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US and Philippine troops prepare the Typhon missile system for a drill in Northern Luzon last year. Photo: 1st Multi-Domain Task Force
The Philippines

Philippines set to host second Typhon unit, signalling Trump’s defence pledge

The second Typhon unit will allow more Philippine troops to train with the system and enhance the country’s sovereignty, analysts say.

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Thailand

Thai tourist gems Chiang Mai and Bangkok among world’s worst for air quality

The Philippines

Brewing justice: Philippines cafe offers healing and hope after Duterte’s ICC arrest

The Philippines

Filipinos find a new way to earn extra pesos – as virtual assistants

Driven by a desire for better pay and flexible hours, a million Filipinos hungry for opportunity are powering a virtual-assistant revolution.

A still from a TikTok video promoting becoming a virtual assistant in the Philippines. Photo: TikTok
A still from a TikTok video promoting becoming a virtual assistant in the Philippines. Photo: TikTok
Malaysia

Relocation of Hindu temple in Malaysia fuels accusations of special privileges

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to lay the foundation stone for a new mosque on the current site of the Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.

The Philippines

Piracy threat prompts dark sail for cruise ship in Philippine waters

For passengers aboard the Queen Anne, their cruise holiday took a dramatic turn as they approached the Philippines.

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Singapore

Singapore jails man who pressured 13-year-old girl into adult photo shoot

Details of Tnee Chin Kiat’s offences only came to light after he was arrested for approaching an 11-year-old girl to also model for him.

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Tnee approached the 13-year-old girl near her home and told her that he was a freelance photographer, a court heard. Photo: Shutterstock
Tnee approached the 13-year-old girl near her home and told her that he was a freelance photographer, a court heard. Photo: Shutterstock
Vietnam

Vietnam slashes tariffs on US gas, cars as Trump’s trade ‘Liberation Day’ looms

Thought to be among the Trump administration’s ‘Dirty 15’ list of trade partners, Vietnam is rushing to reduce its trade surplus with the US.

Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah’s low spotlights Prabowo policy concerns, global uncertainty

The decline in the currency led the central bank to intervene, stabilising the rupiah and restoring confidence.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks to military officials in Manila on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s currency takes a severe beating as US tariff deadline nears

The central bank said the slump is due to global uncertainties including Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.

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The Indonesian rupiah has slumped more than 3 per cent this year. Photo: Reuters
The Indonesian rupiah has slumped more than 3 per cent this year. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s PM says ‘no way’ to US$10 million ransom after airport cyberattack

Officials said the weekend cyberattack had affected certain computer systems at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Indonesia

Delivery of dead rats to Indonesian reporters sparks fears over freedom curbs

The incident allegedly targeting Tempo happened three days after a severed pig’s head was sent to a reporter from the magazine.

Indonesia

Bali to crack down on ‘naughty’ foreigners with new rules and tourism levy

The new guidelines for foreign tourists were issued to curb their misbehaviour.

Foreign tourists relax on Kuta Beach on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali in November 2023. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Perlis port vows faster halal deliveries to China, but Thai support key

Malaysia’s Perlis mega-port aims to revolutionise halal cargo delivery to China, contingent on Thai rail agreements and regional stability.

A container truck leaves the Padang Besar Container Terminal in Perlis, Malaysia. The northern state bordering Thailand is a key transit point for exports from the kingdom’s southern provinces. Photo: Joseph Sipalan
A container truck leaves the Padang Besar Container Terminal in Perlis, Malaysia. The northern state bordering Thailand is a key transit point for exports from the kingdom’s southern provinces. Photo: Joseph Sipalan
Vietnam

Move over Singapore, Vietnam is now Southeast Asia’s third-most-visited country

Vietnam now ranks behind only Malaysia, which it aims to edge out by 2030, and regional tourism hotspot Thailand.

Malaysia

Malaysian minister’s claim of ‘Yolo’ mindset driving HIV cases draws ridicule

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni says the ‘you only live once’ mindset encourages individuals ‘to try something new’.

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Vietnam

Vietnamese tycoon facing death sentence scrambles to repay fraud billions

Truong My Lan’s lawyer said she was securing funds to appeal her life sentence, on top of the US$11 billion she needs to avoid execution.

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Truong My Lan attends trial at a court in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in April last year. Photo: VnExpress via AP
Truong My Lan attends trial at a court in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in April last year. Photo: VnExpress via AP
Singapore

Trump outsources ‘Made-in-America’ investments to Singapore crypto firm

The US president’s Trump Media & Technology Group says it plans to work with Singapore-based Crypto.com on exchange-traded funds.

South China Sea

Philippine defence chief labels Beijing’s South China Sea claims ‘fiction and lie’

Gilberto Teodoro denounced Beijing’s South China Sea claims urging stronger defence and alliances amid rising tensions.

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The Philippines

Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands as South China Sea ‘sentinels’

Experts say it might be legally and logistically difficult to repurpose Grande and Chiquita Islands but political will might hold sway.

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Philippine Navy vessels docked at Subic Bay in Zambales. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines

Supporters of Philippine’s Duterte call on God, Trump to bring him home

Experts say there is little chance of the 80-year-old gaining early release due to a lack of legal avenues to challenge his ICC detention.

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A supporter of Rodrigo Duterte holds a placard during a demonstration in support of the Philippines ex-president in The Hague on Sunday. Photo: dpa
A supporter of Rodrigo Duterte holds a placard during a demonstration in support of the Philippines ex-president in The Hague on Sunday. Photo: dpa
Indonesia

Indonesia set to allow domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia after 10-year ban

Jakarta is expected to send 600,000 domestic helpers and skilled labourers to Saudi Arabia, but rights groups are concerned about the move.

Indonesia

‘Dream team’ of Jokowi, ex-Thai PM, Bridgewater’s Dalio to advise Indonesian fund

Danantara Indonesia’s sovereign fund, targeting 8 per cent growth by 2029, enlisted ex-presidents and global experts to manage a potential US$900 billion in assets.

Thailand

Bangkok brawls: Thai minister calls for tougher mall security after fights

Latest fracas between rival students of two schools near MBK Centre sparks vow from education official to ‘do whatever it takes’.

A brawl between rival students inside a Bangkok shopping centre popular with tourists, left five injured, and has prompted calls for tougher security measures. Photo: SCMP
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