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Singapore’s former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong (centre) launches “The Albatross File: Inside Separation” book on Sunday. Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Lee Kuan Yew’s pain and his deputy’s resolve in Singapore-Malaysia separation

A new book unveiled by ex-PM Lee Hsien Loong reveals how Goh Keng Swee shaped Singapore’s 1965 split from Malaysia.

7 Dec 2025 - 5:18PM

Singapore launches book on Malaysia separation with declassified files

7 Dec 2025 - 4:11PM

Japan’s Takaichi resurrects frozen dispute over islands lost to Russia

7 Dec 2025 - 12:13PM

Can Japan find space for Muslim burials? Not if right-wing rhetoric prevails

A viral video showing a Sanseito MP telling foreign residents to cremate their dead or ship them home spotlights discomfort with diversity.

7 Dec 2025 - 8:00AMvideocam

Muslim residents of Japan gather for a Friday service at Japan’s largest mosque in Tokyo in 2015. Photo: AFP

Jakarta vs the internet: Indonesia’s gamble with digital freedom

As the government demands global tech firms like Cloudflare bend to its will, critics say it’s ‘burning the rice barn to kill the rats’.

6 Dec 2025 - 3:30PM

The Philippines

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

6 Dec 2025 - 8:17AMvideocam

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Can India still rely on Russia as a ‘time-tested’ defence partner?

India has to balance meeting its defence needs from Russia and managing its trade ties with the US as tariffs continue to loom.

5 Dec 2025 - 8:31PMvideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Friday. Photo: AP

The Philippines

Is the Philippines vulnerable to another military-triggered political crisis?

Analysts said an alleged plot by retired generals to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr appears inspired by 2001’s EDSA Dos uprising.

5 Dec 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

A junta spokesman slammed the Japanese prime minister’s comments on Taiwan, saying Tokyo had not shown remorse for its ‘crimes’ in Asia.

5 Dec 2025 - 6:44PMvideocam

‘I truly repent’: 15-year jail term sought for South Korean ex-first lady

The former first lady, who faces a raft of corruption allegations, will receive the court’s ruling on January 28.

4 Dec 2025 - 11:50AMvideocam

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee arrives at the special prosecutor’s office in Seoul in August. Photo: AP

Singapore’s Pritam Singh loses appeal against conviction for lying

The Workers’ Party chief was in February found guilty of two counts of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee and fined.

4 Dec 2025 - 7:39PM

Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh speaks to the media outside Singapore’s Supreme Court after his appeal was dismissed on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

In Japan, public opinion turns against Trump’s ‘terrible, stupid’ US

A new survey reveals approval for US ties has hit near-record lows amid political turmoil, punitive tariffs and shock at Trump’s agenda.

6 Dec 2025 - 10:22AM

‘We side with Indonesia’: ex-minister rejects claims of China bias

Luhut Pandjaitan says China’s technological prowess and deep pockets made it an ideal partner for propelling Indonesia’s economy.

3 Dec 2025 - 7:29PM

Can Seoul count on Beijing’s commitment to Korean reunification?

South Korean analyst Sung Ki-young says major powers are more likely to support incremental steps for peace rather than a sudden shift.

3 Dec 2025 - 7:11PMvideocam

A visitor uses binoculars to watch the North Korean side of the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, from South Korea’s Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju in June. Photo: AFP

The Philippines

Philippines’ first family says financial scrutiny welcome amid graft allegations

A spokesperson for the president said his family was open to lifestyle checks after questions emerged over funds sent to his son’s district.

3 Dec 2025 - 6:19PMvideocam

President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr arrives at Malacanang Palace in Manila after his inauguration on June 30, 2022, accompanied by his wife Louise and his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos. Photo: AFP

Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters

Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva.

3 Dec 2025 - 5:07PMvideocam

South Koreans deserve Nobel Peace Prize for stopping martial law, president says

Marking the first anniversary of the crisis, Lee Jae-myung hailed those who faced down troops for ‘saving democracy’.

4 Dec 2025 - 6:39PMvideocam

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The Philippines

Why the Philippines’ anti-flood control corruption movement could be receding

Analysts warn the government’s anti-corruption drive could stall if public mobilisation continues to thin.

3 Dec 2025 - 4:24PM

A protester holds a chain linked to an effigy of a crocodile, which represents corrupt officials, during anti-corruption rally along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or EDSA, in Quezon City on Sunday. Photo: AFP

South Korea martial law 2024

South Korea proposes special court to address ‘mockery of judicial process’

Concerns are growing that the judiciary, dominated by Yoon-appointed judges, may acquit the former president of insurrection charges.

3 Dec 2025 - 9:53AMvideocam

Malaysia’s Anwar vows ‘no protection’ for close aides in corruption probes

The prime minister has been accused of launching investigations targeting his political rivals while going soft on scandals closer to home.

2 Dec 2025 - 5:30PM

As India prepares for missile test, presence of Chinese ships marks power jostle

At least four such Chinese vessels have been spotted in the strategic Indian Ocean recently, according to media reports.

2 Dec 2025 - 4:44PM

Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 seen at Colombo harbour, Sri Lanka, in 2023. It is one of four such Chinese vessels spotted in the strategic Indian Ocean recently. Photo: AP

‘No calm in Beirut’ as more Israeli strikes expected after Hezbollah ultimatum

Israel’s ultimatum to Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah by New Year’s Eve is more about political pressure than an invasion plan, analysts say.

2 Dec 2025 - 5:20PMvideocam

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Sejoud on Thursday. Photo: AFP

North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal

Analysts say the event served a dual purpose: grooming Kim’s potential successor and angling for Russian jets as payment for Ukraine war aid.

2 Dec 2025 - 11:27AMvideocam

Like a ‘debt collector’? US ambassador irks Singaporeans by justifying tariff

While Anjani Sinha has called on Singapore to help ‘rebalance’ trade, the US also benefits from its ties with the city state, analysts say.

1 Dec 2025 - 9:02PM

The Philippines

Did Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s jailbreak ‘joke’ keep her dad in ICC detention?

Observers said the ruling may energise loyalists but is unlikely to sway undecided voters or ease the rivalry shaping Philippine politics.

1 Dec 2025 - 7:48PMvideocam

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte appears via video link during an ICC hearing in The Hague in March 2025. Photo: Reuters

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