A Malaysian bank has issued a sell recommendation for Starbucks shares, citing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living on consumer spending. Bank Rakyat Malaysia (BRM) said in a note on Friday that it expects Starbucks to face lower demand and margins in the second half of 2023, as consumers cut back on discretionary spending …

Singapore’s education minister Ong Ye Kung has revealed that the country is reducing the amount of homework given to students, as part of a new curriculum that aims to foster creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. In an interview with El País, Ong said that homework is no longer a measure of academic achievement, but rather a tool to reinforce learning and …

The UK and South Korea have agreed to sign a new Downing Street Accord, a major long-term partnership that will redefine and strengthen their ties for the next generation. The accord, which follows similar agreements with Singapore and Japan earlier this year, will deepen cooperation between the two countries on technology, defense and security. The accord was signed by Prime …

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned top EU officials not to engage in confrontation with China, as he held a virtual summit with the bloc amid rising tensions over human rights and trade issues. Xi said that China and the EU should push their relations to “a new level with new prospects”, and that if the two sides choose …

A small town in Japan is trying to attract new residents by offering a cash incentive of one million yen ($10,000) to anyone with the surname Suzuki who is willing to relocate there. The town of Kainan in Wakayama prefecture has a population of about 33,000 people, but it is facing a demographic crisis as more young people move to …

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has strongly condemned the “heinous terrorist attack” that killed four people and wounded dozens more in the southern Philippines on Sunday. The bomb exploded during a Mass at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Jolo, Sulu province, where hundreds of people were gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. The blast …

Indonesian authorities on Thursday called off the search for victims of a volcanic eruption that killed at least 23 people and injured dozens more on Java island. The volcano erupted on Sunday, sending a 3km (9,800ft) ash cloud into the air, and depositing large amounts of volcanic ash in nearby districts. The eruption occurred while many climbers were on the …

China is willing to address its trade disputes with the European Union in a constructive way and seek to build “strategic trust” with the bloc, analysts said ahead of the 24th China-EU summit in Beijing on Thursday. The summit, which comes after a five-year hiatus, will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, European Council President Charles …

Andrea Brillantes is one of the most popular young stars in the country, with millions of followers on social media and a successful career in showbiz. But behind the glitz and glamor, the 18-year-old actress also faces a lot of challenges and criticisms from online bashers and haters. In an exclusive interview with Philstarlife.com, Andrea’s mom, Belle Brillantes, opened up …

Singapore and China have agreed to set up a 30-day mutual visa-free travel arrangement, as part of their efforts to enhance people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in the post-pandemic era. The agreement was announced on Thursday (Dec 7) during the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting – the highest-level annual bilateral forum between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister …