The ongoing legal struggle surrounding Malaysia’s imprisoned former prime minister, Najib Razak, has taken a dramatic turn, with Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arguing that if a leaked memo circulating is legitimate, charges relating to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) crisis should be dropped. Following a growing desire for justice in the case, Malaysia’s deputy prime minister emphasized the necessity …

In a bid to foster cultural and educational ties, the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar, Bali, granted Mandarin language education scholarships to 100 students and teachers from 11 three-language schools in Bali and West Nusa Tenggara. The awardees, who received the scholarships on Tuesday, were chosen for their commitment to language learning. The head of special education and special services …

Amid rising concerns over a declining national birthrate, China’s eastern county of Changshan is offering newlyweds a “reward” of $137 for brides who marry aged 25 or younger. It’s the latest in a series of measures to encourage young people across the country to get married. The cash reward is meant to promote “age-appropriate marriage and childbearing”. The notice also …

Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has nominated Sutin Klungsang as the defense minister. But the Royal Thai Armed Forces has voiced disapproval of his appointment. This is likely to force the ruling Pheu Thai Party  to look for a new candidate. The defense ministerial position was previously looked after by Gen. Nattapon Nakpanich. And now, Sutin has been …

In collaboration with HYBE, the creative K-Pop entertainment agency behind BTS, Geffen Records has embarked on a mission to uncover the world’s next groundbreaking female group.  The organizations have announced a collaboration that combines talent and innovation, as well as the top 20 participants, chosen from an incredible 120,000 applicants, who will battle for a coveted seat in this global …

Terry Gou, the billionaire founder of Foxconn, the world’s largest contract producer of electronics, including Apple’s iPhones, declared his intention to run for the presidency of Taiwan as an independent candidate. Gou’s declaration follows a failed earlier attempt to win the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party’s candidacy for the forthcoming January election.Gou declared during a news conference that he had made …

With India nine months away from general elections, it is time for incumbent governments to present report cards. Opposition parties should highlight what the government might have missed and lay out an alternative model of development before the people.  But the Congress-led opposition has ended up being a drag on the country’s development. Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest …

Hotel Properties, overseen by tycoon Ong Beng Seng and his wife Christina, has received government approval to embark on a groundbreaking redevelopment initiative encompassing three prime properties along Singapore‘s famed Orchard Road. The endeavor, estimated to cost between S$1 billion and S$2 billion, is poised to reshape the city’s iconic shopping strip, marking a significant transformation for the bustling district. …

Employment in Thailand has slowed from a 2.4 percent increase in the previous three months after rising 1.7 percent from a year earlier. Thailand’s economy grew 1.8 percent in the April-June period year-on-year, and 0.2 percent quarter-on-quarter.  Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy slowed sharply from the first quarter due to weaker exports and investment. According to the National Economic and Social …

Amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the Philippines in its endeavors to conduct critical supply missions to the grounded warship in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. A Pentagon official’s recent statement resounds with determination, marking a significant step as the Philippines confronts challenges from China’s consistent territorial claims. The US …