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Young men play online games and surf the internet at a cyber cafe in Jakarta last month. 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

6 Dec 2025 - 8:17AMvideocam

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

5 Dec 2025 - 8:31PMvideocam

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

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr walks with armed forces chief General Romeo Brawner Jnr at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City in July 2024. Brawner has since confirmed that the military is investigating alleged destabilisation efforts involving retired officers. Photo: AP

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

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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

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

South Korean soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul, after then president Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on December 3, 2024. Photo: AFP

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

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‘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

Why Anwar faces uphill task to win back voters after Sabah election trouncing

Sabah voters don’t trust Anwar, and this will complicate his plan for the next general election, analysts say.

1 Dec 2025 - 7:15PMvideocam

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at the Asean-New Zealand summit in Kuala Lumpur in October. Photo: Pool via Reuters

The Philippines

Why Russia is targeting the Philippines with Ukraine mercenary claims

As Moscow wages an information war far from the battlefields of Ukraine, an improbable front has opened up in Southeast Asia.

1 Dec 2025 - 4:02PM

India’s looming BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia challenges US-China binary

New Delhi is emerging as a serious alternative security partner for Southeast Asia, offering hi-tech arms without ‘hegemonic baggage’.

1 Dec 2025 - 3:51PM

Tengku Zafrul on US trade deal, Umno and looking like a Singapore minister

As he vacates his post, the minister dubbed ‘hot property’ opens up about negotiating with the US and China, and why he swapped Umno for PKR.

1 Dec 2025 - 11:17AM

Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz in Hong Kong on November 6. Photo: Jonathan Wong

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