ASEAN News

China has initiated trial visa-free entry for nationals from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain beginning June 9, 2025 and ending June 8, 2026 as well as Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay starting June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2026. Ordinary passport holders can now typically enter for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, …

All employment contracts signed after January 1, 2026 in Malaysia will now need a stamp duty as a measure to back regulations and make certain companies follow tax laws. The policy forms part of the government’s gradual launch of the STSDS which is part of Budget 2025. Because of this change, every employer in the public and private sectors must …

After three years of association with the agency Andmarq, actress Shin Si Ah leaves and signs with one of the successful agencies of the South Korean Entertainment Industry ‘Soop Management’. And it has been officially announced by the agency itself through the social media post.  “We are happy to welcome Shin Si Ah to our family. We will fully support …

China Southern Airlines and Vietnam’s flag carrier have started a new aviation partnership, a significant milestone in the airline’s plan to expand in Southeast Asia. The result of the collaboration makes China Southern Airlines an important player in improving regional air connections across Asia’s fastest-developing aviation markets. China Southern Airlines and Vietnam’s national airline were given all the required approval …

Significantly, Singapore and the Philippines have decided to cooperate further in areas such as healthcare training, digital developments and their mutual support for ASEAN’s integration. The announcement was made June 4, 2025, during Lawrence Wong’s visit to Manila as Singapore prime minister, at a meeting with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the president of the Philippines. The leaders shared ideas at Malacañang …

The South Korean boy band ‘CRAVITY’ is organised under Starship Entertainment and widely recognised for blending high-energy performances with the emotionally rich music of theirs. There are many boy bands in the K-Pop industry but they hold their unique place within the hearts of their fans since their debut in 2020. This nine member band rose to the sky high …

Spotify Japan’s ‘New Music Wednesday’ initiative fosters the artists who are emerging in various genres and music forms in Japan. Under this banner Spotify Japan is presenting the list of new albums or independent songs to their audience. And the new releases of 4 June 2025 (Wednesday) have been revealed on their official social media page.  New Music Wednesday – …

Skincare is considered to be an identity in the world of K-beauty, which plays a significant role in how they appear in public and even during their personal times. And “Dr.Althea’s” recent update of choosing Jiyu the rising star and the leader of the girl group KiiiKiii has sparked the buzz among the beauty and the entertainment industry. Authenticity, freshness, …

To honour the established and upcoming K-Pop artists the ‘K World Dream Awards’ has been held annually. The impact of this award event has transformed it as one of the most anticipated events in the K-Pop calendar that draws attention from the fans across the world. An unforeseen update about the 2025 edition of K World Dream Awards sparked curiosity …

MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG) and Singapore Trade Data Exchange (SGTraDex) have signed an MoU to improve digital links between foreign trade in Malaysia and Singapore. It was introduced at the ASEAN-GCC-China CEO Roundtable which showcased how two major digital platforms—MYEG’s Zetrix and SGTraDex—are now closely aligned to build a secure and easy-to-use trade ecosystem. The plan demonstrates a common …