Global superstar Lalisa Manobal has officially stepped into her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador for 2026, marking the occasion with a profound sartorial tribute. During the “Feel All the Feelings” campaign launch at Bangkok’s iconic Wat Arun, she dazzled in a Lisa custom Balmain creation that bridged decades of fashion diplomacy. The gown is the contemporary reinterpretation of the …

Vietnam surges as Asia’s top 2026 travel destination, targeting 25 million international arrivals after 2025’s record 21.2 million—outpacing Thailand’s 28% growth and Indonesia’s 15% with 287% New Year spikes in Hanoi alone. Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and Ha Long bay attract with visa waivers, direct flights out of India/China, and recognition by UNESCO heritage, have been creating VND 2,632B of …

The United Arab Emirates has shifted its gears to be a regional giant to becoming a world architect in the artificial intelligence (AI) era. The country has developed an ecosystem where active vision meets an unprecedented investment due to its UAE National Strategy of AI 2031. The UAE is not merely embracing technology by making AI the axis of its …

CES 2026 dazzled with holographic desk avatars from Razer’s Project AVA—a 5.5-inch 3D hologram projecting customizable AI companions like anime cat-girl Kira or buff Zane, powered by xAI’s Grok for gaming/productivity tips via screen monitoring. iPolish’s app-controlled press-on nails switch among 300+ colors in seconds using Bluetooth “magic wand” electrochemistry—$95 starter kits ship June. The sensors in the smart hair …

Fijians and Kiwis are preparing to fight to preserve their HSBC SVNS Singapore crowns in the seventh leg of the series, which is Jan 31-Feb 1, 2026, in the National Stadium. Fiji men, who won 21-12 by Kenya in the final, target successive wins with captain Jeremaia Matana, who at 32 points is joint top with South Africa and New …

Malaysia rolled out its cost-of-living package in Budget 2026, prioritizing low-income households with expanded Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) cash aid up to RM200/month for national poverty database families, plus one-off RM100 payments to 22 million adults aged 18+. Subsidies are maintained to maintain the RON95 petrol, fishermen/smallholder diesel, and stable rice/electricity prices at lower-usage homes, which would save RM15.5B/yr of …

Motorists in the Philippines are bracing for higher fuel prices next week as global oil market movements push up wholesale benchmarks, according to industry analysts and local fuel price trackers. Based on recent trading in Asian markets, diesel prices are projected to increase by about ₱1.20 – ₱1.50 per liter while gasoline may go up by ₱0.20 – ₱0.50 per …

To maintain a long-term economic growth and the establishment of quality employment in the face of global uncertainties such as increasing protectionism, disruption of technology and evolving trade patterns, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong unveiled a series of seven strategic priorities in Singapore on January 29, 2026. These were done in response to the Economic Strategy Review (ESR) committees …

The Philippines, as ASEAN 2026 chair, unveiled its theme “Navigating Our Future, Together” to pivot from reactive crisis handling toward Vision 2045 implementation. The priorities include Peace and Security Anchors (South China Sea COC, Myanmar engagement), Prosperity Corridors (DEFA digital economy pact, MSME excellence center, semiconductor roadmap), and People Empowerment (creative industries hub, inclusive growth). It is based on the …

Malaysia pledged full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 chairmanship during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Cebu on January 29, 2026, affirming confidence in Manila’s leadership under “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan hailed 88 successes from Malaysia’s 2025 tenure across security, economy, and culture pillars, urging translation into Vision 2045 actions for sustainable, inclusive …