Asia /

Southeast Asia

Related Topics:
Malaysian politics
Malaysia 1MDB scandal
the Asian angle
Singapore
Thailand
South China Sea
Sunrise in Singapore with the iconic Merlion statue in the background. A viral video on elite schools has sparked a debate on whether such schools may lead to wider social stratification. Photo: Shutterstock
Singapore

‘Felt left out’: ex-students’ videos on Singapore’s elite schools spark debate

When she was in an elite primary school, her classmates were shocked to find out that most Singaporeans lived in public flats.

videocam
Singapore

Man jailed for using ‘deity’s voice’ to isolate and abuse girl in Singapore

Australia

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

The Philippines

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos
2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict

Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July

The neighbouring nations agreed a truce on Saturday, ending renewed clashes that spread to nearly every border province on both sides.

videocam
The Philippines

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Malaysia

Malaysian forced to scam Hongkongers recalls nightmare in Myanmar

Chew said he would be ‘beaten, electrocuted or starved for more than a week’ if he ‘failed’ in his task.

videocam
Myanmar soldiers raid a scam centre in Myawaddy township, Karen state, in October. Photo: Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP
Myanmar soldiers raid a scam centre in Myawaddy township, Karen state, in October. Photo: Myanmar Military True News Information Team via AP
Malaysia

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

The growing presence of China’s Muslim entrepreneurs at a festival in Kuala Lumpur reflects their trust in Malaysia’s strong halal standards.

Malaysia

Will Ocean Infinity finally solve the flight MH370 mystery in Indian Ocean?

A new deep-sea search, armed with advanced tech and drones, restarts to find the Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished nearly 12 years ago.

videocam
Malaysia

‘It’s cheap and worth it’: Malaysia’s durian glut triggers ‘happy hour’ frenzy

Bumper harvests prompt traders to offer rock-bottom prices as locals and tourists grab time-based deals on the spiky fruit.

videocam
A worker checks a durian at a shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar says Asean to assess Myanmar after ‘premature’ polls

As Asean chair, Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim says the bloc will assess Myanmar’s election cautiously to avoid legitimising military rule.

Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a year-end recap briefing with media in Putrajaya, Malaysia earlier this month. Photo: EPA
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a year-end recap briefing with media in Putrajaya, Malaysia earlier this month. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.

videocam
The Philippines

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

videocam
Extreme weather

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak challenges 15-year jail term in 1MDB case

A court last week ordered Najib to begin ‍serving the additional sentence after his current six-year prison term ends in 2028.

videocam
A supporter’s T-shirt bears an image of Najib Razak during his 1MDB trial in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Friday. Photo: AFP
A supporter’s T-shirt bears an image of Najib Razak during his 1MDB trial in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Friday. Photo: AFP
Thailand

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.

videocam
The Philippines

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Malaysia

‘I’m lucky’: Malaysians cash in as ringgit’s surge boosts travel budgets

Travellers capitalise on the favourable exchange rate for holidays after the currency hit a five-year high against the US dollar.

videocam
The ringgit’s surge has boosted travel plans and currency exchanges in Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
The ringgit’s surge has boosted travel plans and currency exchanges in Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Myanmar

‘They always lie’: pro-military party claims big lead in Myanmar’s disputed vote

The overwhelming lead claimed by the USDP in the first poll phase is met with condemnation from rights groups warning of a rigged process.

videocam
Malaysia

Malaysia army chief on leave amid procurement scandal raids

Authorities are investigating high-value contracts to specific firms. Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan has stepped down for a conflict-free probe.

The Philippines

‘Master of Disaster’: Can a board game help Philippines face next catastrophe?

From typhoons to earthquakes, ‘Master of Disaster’ turns a roll of the dice into a life-saving lesson for the world’s most vulnerable.

videocam
A player draws a card while playing a disaster preparedness board game in Manila. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.

videocam
Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters
Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

Indonesia

Fire at Indonesia retirement home kills 16 elderly residents

Fast-moving blaze engulfed facility on the island of Sulawesi as residents were sleeping, police said.

The Philippines

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$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.

videocam
Filipino children walk to school on Isla Pugad in Hagonoy town, Bulacan province. Photo: AFP
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW