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Anita Anand swears in as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on May 13. She is one of four Indian-origin politicians in the new Canadian government. Photo: Reuters
India

New faces in Carney’s cabinet raise hopes of reset in India-Canada ties

Carney’s inclusion of four Indian-origin politicians in key roles a sign he could move forward with promise to relook relations with India, analysts say.

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Indonesia

Victory for free speech in Indonesia as court curbs defamation law

The Philippines

‘Nerve-breaking’: is the Philippines’ missile build-up a deterrent or a danger?

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Malaysia

Silicon rally: can Malaysia reclaim its semiconductor glory?

Outpacing regional chip rivals won’t be easy for ‘Silicon Malaysia’, but insiders say it has the subsidies, labour and will to succeed.

Malaysia’s early head start in semiconductors has eroded over the decades, but it is determined to reverse the trend. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia’s early head start in semiconductors has eroded over the decades, but it is determined to reverse the trend. Photo: Shutterstock
Donald Trump

Trump caps Gulf tour with America-first policy for peace in Middle East

Trump’s vision sits well with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, two Gulf nations closest to Washington, but its feasibility remains to be determined, analysts say.

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Pakistan

Misinformation warfare intensifies in India and Pakistan as conflict rages on

Fake content on the clash between India and Pakistan may deepen social polarisation and erode trust in reliable sources, analysts warn.

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India

India boycott of Turkey, Azerbaijan reflects growing ‘consumer-led diplomacy’

From traders to travel platforms, Indian companies are using economic tools to signal foreign policy displeasure, analysts note.

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People carry Indian national flags during a tricolour march to support “Operation Sindoor” in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Thursday. Photo: AP
People carry Indian national flags during a tricolour march to support “Operation Sindoor” in Pahalgam, Indian-controlled Kashmir, on Thursday. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Malaysia records fewest births ever, fuelling population decline concerns

Officials warn of a looming demographic crisis as more Malaysians opt for a ‘child-free’ lifestyle.

Singapore

Inside the minds of Singapore’s opposition members – why do they keep returning?

SDP’s Chee Soon Juan and Paul Tambyah, WP’s Yee Jenn Jong and SDA’s Desmond Lim explain why politics matter to them despite the hurdles.

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Malaysia

Putin’s ‘second wife’ joke about Anwar draws laughs and backlash in Malaysia

While some social media users were amused by the leaders’ moment of levity, others felt it was inappropriate in light of the MH17 tragedy.

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Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) is welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Wednesday. Photo: Kremlin/dpa
Huawei

Southeast Asia’s tech reliance on China: a ‘double-edged sword’?

Huawei and other Chinese firms offer growth, but analysts warn of rising digital threat exposure and geopolitical challenges.

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The logo of China’s Huawei Technologies is displayed in the middle of city road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE
The logo of China’s Huawei Technologies is displayed in the middle of city road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE
Myanmar

Xi’s Moscow meeting of Myanmar junta leader signals China’s backing of regime

Xi’s meeting highlights China’s increasing support for Myanmar’s isolated regime and indicates a strategic alignment with Russia, analysts say.

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Japan

China’s ‘incremental’ moves in disputed waters spark concern in Japan

China could gain control of more undersea resources, change status quo with suspected construction of new offshore platform, analysts say.

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Indonesia

Is Indonesia a ‘guinea pig’ in Bill Gates-backed TB vaccine trial?

The controversy began after President Prabowo Subianto said that Bill Gates was developing a tuberculosis vaccine to be tested in Indonesia.

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Bill Gates speaks at a Save the Children event on vaccine equity in Germany last year. Photo: AP
Bangladesh

Bangladesh ban on Hasina’s Awami League rekindles strained ties with India

Ban could raise concerns of democratic freedoms in Bangladesh and that Dhaka may be drawing closer to Pakistan, analysts say.

Bangladeshis wave national flags as they celebrate after the interim government officially banned all activities of the Awami League, pending the conclusion of the International Crimes Tribunal trials against the party and its leaders, in Dhaka on May 10. Photo: AFP
Bangladeshis wave national flags as they celebrate after the interim government officially banned all activities of the Awami League, pending the conclusion of the International Crimes Tribunal trials against the party and its leaders, in Dhaka on May 10. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Husband of missing Malaysian corruption probe witness Pamela Ling arrested

Thomas Hah Tiing Siu, a Sarawakian businessman, and his wife are under investigation as part of a corruption and money laundering inquiry.

South Korea

Sole of a nation: Lee Jae-myung’s shoes sell out in South Korean election campaign

Presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung blue-and-red “bipartisan” trainers that symbolise unity between liberal and conservative voters sold out overnight.

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Singapore

In Singapore, Gen Z voters are less happy with the election results. Here’s why

About 47 per cent of Gen Z voters, born between 1997 and 2004, approve of the poll results, lower than the other age groups, a survey shows.

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A survey in Singapore shows different levels of satisfaction among the age groups on the outcome of the 2025 election, in which the ruling People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won a resounding mandate. Photo: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua
A survey in Singapore shows different levels of satisfaction among the age groups on the outcome of the 2025 election, in which the ruling People’s Action Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, won a resounding mandate. Photo: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua
South Korea

South Korea’s denial of joint drills with Japan highlights past ‘grievances’

Many South Koreans may find it difficult to accept the idea of their soldiers training beside Japanese troops, analysts say.

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South Korea

How K-scandals are costing South Korea’s entertainment industry

Controversies involving stars like Kim Soo-hyun have caused delays and costly production changes across the industry.

The Philippines

Pro-Duterte candidates in Philippine polls accused of unfair advantage

Complaint alleges coordinated foreign-backed efforts to amplify pro-Duterte content, with 15 candidates among supposed beneficiaries.

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People attend a campaign rally of senatorial candidates under the party of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte in Manila on May 8, ahead of the country’s midterm elections. Photo: AFP
India

India’s surprise tariff move on US goods suggests tougher stance on trade talks

Delhi’s WTO complaint on US steel and aluminium tariffs highlights India’s aim to protect its trade interests without direct retaliation, observers said.

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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on February 13. Photo: AFP
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on February 13. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s bet on French Rafale jets under scrutiny after India-Pakistan clash

US$8.1 billion deal for 42 Rafale jets triggers alarm, but Pakistan’s claims may offer grounds for ‘evaluation’ of their use in Indonesia’s defence strategy.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar urged to ‘seek justice’ for MH17 victims during Putin meeting

Malaysia has a ‘moral responsibility’ to seek justice for the victims, even if it means jeopardising Russia relations, experts say.

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The Philippines

Marcos set for political ‘thrashing’ in Philippine midterm election

Eventual results could weaken president’s influence in Congress, undermine efforts to impeach his deputy and reshape 2028 presidential race.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr during a campaign rally for the midterm election in Metro Manila on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
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