ASEAN News

Japan’s stock market has been on a remarkable rally in recent months, reaching new record highs and outperforming other major markets around the world. The Nikkei 225, the benchmark index of Japanese stocks, closed at 39,911 on March 10, 2024, surpassing its previous peak of 38,957 set in December 1989, at the height of Japan’s bubble economy. However, Japan’s impressive …

The UAE, together with the European Union, Cyprus, the U.S., and the U.K., have announced the launch of the Cyprus Maritime Corridor, a humanitarian initiative to deliver aid to Gaza by sea. The initiative, which was endorsed by a joint statement on March 8, 2024, aims to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and to support the reconstruction of …

North Korea has conducted its largest-ever artillery firing exercise on Thursday, targeting a mock-up of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, state media reported. The exercise, which involved hundreds of long-range guns and rocket launchers, was supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, who praised the troops for their combat readiness and accuracy. The exercise was held at the Wonsan-Kalma coastal …

The UAE government has launched the ‘Work Bundle’, a new online platform that significantly simplifies and expedites work permit and residency visa procedures for private sector companies in Dubai. The initiative, which will be gradually expanded to include other emirates, is part of the ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ programme aimed at reducing and streamlining government procedures and eliminating unnecessary requirements. The ‘Work …

South Korea has been facing a series of strikes by thousands of doctors who are protesting against the government’s plan to increase the number of medical students and establish public medical schools. The doctors argue that the plan will lower the quality of medical education and services, and worsen their working conditions. The government, on the other hand, claims that …

Foreigners living or visiting Tokyo may face the risk of being stopped and questioned by the police based on their appearance, regardless of their legal status, behavior, or purpose. This practice, known as racial profiling, is a form of discrimination and harassment that violates the human rights and dignity of foreigners. According to a survey conducted by the Tokyo Bar …

The UAE and Japan have a long-standing and strategic partnership that spans over five decades, covering various fields such as trade, energy, security, culture, and education. The UAE is Japan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, while Japan is the UAE’s fourth-largest trading partner globally. The UAE is also Japan’s second-largest oil supplier, providing nearly 30% of Japan’s total …

The American singer and producer Benny Blanco, who is dating pop star Selena Gomez, sparked outrage among Filipinos after he posted a video on his Instagram story where he criticized the popular fast-food chain Jollibee. In the video, Blanco can be seen trying out various Jollibee menu items, such as the Chickenjoy, the Jolly Spaghetti, and the Peach Mango Pie. …

Rina Gonoi, a former soldier of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), has been honored with the International Women of Courage Award by the United States for her fight against sexual harassment in the Japanese military. Gonoi, 24, is one of the 12 recipients of the award, which recognizes women who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human …

The UAE has maintained its position as the 10th most influential country in the world, according to the Brand Finance Soft Power Index 2024, which measures the reputation and impact of 193 nations.  The UAE is also the only Gulf country and the first regionally to rank among the top 10 soft powers, demonstrating its global status and leadership. The …