Malaysia has announced that it will remove visa requirements for travelers from China and India, starting from December 1, 2023, until December 31, 2024. The visa-free scheme is part of the country’s efforts to boost its tourism industry, which has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The scheme will allow Chinese and Indian nationals to stay in Malaysia for up …

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, have become an integral part of many people’s lives, as they use them to connect, communicate, and share with their friends and family.  However, these platforms also pose a serious risk of falling victim to fake friend scams, a type of fraud that involves creating fake profiles and befriending unsuspecting users, …

Wagner Group, a private military contractor linked to the Kremlin, has been accused of committing grave human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in several African countries, where it operates alongside government forces or rebel groups.  The mercenaries, who are allegedly paid and trained by Russia, have been involved in killings, torture, rape, and displacement of civilians, as …

The first lady of South Korea, Kim Keon Hee, has been embroiled in a controversy over a Dior bag that she allegedly received as a gift from a Korean American pastor, who secretly filmed her with a hidden camera.  The scandal, which has been dubbed as the “Dior bag scandal” by the local media, has damaged the image and reputation …

The Philippine government has reiterated its refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has resumed its investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs”.  The government has claimed that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, and that the investigation is an interference and an attack on …

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has recently agreed to recognize smaller religions on its national identity cards, after a long legal battle and social pressure.  The agreement, which allows the followers of local religions to choose a new category of “belief” on their cards, is seen as a step forward for the freedom of religion and belief in the …

Osaka, Japan‘s second-largest city and the host of the World Expo 2025, is famous for its vibrant and diverse street food culture.  From savory pancakes to fried skewers, from grilled octopus balls to steamed buns, Osaka offers a mouthwatering array of dishes that reflect its history, identity, and spirit. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the best of …

A Singapore-based hedge fund, Asia Genesis Asset Management, has announced its closure after losing most of its investors due to wrong bets on Chinese and Japanese stocks. The fund, which was once one of the best-performing macro funds in Asia, made “big mistakes” in predicting the market movements and failed to recover from its losses.  The fund’s demise has exposed …

The US has accused North Korea of supplying ballistic missiles and launchers to Russia, which has been using them to attack Ukraine in violation of UN sanctions.  The US says this move shows the desperation and isolation of Russia, and the danger and defiance of North Korea. The US also says this move has implications for the ongoing negotiations with …

The 1MDB scandal is one of the biggest cases of corruption and money laundering in history, involving the theft of billions of dollars from a Malaysian state fund by former Prime Minister Najib Razak and his associates. The scandal has sparked investigations and lawsuits in several countries, and has tarnished the reputation and credibility of Malaysia. What is 1MDB and …