was arrested for making pornographic content in a Bali studio.

The Philippines

Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case

While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.

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Filipino policemen (from left) Jeremiah Pereda, Arnel Oares and Jerwin Cruz attend a Senate inquiry in Pasay City on August 24, 2017. Photo: EPA
Singapore

Gaffes, breaches and sinkhole stars: Singapore’s 2025 social storms

Passionate online discussions have revealed concerns about power, accountability and how the country sees itself.

A still from a social media video shows a submerged car after it fell into a sinkhole in Singapore on July 26. Social media users hailed migrant workers for their quick response in saving the driver. Photo: X/HaggerDarren
A still from a social media video shows a submerged car after it fell into a sinkhole in Singapore on July 26. Social media users hailed migrant workers for their quick response in saving the driver. Photo: X/HaggerDarren
Malaysia

‘Nothing has changed’: safety gaps, old facilities hobble Malaysian tourism

‘We must clean this up. Tourists must feel safe and happy so they leave with good memories of Malaysia,’ Tourism Minister Tiong says.

Indonesia

Seeking climate justice: Indonesian fishermen’s case against Holcim to proceed

The lawsuit states that Holcim has ‘significantly contributed to climate change with its massive CO2 emissions’.

2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict

Thai marines rescue starving lions, bears from Cambodian border casino

Officials say the two lions, two Asiatic black bears and one sun bear suffered from underfeeding and prolonged neglect at Thmor Dar Casino.

Two bears found caged inside a Cambodian casino were later rescued by Thai marines. Photo: Facebook/DNP1362
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