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 …

Netflix’s No Tail to Tell (오늘부터 인간입니다만), premiering January 16, 2026, on SBS, revives gumiho lore with Kim Hye-yoon as Eun-ho, a cynical nine-tailed fox granting wishes to the wealthy while shunning humanity. The crash involving soccer star Kang Si-yeol (Lomon) transforms her into a human being, which leads to crazy romance and ethical concerns. Unlike benevolent gumihos seeking love, …

The nostalgic “2026 is the new 2016” trend explodes on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with Philippine celebrities unearthing decade-old snaps, recreating Mannequin Challenges, and reminiscing 2016-era fads like AlDub mania, Encantadia revival, and Pokémon Go hunts. Gabbi Garcia, Kylie Padilla, Janine Gutierrez and Awra Briguela posted throwbacks: Garcia as Sang’gre with Padilla and Sanya Lopez; Gutierrez as the calendar girl …

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is fast developing into an excellent destination of high-impact commitments to industries. Later in early 2026, the area experienced a lot of attention, especially one of the leading players in the semiconductor industry, which is known as a queen bee, and will likely host a large advanced manufacturing ecosystem. This business decision is consistent with …

Myanmar’s Hpa-an and Pindaya have clinched the prestigious ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards for 2026, recognizing exemplary cleanliness, sustainability, and tourism management. The capital of Kayin State, Hpa-an, is the next recipient of this award after winning its 2025 ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities Award, and presents the unpolluted nature of Sadan Cave, and the eco-programmes. Pindaya in Shan State was …

Vietnam solidified its status as the world’s third-largest cassava exporter in 2026, shipping crops worth approximately $1.3 billion—behind only Thailand and Nigeria, as highlighted during Vietnam Logistics Day. The Vietnam Cassava Association also reported high growth with 3.34 million tons of export in the first 10 months alone, which increased 59.8 percent in amount compared to 2024. The 94 percent …

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) maintained its Singapore Dollar policy unchanged at its January 29, 2026 review, keeping the S$NEER appreciation slope, width, and level steady. Amid resilient growth and external uncertainties, MAS upgraded 2026 core inflation to 1.0-2.0% (from 0.5-1.5%) and all-items CPI to 1.0-2.0%, citing wage pressures, supply shocks, and global tariffs. Q4 2025 GDP performance was …