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Voters wait at a polling station in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: AP
Singapore general election 2025

Singaporeans vote in election overshadowed by cost-of-living pressures

The race will be closely watched as a gauge of public confidence in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership.

Indonesia

Trump’s tariffs drive Chinese solar firms to Indonesia after Southeast Asia levies

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Indonesia

Indonesian students in US fear immigration crackdown over political views

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Cambodia

Cambodia widens access to China-funded Ream base to parry ‘lingering suspicion’

Recent visits by ships from Vietnam, Russia and Japan at Ream are aimed at deflecting views of China’s ‘preferential access’, analysts say.

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A Japanese minesweeper vessel prepares to dock at the Ream naval base in Cambodia last month. Photo: Kyodo
A Japanese minesweeper vessel prepares to dock at the Ream naval base in Cambodia last month. Photo: Kyodo
Malaysia

Asean firms in limbo as US tariff window ticks and China ‘dumping’ fears grow

Companies brace for drop in demand and profits as they and regional governments struggle to find a way to tackle the punishing duties.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s food estate push targets self-sufficiency, but Papua concerns grow

Indonesia’s food self-sufficiency drive, spearheaded by President Prabowo Subianto, has raised environmental and Indigenous rights concerns.

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The Philippines

Why Philippines’ poorest may not vote for hardline anti-China candidates

Economic survival outweighs foreign policy concerns for those living below the poverty line, analysts say.

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A Chinese coastguard ship patrols the area as Philippine inter-agency members visit Sandy Cay in the South China Sea on April 27. Photo: National Task Force West Philippine Sea/AP
A Chinese coastguard ship patrols the area as Philippine inter-agency members visit Sandy Cay in the South China Sea on April 27. Photo: National Task Force West Philippine Sea/AP
South Korea

South Korea presidential race heats up with Han’s entry, Lee’s retrial

Han Duck-soo joining the race to become the country’s next leader complicates the contest, and coincides with a retrial for rival Lee Jae-myung.

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Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: PAP’s potential seat loss vs balanced parliament narrative

Political parties clash on cost of living, GST and need for more voices in parliament versus a stronger mandate for the PM.

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Indonesia

Indonesian city considers China-style boot camps to curb youth crime surge

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi proposed the idea in response to a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence, in Depok city.

A sunny street view with large “Depok” city sign on the roadside. The Indonesian city has seen a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence. Photo: Shutterstock
India

‘Things have gone haywire’: Indian students rethink US study plans

Analysts say universities in Europe, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as some local institutions stand to benefit.

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A student waves a sign during a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, rally to demand the university protect students regardless of immigration status on April 24. Photo: TNS
A student waves a sign during a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, rally to demand the university protect students regardless of immigration status on April 24. Photo: TNS
Japan

Fake Japanese police uniform, reportedly from China, sparks real-life concerns

Concerns have arisen over images of a man wearing a realistic Japanese police uniform, suggesting a risk of impersonating an officer, which is illegal in Japan.

South Korea

Front-runner Lee’s path to presidency hit by South Korea’s top court ruling

The ruling could sway moderate voters even if Lee stays on the ballot, experts say.

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Japan

Japan’s Southeast Asia diplomacy ramps up as Ishiba courts Hanoi and Manila

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba walks past members of the Philippine coastguard during his visit to Manila on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Can Japan reduce US reliance amid Trump policies, and embrace Global South?

Japanese business leaders are urging the country to diversify trade beyond the US to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on one economy.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

77% of Japanese doubt US support amid Trump’s ‘erratic’ first 100 days: poll

Japanese scepticism is growing as more than three-quarters of citizens doubt US military support under Trump, despite security assurances.

India

Carney’s win sets stage for reset in India-Canada ties after Trudeau tensions

Bilateral relations deteriorated after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were behind the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

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South Korea

South Korea conducts historic raid on ex-president Yoon’s home

Yoon Suk-yeol’s home was raided amid influence peddling allegations involving his wife and close aides.

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Police officers are on standby in front of the residence of former President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Police officers are on standby in front of the residence of former President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

US, Philippines flex military muscle with show of Himars firepower

The use of Himars and NMESIS during the Balikatan exercise demonstrates the allies’ ability to respond to provocations, analysts say.

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Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: single-ward battles are where the action lies

With tighter margins and high-profile candidates, these smaller races are drawing the most attention this election.

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Pakistan

India vs Pakistan: a Western-Chinese arms face-off in the making?

A clash between the South Asian rivals’ warplanes and artillery could have profound implications for the global arms industry.

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A Pakistani JF-17 aircraft flies over Islamabad. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s free meal scheme faces calls for stronger food safety standards

Several food poisoning incidents have led to calls for food suppliers involved in the free meals programme to undergo proper training.

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A free meal provided at a school in Depok, West Java under the Indonesian government’s free nutritious meal programme. Photo: EPA-EFE
A free meal provided at a school in Depok, West Java under the Indonesian government’s free nutritious meal programme. Photo: EPA-EFE
India

India’s Rafale fighter jet deal: a maritime power play against China, Pakistan?

Analysts say the new jets represent a major upgrade, replacing the ageing and accident-prone MiG-29K fleet on India’s aircraft carriers.

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Japan

Did Japan kill 30 million? US historian’s book ignites nationalist fury

Accusing US historian Bryan Rigg of ‘propaganda’, Japanese conservatives are actively working to discredit his account of WWII atrocities.

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North Korea

Casualties and a Kremlin call: North Korea’s Ukraine war admission unpacked

Until recently, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang had admitted to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attend a Gala concert in Pyongyang in June 2024. Photo: TNS
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