The Philippines has turned to hackers for cybersecurity help as tensions with China rise over the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine government has hired hackers to test and improve its cyber defenses, and to conduct offensive cyber operations against its adversaries. The hackers, who are mostly former criminals or activists, have been recruited and trained by the Department of …

Indonesia has introduced a new law that will affect tourists who buy goods online from overseas sellers. The new law, which took effect on January 1, 2024, requires tourists to pay a 10 per cent sales tax on low value goods (LVG) that are shipped from abroad to Indonesia. The new law aims to protect local producers and consumers, and …

In a world where technology reigns, Japan has always been at the forefront of innovation. From cutting-edge electronics to futuristic gadgets, their prowess in the industry is undeniable. However, even the mightiest can be brought to their knees when nature unleashes its fury. Recently, an earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale shook Japan’s Noto region, sending shockwaves through not …

Malaysia has started to impose a new 10 per cent sales tax on low value goods (LVG) that are sold online and shipped from abroad to customers in Malaysia, effective from January 1, 2024. The new tax, which applies to goods priced below RM500 each, has drawn mixed reactions from online sellers, local businesses, and consumers, who have different views …

South Korea is launching a new visa program for foreigners who are interested in learning about Korean culture and entertainment, also known as Hallyu or the Korean Wave. The Hallyu visa program, which will be implemented in the first half of 2022, is expected to attract more global talents and fans to the country, and to boost its cultural and …

China has a lot of legal weapons to challenge Manila’s claims in the South China Sea, according to an international law expert who spoke at a webinar hosted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Tuesday.  The expert, Professor Bing Ling, said that China could use various legal arguments and strategies to counter the 2016 arbitration ruling that invalidated …

A former Reform Party member who spread false and libellous statements about Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam having an extramarital affair has issued a public apology and agreed to pay the minister’s legal costs. However, the apology, which was posted on TikTok and Facebook, does not undo the damage and the harm caused by the falsehoods, which have …

The recent attacks on US and Israeli targets in Asia, which have been blamed on Iran and its proxy forces, have sparked fears of a regional war and a global crisis.  The attacks have also triggered a fierce online battle for influence and propaganda, as Iran, Israel, and the US have used social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and …

China’s official and online responses to Japan’s earthquake showed a stark contrast between the diplomatic and the nationalist views of the two countries’ relations.  While the Chinese government expressed sympathy and support for Japan, the Chinese public and media showed hostility and indifference, and even celebrated the disaster as a deserved punishment for Japan’s past and present actions. The official …

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) reopened its train line from Naga City in Camarines Sur to Legazpi City in Albay on December 27, 2023, after a six-year suspension due to a lack of train coaches and locomotives. The reopening of the train line, which covers a distance of over 100 kilometers, is expected to solve some of the problems faced …