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Pritam Singh says the Workers’ Party has engaged commercial vendors to assist in candidate screening and personality reviews ahead of the general election. Photo: Reuters
Singapore

Calls for more checks on Singapore’s political parties to ensure transparency

Such checks will be critical to ensure candidates fielded are fit and proper, and show the party has done its due diligence, industry insiders say.

Nepal

Nepali family hopes for hostage’s return from Gaza to end ‘excruciating’ wait

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Japan

Japan weighs trust in Trump as US says defence of Diaoyu Islands rock solid

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Japan

Up in smoke? Ukraine’s bid to shame Japan Tobacco for Russia tax fails to ignite

Japan Tobacco’s decision to stay in Russia highlights a stark contrast in Japanese public opinion compared to other nations.

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People smoke cigarettes at a smoking area in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
People smoke cigarettes at a smoking area in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
India

‘Cooperation, not confrontation’: can Modi’s US visit improve US-India ties?

Trump’s invitation for Modi’s US visit signals a strengthening of ties, but India must address tariffs and immigration issues to ensure productive negotiations.

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The Philippines

Philippines urged to avoid ‘sensationalising’ arrests of Chinese nationals

Chinese-Filipino civic leader calls for fair probe into arrest of Chinese national Deng Yuanqing for allegedly spying on military and police facilities.

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Indonesia

Will Prabowo heed Bali bomber’s pardon plea after release of Bali Nine members?

Ali Imron cites years of counterterrorism work and the Bali Nine precedent in his bid for freedom, but observers say his release is unlikely.

Bali bomber Ali Imron in prison in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2024. Photo: Aisyah Llewellyn
Bali bomber Ali Imron in prison in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2024. Photo: Aisyah Llewellyn
Myanmar

No way home for Myanmar migrants stuck in Thai limbo 4 years after coup

Four years after a coup, Myanmar remains in a civil war, driving thousands to seek refuge in Thailand, where they struggle to survive with little hope of returning home.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ arrest of more alleged Chinese spies fuels espionage concerns

The arrests follow the detention of another Chinese national accused of spying on military and police facilities.

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China-Philippines relations

Philippine president offers to return US missiles if China ends ‘aggressive’ acts

Analysts say the proposal was likely rhetorical rather than genuine, with little chance Beijing would ever take up such a deal.

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US Army soldiers conduct inaugural Tomahawk Land Attack Missile launch from the Mid-Range Capability (aka Typhon) launcher at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California in June 2023: Photo: US Army
Indonesia

Trump’s Paris exit could push Indonesia towards China for climate funding

The US exit from the climate accord raises concerns about Indonesia’s ability to achieve its net-zero emissions goals.

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US President Donald Trump holds a letter to the UN stating the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in Washington, DC, on January 20. Photo: AFP
US President Donald Trump holds a letter to the UN stating the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in Washington, DC, on January 20. Photo: AFP
Israel

Israel’s moves to secure Lebanon, Syria borders could fuel new threats: analysts

Experts warn Israel’s extended occupation may undermine Lebanon’s government, embolden Hezbollah and raise uncertainties in post-war Syria.

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Malaysia

Space dreams: Malaysia’s Sabah makes bold bid to become rocket launch site

Space project is ‘very much feasible’, but requires the ‘right funding’ and regulatory support to take flight, analysts say.

Indonesia

Is Indonesia’s BrahMos missile deal with India a counter to China’s influence?

The potential US$450 million deal, alongside other defence collaborations, reflects Indonesia’s desire to diversify its partnerships and strengthen its maritime security.

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A soldier salutes from a BrahMos Weapon system during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021 Photo: AFP
North Korea

Kim Jong-un seeks negotiating leverage with new nuclear demands: analysts

Experts say Kim’s public demand for more weapons-grade nuclear material is a calculated move to take denuclearisation off the table.

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A picture released by the North Korean state news agency (KCNA) on Wednesday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visiting a facility for the production of nuclear material at an undisclosed location. Photo: DPA
A picture released by the North Korean state news agency (KCNA) on Wednesday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visiting a facility for the production of nuclear material at an undisclosed location. Photo: DPA
Japan

Japan scrambles to secure US commitment as Trump considers direct China talks

PM Shigeru Ishiba seeks to reassure Washington of Tokyo’s commitment to the US-Japan alliance and its presence in the region, amid concerns over China’s influence.

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Pakistan

Gwadar airport opening boosts China-Pakistan ties but raises India’s concerns

The airport is expected to boost trade and connectivity, but also intensifies India’s concerns about China’s potential military presence in the region.

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The Philippines

From ‘ironclad’ to uncertain: Trump’s aid freeze shakes US-Philippines ties

Philippine officials insist the pause in US$500 million in military aid is temporary, but analysts warn it signals a broader strategy shift.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, (left)) accompanied by a US soldier inspects a high mobility artillery rocket system on April 26, 2023. Photo: AFP
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, (left)) accompanied by a US soldier inspects a high mobility artillery rocket system on April 26, 2023. Photo: AFP
Japan

Apologise, or stay silent? Japan’s ‘pro-China’ PM faces WWII anniversary dilemma

As conservatives urge Shigeru Ishiba to follow the late Shinzo Abe’s lead, moderates warn against alienating Japan’s neighbours.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar urges Asean not to ‘single out’ Beijing over South China Sea

Anwar’s statement at the World Economic Forum emphasises the need to balance strong relations with China while addressing maritime issues.

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Asean

US aid freeze threatens Bangladesh’s fragile economy and political stability

The suspension of funds from USAID threatens to undermine vital social welfare and governance initiatives, analysts say.

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Activists and supporters of Shiv Sena Taksali, a right-wing organisation, burn an effigy of Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh, in Amritsar on December 27, during a protest against the recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Will rise of China’s DeepSeek deflate Southeast Asia’s big data centre dreams?

Experts warn DeepSeek’s success could lead to a shift in AI development, potentially reducing demand for expensive data centres and affecting investments in the region.

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DeepSeek’s low-cost AI chatbot challenges Southeast Asia’s data centre investments, prompting tech giants and investors to reconsider their strategies. Photo: Reuters
DeepSeek’s low-cost AI chatbot challenges Southeast Asia’s data centre investments, prompting tech giants and investors to reconsider their strategies. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan’s Nagano on edge after stabbing spree, copycat threats shake city

Despite an arrest, authorities are concerned about a troubling rise in violence in recent years, potentially linked to isolation and mental health issues.

The Philippines

Guns, votes and violence: armed Muslim rebels threaten Philippine midterms

With 14,000 MILF fighters still armed and tensions rising among political clans, analysts warn the polls may reignite the fires of conflict.

Malaysia

Trump’s aid freeze wrecks Malaysian group’s conservation efforts

Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, which protects the nation’s animals from trafficking, says it is now scrambling for new financing sources.

Two baby orangutans play in Kuala Lumpur. Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, which monitors wildlife court cases related to wildlife trafficking, is scrambling for new financing since the freeze on US foreign aid. Photo: Reuters
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