ASEAN News

A Singaporean man who ran a drug trafficking network in South Korea using Telegram has been sentenced to jail by a Seoul court and will be extradited to Singapore after serving his term. The 37-year-old man, whose identity has not been revealed, was arrested in Seoul on April 9, following a joint investigation by the Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) …

Singapore is facing a rapidly aging population, with the number of residents aged 65 and above expected to double by 2030. This poses various challenges for the healthcare system, especially in providing quality and affordable care for the elderly. One of the solutions that Singapore is exploring is the use of robots in elderly care. Robots can perform various tasks …

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will replace four ministers in his Cabinet who are embroiled in a fundraising scandal that has eroded public trust in his government. The four ministers are: Education Minister Koichi Hagiuda, Justice Minister Takashi Yamashita, Agriculture Minister Kotaro Nogami, and Reconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba. All of them have been accused of …

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 …

Singapore has once again emerged as the best performer in international education tests, scoring the highest marks in maths, science and reading among primary and secondary students. The city-state was followed by other Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, which also ranked among the top five in the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study …

Japan is planning to introduce an electronic system for issuing arrest warrants in 2024, as part of its efforts to streamline the criminal justice process and enhance its transparency.  The system will allow judges to issue warrants online, without having to meet with police or prosecutors in person, and will also enable the public to access information on the warrants …

In a significant transition for K-pop sensation BTS, members V, RM, Jungkook, and Jimin are gearing up to fulfill their mandatory military service obligations in South Korea. The impending enlistment has sparked widespread interest, particularly as details emerge about the enlistment date and the specific units the members will join. Notably, the focus is on Kim Taehyung, popularly known as …

Navigating the global financial landscape, Swiss private equity giant Partners Group Holding AG reveals a cautious stance on its dealings in China amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Co-founder Urs Wietlisbach emphasizes the need for higher returns, reflecting increased risks. The firm, which hasn’t transacted in China for about two years, underscores the inevitability of conflict over Taiwan and anticipates potential sanctions. …

In a surprising twist of diplomatic theatrics, the leaders of China, Japan, and South Korea are tentatively treading towards a summit, possibly unveiling the spectacle next year. This unfolding drama, seeking to soothe regional jitters exacerbated by North Korea’s weapon posturing and an increasingly conspicuous U.S. military choreography, had its prologue in a clandestine meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping …

In a real-life drama reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, the plight of Chinese dissident Kwon Pyong takes center stage as South Korea grapples with a decision that could have profound political and humanitarian implications. The 35-year-old, charged with immigration violations, made a daring escape on a jet ski, seeking refuge from the oppressive regime in China. As the South Korean …