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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game changer’ missiles to deter China threat

During a visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed alliance, deterring Beijing’s ‘aggression’ in the South China Sea.

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Malaysia

Malaysians trust media more while consumer boycott hits confidence survey

Indonesia

Indonesian fishermen sue Bumble Bee Seafoods in landmark forced labour case

Australia

Australia to warn young travellers about methanol poisoning after Laos deaths

Foreign ministry warns travellers to ‘be suspicious of unusually cheap drinks’ following the death of two 19-year-olds.

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Australia is warning its youngsters about alcohol dangers. Photo: Shutterstock
Australia is warning its youngsters about alcohol dangers. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Name your ‘wish’: Johor-Singapore special zone dangles more investor perks

Malaysian official reveals more benefits on sidelines of Korea-Asean Business Forum in Seoul, as UOB bank rolls out support for Korean firms eyeing the region.

Japan

‘Impossible to keep up’: Japan ‘stunned’ by Trump trade threats, false claims

Analysts fear this disinformation will strain the US-Japan alliance, risking economic uncertainty, especially in the auto sector.

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Malaysia

Will Malaysia’s chip rules satisfy US concerns over Nvidia diversions to China?

Malaysia is enhancing semiconductor tracking to reassure the US amid investigations into alleged Nvidia chip diversions to China.

A smartphone with a displayed Nvidia logo is placed on a computer motherboard. Photo: Reuters
A smartphone with a displayed Nvidia logo is placed on a computer motherboard. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan police propose ATM curbs for elderly to combat fraud

The plan calls for a daily withdrawal or transfer limit of almost US$2,000 via ATMs for bank accounts belonging to those aged 75 and above.

Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah’s low spotlights Prabowo policy concerns, global uncertainty

The decline in the currency led the central bank to intervene, stabilising the rupiah and restoring confidence.

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South Korea

From soju to noodles, South Korean food brands are targeted by copycats

If counterfeit products are left unchecked, South Korean food companies could suffer damage to their reputation, analysts say.

A fake version of the Buldak spicy chicken ramen. Photo: Facebook/Seo Kyoung-duk
Central Asia

‘Eternal peace’: Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border deal opens path to visa-free zone

The agreement, which settled territorial disputes related to nearly 500km of the border, also included mutual access to water and energy.

Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov (right) shakes hands with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon at Bishkek on March 13. Photo: Reuters/Kyrgyz Presidential Press Service
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov (right) shakes hands with his Tajik counterpart Emomali Rahmon at Bishkek on March 13. Photo: Reuters/Kyrgyz Presidential Press Service
Malaysia

‘No way’: Malaysia’s PM refuses US$10 million ransom demand after cyberattack

Officials said the weekend cyberattack had affected certain computer systems at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Indonesia

Bali to crack down on ‘naughty’ foreigners with new rules and tourism levy

The new guidelines for foreign tourists were issued to curb their misbehaviour.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis port vows faster halal deliveries to China, but Thai support key

Malaysia’s Perlis mega-port aims to revolutionise halal cargo delivery to China, contingent on Thai rail agreements and regional stability.

A container truck leaves the Padang Besar Container Terminal in Perlis, Malaysia. The northern state bordering Thailand is a key transit point for exports from the kingdom’s southern provinces. Photo: Joseph Sipalan
Indonesia

Indonesia set to allow domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia after 10-year ban

Jakarta is expected to send 600,000 domestic helpers and skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia, but rights groups are concerned about the move.

Indonesian migrant workers who were set to be sent to Saudi Arabia being inspected by the police at a shelter in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Photo: EPA
Indonesian migrant workers who were set to be sent to Saudi Arabia being inspected by the police at a shelter in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. Photo: EPA
Thailand

Bangkok brawls: Thai minister calls for tougher mall security after fights

Latest fracas between rival students of two schools near MBK Centre sparks vow from education official to ‘do whatever it takes’.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s police urged to undergo robust AI training to combat crime

The call comes after Malaysia reported a sharp rise in commercial crime cases, especially online fraud.

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Laos

In Laos, 1 in 3 children has stunted growth – despite surplus rice

In some poorer areas, stunting is even more prevalent. Experts say a lack of dietary diversity is a big part of the problem.

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Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
Health volunteers screen children for acute malnutrition in a village in Taoy, Saravan, Laos. Photo: Unicef
India

Amid India’s trade blitz, New Zealand joins the race for a deal

New Delhi is simultaneously pursuing agreements with the UK and the EU, driven by export-led growth ambitions and concerns over US policies.

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The Philippines

Hegseth’s Manila visit ahead of Balikatan signals strong US-Philippines ties

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s visit is seen as an important step in strengthening Washington’s alliances in the Asia-Pacific.

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Singapore

Singapore rolls out unprecedented unemployment payouts – will it help?

The policy ‘U-turn’ is brought about by global disruptions that Singapore has been experiencing in recent years, an analyst says.

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People walk in the Central Business District in Singapore. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thailand

Chinese couple linked to cryptocurrency scam, kidnapping arrested in Thailand

Thai police arrested a Chinese woman in connection to the scam, while discovering her fugitive boyfriend was wanted for kidnapping in China.

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Thai police announced the arrest of a 27-year-old Chinese national, in connection with a series of cryptocurrency frauds. Photo: Handout
Thai police announced the arrest of a 27-year-old Chinese national, in connection with a series of cryptocurrency frauds. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Will India and South Korea join the Philippines’ ‘Squad’ to counter China?

Analysts say expanding the Squad would strengthen surveillance and response capabilities, making it harder for Beijing to operate unchallenged in contested waters.

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Thailand

Thailand to stop allowing foreign pilots on domestic flights from next year

The country’s pilot association has sued the government for letting foreign pilots fly certain local routes under a temporary arrangement.

South Korea

South Korea’s foreign population hits record high, but many struggle with low pay

South Korea’s record surge in foreign residents reveals wage disparities and education challenges for immigrant families.

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People walking through Seoul’s Myeong-Dong shopping street. Photo: Shutterstock
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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40
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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29
Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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