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Police officers stand guard at the entrance to the prime minister’s Office as lawyers and trainee lawyers march from the Palace of Justice during the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: EPA

Politics

Malaysia’s PKR in bind over judicial crisis, Anwar’s daughter at protest march

Nurul Izzah’s presence at the march goes against party line, is an ‘implicit rebuke’ of Anwar’s position on the crisis, says lawmaker Rafizi Ramli.

Thailand defrocks 6 monks as sex and blackmail scandal engulfs Buddhist clergy

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Bali urges tourists to assess fitness after spike in accidents and rescues

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People

Diplomacy over drama: Indonesia rules out military action to free designer

Arnold Putra is serving a seven-year prison sentence for entering Myanmar illegally and engaging with an ethnic armed group.

Indonesian fashion designer Arnold Putra. Photo: Instagram
Indonesian fashion designer Arnold Putra. Photo: Instagram

Health & Environment

Japan megaquake ... again? Disaster fears re-emerge over rash of island tremors

Japan’s weather agency has logged at least four ‘felt quakes’ in the area with an intensity of 4 on the country’s Shindo scale since Sunday.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Japan’s Osaka Expo misses visitor target at halfway mark

Hitting the 22 million visitor break-even point will be a tall order, with current attendance falling well short of original projections.

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People

‘We want transparency’: pilots warn against blaming crew in Air India crash

As investigators hint at human error in last month’s Air India tragedy, pilot associations are pushing back.

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A firefighter stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad, India, on June 13. A preliminary report has found that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was abruptly cut off just after take-off on June 12. Photo: Reuters
A firefighter stands next to the crashed Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, in Ahmedabad, India, on June 13. A preliminary report has found that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was abruptly cut off just after take-off on June 12. Photo: Reuters

People

Malaysia’s judicial crisis deepens with leaked memo from classified meeting

Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, joins a Malaysian Bar rally calling for investigations into Terrirudin ‘to safeguard judicial independence’.

Politics

Lavrov in North Korea: a sign Russia urgently needs more of Kim’s troops?

Moscow’s top diplomat capped a flurry of high-level visits to North Korea in search of more ‘allies willing to bleed’, analysts say.

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Economics

Malaysia imposes trade permits for US-linked AI chip shipments

Latest move comes with Kuala Lumpur facing 25 per cent tariffs announced by US leader Donald Trump.

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Malaysia has imposed mandatory permits for US-linked AI chips exports through the country. Photo: Shutterstock

People

‘Not welcome here’: Malaysia lashes out at ‘Zionist’ US envoy pick Nick Adams

Critics have blasted as an ‘insult’ the push to appoint a self-styled ‘Alpha Male’ known for his Islamophobic tirades as US ambassador.

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Nick Adams, the Trump administration’s pick for US ambassador to Malaysia, has repeatedly made headlines in his adopted homeland for his inflammatory remarks. Photo: Instagram/nickaone
Nick Adams, the Trump administration’s pick for US ambassador to Malaysia, has repeatedly made headlines in his adopted homeland for his inflammatory remarks. Photo: Instagram/nickaone

People

Japan ‘needs Abe’: political turmoil sparks nostalgia for former prime minister

On the third anniversary of his assassination, the former prime minister’s legacy continues to loom large over the struggling ruling party.

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Politics

China trade or Philippine defence ties? Why Australia attempts to balance both

While seeking stable ties with its largest trading partner, Australia must also ‘maintain credibility as a regional stabiliser’, analysts say.

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Politics

From colony to kingmaker: Azerbaijan redraws Eurasia’s balance of power

The ex-Soviet republic aims to play a bigger role in the Caucasus and is willing to upset Moscow and Tehran in the process, analysts say.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (right) with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting on the sidelines of the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization in Azerbaijan on July 4. Photo: Azerbaijani Presidential Press Office/AP

Economics

Crypto kingdom: Bhutan goes all-in on bitcoin tourism

With over 1,000 vendors now accepting crypto payments, Bhutan is wagering on rapid adoption luring tech-savvy travellers and fuelling growth.

Bhutan is the world’s first nation to unveil a countrywide, government-backed system enabling visitors to pay for virtually every aspect of their stay using digital currencies. Photo: Marcus Westberg
Bhutan is the world’s first nation to unveil a countrywide, government-backed system enabling visitors to pay for virtually every aspect of their stay using digital currencies. Photo: Marcus Westberg

Lifestyle & Culture

Filipino film that China wanted to cancel wins at New Zealand festival

‘You can cancel a screening, but you cannot cancel a story whose time has come,’ ‘Food Delivery’ director Baby Ruth Villarama says.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Bangkok calling: Thailand’s digital nomad visa proves a runaway success

Since its launch last July, the Destination Thailand Visa has attracted more than 35,000 applicants.

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Politics

In US-China tug of war, Australia puts itself first

With one eye on the past and the other on the Asia-Pacific’s future, Australia’s prime minister is championing sovereignty in an uncertain age.

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Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised the new taxes would only affect the rich, but many ordinary families are starting to feel the pinch.

Politics

From Iraq to Iran: the US quest for Israeli military dominance – and its fallout

This decades-long strategy has not only redrawn the regional map but also exposed the limits of China’s Middle East influence, analysts say.

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Politics

Crisis calculations: Trump’s America has Southeast Asia in a spin

Punitive tariffs and severe aid cuts are shaking the foundations of the US relationship with Asean, deepening a sense of ‘unreliability’.

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Illustration: Huy Truong
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Politics

Malaysia’s PKR in bind over judicial crisis, Anwar’s daughter at protest march

Police officers stand guard at the entrance to the prime minister’s Office as lawyers and trainee lawyers march from the Palace of Justice during the “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: EPA

People

Malaysia’s judicial crisis deepens with leaked memo from classified meeting

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter Nurul Izzah (centre) marches with members of the Malaysian Bar to demand an investigation into the latest claims. Photo: Handout

People

Thailand defrocks 6 monks as sex and blackmail scandal engulfs Buddhist clergy

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A Buddhist monk walks along the street barefoot to receive morning alms in Bangkok. Photo: DPA

Health & Environment

Bali urges tourists to assess fitness after spike in accidents and rescues

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Tourists wander at Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia, Photo: EPA-EFE

Politics

Lavrov in North Korea: a sign Russia urgently needs more of Kim’s troops?

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (left) greets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during a meeting in Wonsan, North Korea, on Saturday. Photo: KCNA/EPA
MORE Asia NEWS
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OPINION
Isabelle Chua

Asian Angle | Food for thought: how Chinese brands serve up soft power in Southeast Asia

Xu Jingzhi

Asian Angle | Is Vietnam’s tech dream stuck in the assembly line?

Xu Jingzhi
David Yu Chak-wai

Opinion | Time to end Hong Kong’s licensing regime to foster innovation

David Yu Chak-wai
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Daljit Singh

Asian Angle | What the Vietnam war can teach us about Trump’s Asia policy

Daljit Singh
Maria Siow

My Take | Are North Korea, China and Russia’s ‘blood-forged’ ties more than just rhetoric?

Maria Siow
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MULTIMEDIA
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Lavrov praises North Korean troops fighting for Russia

Lavrov in Pyongyang: Russia’s urgent bid for more North Korean troops?
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Video

Why Thailand could be the world’s next chocolate nation

Why Thailand could bring a fresh start to the world’s chocolate industry
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Video

Moo Deng, Thailand’s star pygmy hippo, celebrates first birthday

Moo Deng, Thailand’s star pygmy hippo, celebrates first birthday
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South Korea battles ‘lovebug’ invasion

South Korea battles ‘lovebug’ invasion
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TRENDING TOPICS
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MOST POPULAR
1

Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea

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2

2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

3

Trump’s Hooters-loving Malaysia ambassador pick worries Asean diplomats

4

Ship attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, 10 of 25 mostly Filipino crew rescued

5

Is Singapore key for the US to fight against China as Tammy Duckworth says?

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Asia
Chinese tourists and others wait to visit the Emerald Buddha Temple inside of the Grand Palace, next to a tour guide sign written in Chinese characters. Photo: EPA-EFE
Thailand

Decline in Chinese tourists sees Thailand target Southeast Asia, Middle East

Thailand cut its 2025 foreign arrival forecast from 40 million to 35 million due to safety concerns for Chinese tourists after incidents like actor Wang Xing’s kidnapping.

‘Why are Chinese flags on our land?’: outcry in South Korea over Udo Island display

Suspended Thai PM Paetongtarn faces ethics investigation over leaked phone call

Singapore dodges recession as economy grows 4.3% amid tariff uncertainty

Tourists pose for photos at Merlion Park in Singapore. The country’s economy expanded at a faster-than-expected 4.3 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE

Australia fires its first US-made Himars rocket system

Himars rockets are fired by Australian, US and Singapore defence forces as part of the Talisman Sabre joint war fighting exercise. Up to 40,000 troops from 19 nations are taking part in the exercise. Photo: Reuters

Cambodia to resume military conscription amid Thai border tensions

People hold portraits of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet during a march in Phnom Penh on June 18. Cambodia will start conscripting civilians next year due to tensions with Thailand. Photo: EPA-EFE

‘Grooming’: uproar over student-teacher ‘romance’ forces K-drama off the air

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A student gets help from teacher in class. One of the most forceful condemnations of the proposed drama came from South Korea’s largest teaching union. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
A student gets help from teacher in class. One of the most forceful condemnations of the proposed drama came from South Korea’s largest teaching union. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

‘Grooming’: uproar over student-teacher ‘romance’ forces K-drama off the air

The TV drama in which a teacher falls for her 12-year-old pupil was meant to arouse curiosity. Instead, it ignited a firestorm of criticism.

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US officer urges closer South Korea-Japan defence ties amid North threat

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Fulfil ‘wish list’ for peace before holding election, Asean urges Myanmar junta

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Barking up wrong tree? Indonesian police’s robot use criticised for wrong focus

Is Singapore key for the US to fight against China as Tammy Duckworth says?

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Economics
A train transports containers in Ajmer on July 7. India and the United States have been trying to finalise a trade pact to avoid the tariffs that are expected to go into effect on August 1. Photo: AFP
India

Trump’s Brics wrath: will India be caught out by tariff threat?

Trump’s remarks seem more like a warning to Brics and unlikely to affect India’s efforts to finalise a trade pact with the US, analysts say.

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Japan vows resistance to US tariffs, raising fears of lasting rift in alliance

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Philippines urged to ‘double down’ in talks over 20% tariff with Trump

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Beyond gold: India sees America’s bitcoin reserve – and eyes its own

Bitcoins are a form of digital money outside the control of any one person, group or entity, and have been compared to the modern-day equivalent of a traditional asset such as gold. Photo: TNS

Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering

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Visitors to Bali watching a Kecak dance performance. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images

Malaysia’s Anwar to confront Rubio over US tariffs amid fears about 25% levy

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) looks on as President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff

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Stacks of cargo containers at the Jakarta International Container Terminal in Tanjung Priok Port on Monday. The US has decided to maintain 32 per cent tariffs on Indonesia. Photo: AFP
People
Philippine coastguard personnel aboard an inflatable boat speeds past one of Taal craters on their way to the site where the bodies of cock fighters were allegedly dumped in Taal Lake off Laurel town, Batangas province south of Manila on Thursday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Sack of bones, Duterte drug war add to growing Philippine cock fighters mystery

Three sacks pulled from Taal Lake as justice secretary notes ‘intersection’ in drug war operations and cock fighters’ deaths.

Goodbye, Lucifers: why a notorious Japanese gang just called it quits

Malaysian teenage couple charged with murder of Cyberjaya student in dorm

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‘Do some homework’: Trump’s Singapore ambassador pick fails Senate grilling

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Mahathir turns 100, still shaping Malaysia’s political landscape

Opinion
Smoke billows from an explosion in central Tehran on June 15 following an Israeli strike. Photo: AFP
Israel-Iran conflict

Opinion | Decoding Israel, Iran and China’s collision of interests in the Middle East

The conflict exposed a harsh reality for Iran: strategic alliances with China and Russia do not guarantee military backing.

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Asian Angle | Are migrant workers the real glue cementing Asean-GCC ties?

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My Take | Who are these ‘like-minded countries’ politicians are talking about?

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Asian Angle | Not-so-rich kid: meet Bobby Saputra, a viral parody of privilege

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Ben Sumadiwiria as uber-rich playboy Bobby Saputra. Photo: Ben Sumadiwiria

Opinion | Flying into the storm: how Middle East conflict reshapes global air routes

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Stranded passengers wait in the departure lounge of an airport in Lebanon on June 13. Photo: dpa

My Take | Caught in the chip war, Malaysia must rethink its US–China balancing act

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A worker inspects semiconductor chips at the chip packaging firm Unisem (M) Berhad plant in Ipoh, Malaysia October 15, 2021. Photo: Reuters

Asian Angle | Trump tariffs challenge Asean’s unity and economic stability

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An Asean logo is displayed at the venue, ahead of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Langkawi Island, state of Kedah, Malaysia, on January 17. Photo: EPA-EFE
Health & Environment
About one in 50 people in Japan have strabismus, with patients having one eye that is turned outward being most common. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

The smartphone squint: a closer look at Japan’s cross-eyed epidemic

The highest proportion of patients with the condition are middle and high school students, according to a recent study.

Thailand to require cannabis shops to convert into clinics staffed by doctors

Off the hook: South Korean fishers forced to dump US$1.9 million of bluefin tuna

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Japan dives deep in race for rare earths, stirring a green backlash

Do Singapore’s insurers and private hospitals need a rethink as costs surge?

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Lifestyle & Culture
A student gets help from teacher in class. One of the most forceful condemnations of the proposed drama came from South Korea’s largest teaching union. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

‘Grooming’: uproar over student-teacher ‘romance’ forces K-drama off the air

The TV drama in which a teacher falls for her 12-year-old pupil was meant to arouse curiosity. Instead, it ignited a firestorm of criticism.

videocam

Sack of bones, Duterte drug war add to growing Philippine cock fighters mystery

Naked dancing, ‘holy baths’: Malaysian police investigate Muslim family motivational event

2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

Mount Fuji in Japan seen from a mall in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: AFP

Goodbye, Lucifers: why a notorious Japanese gang just called it quits

Police chief Masaki Suzuki at the Lucifers’ disbandment ceremony inside Atsuta Police Station in Nagoya, Japan’s Aichi prefecture. Photo: Handout

South Korean restaurant’s ants-topped dishes bug food safety officials

A South Korean restaurant is being investigated for using ants as garnishes for its dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

South Korean actress reveals pregnancy via IVF without ex-husband’s consent

Lee Si-young at her wedding with her then husband Cho Seung-hyun in 2017. Photo: Huayi Brothers Korea/ Handout