ASEAN News

Singapore, a city-state with a knack for diplomatic finesse, now finds itself in an intricate dance between superpowers. China, its biggest trade partner, hungers for Russian oil, while the United States, its leading foreign investor, wants to cut Moscow’s cash flow. Singapore’s strategy? Impose its sanctions on Russia’s banks and arms deals while giving its local oil industry the wiggle …

Japan’s crowning glory in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards as the “Best Country in the World” signals that it’s a destination unlike any other. With a blend of tradition and innovation, Japan is a realm of juxtapositions that beckons travelers. After a two-year hiatus due to entry restrictions, international wanderers are pouring in, ready to immerse themselves in the country’s …

Beyond geopolitical tensions and radiation fears, a unique story unfolds on the streets of Tokyo. Chinese tourists, during China’s eight-day National Day holiday, are on a culinary pilgrimage, relishing sushi in the heart of Japan. What is the Seafood Ban? In the prestigious Ginza shopping district, a woman from Zhejiang Province in her 40s declares, “I eat sushi every day. …

In a significant development, South Korean automaker Hyundai has welcomed its first-ever female factory workers within its homeland. This landmark decision, arriving 22 years after Hwang Ji-sun’s entry into Hyundai, signifies a substantial shift towards enhanced gender inclusivity in an industry historically dominated by men. Hwang, now aged 52, distinctly recollects the hurdles faced by female colleagues during her early …

Imagine any quirky thing you’ve ever wanted that’s functional at the same time. Now, picture this: they’re all incredibly, mind-bogglingly cheap. Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Temu, a Chinese shopping app that’s not just turning heads but also raising questions about where, how, and why we shop. Temu made its grand entrance in the US in 2022 …

Amid the glitz and glamor of the Busan International Film Festival’s opening night, Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon’s words resonated deeply: “I hope we can communicate and reconcile again.” Little did he know that this sentiment would encapsulate the festival’s own journey. This year’s festival, marked by the thought-provoking film “Because I Hate Korea,” dove into the complexities of Korean society …

In the bustling streets of Asia’s vibrant cities, a transformation is unfolding, one that goes beyond technology and algorithms. It’s a story of AI’s quiet ascent into the realm of journalism, but it’s also a story of the human spirit, innovation, and adaptation. Our journey begins in South Korea, a nation renowned for its technological prowess and the global phenomenon …

In the shadows of Hong Kong’s dissent crackdown, Edmund Wan, known as “Giggs” in his radio days, found himself facing an unexpected offer. During a recent interview with Radio Free Asia, he unveiled the startling encounter with Chinese state security officers who approached him after his 32-month prison stint for “sedition” and “money-laundering.” Their proposition? Return to broadcasting, but this …

Amidst the serene embrace of the boundless, azure Pacific Ocean, a saga unfolds that transcends the ordinary tapestry of geopolitics—a narrative where Taiwan, a resolute island nation, unveils an engineering marvel, one that resonates through the ages like an echo from the annals of human achievement. This revelation isn’t just the christening of a submarine; it’s the symphony of indomitable …

In the ever-expanding tapestry of international intrigue, the Philippines emerges as a steadfast guardian of its maritime realm. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s resolute stance on defending territorial waters in the South China Sea adds a new thread to the complex fabric of geopolitics. Against a backdrop of geopolitical jockeying, the Philippines stands at the forefront, seeking not conflict but the …