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Singapore’s Workers’ Party and other opposition parties are fielding more candidates of higher calibre for the 2025 general election, analysts say. Photo: Xinhua
Singapore general election 2025

No more ‘riff-raff’? Singapore’s opposition narrows talent gap with ruling PAP

The opposition has fielded more candidates ahead of the May 3 election that are seen by analysts as a ‘step-up in the calibre’.

The Philippines

Will overseas Filipino workers sway the Philippines’ midterm elections?

Malaysia

Trump tariffs are keeping Malaysia on edge. What new markets is it eyeing?

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South Korea

South Korea mulls countermeasures to Chinese platform in contested Yellow Sea

Officials say the fixed steel platform risks undermining a bilateral pact and signals China’s expanding maritime ambitions.

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South Korean veterans hold a rally near the Chinese embassy in Seoul last month to denounce China’s installation of steel structures in an overlapping maritime zone between the two countries. Photo: EPA-EFE
South Korean veterans hold a rally near the Chinese embassy in Seoul last month to denounce China’s installation of steel structures in an overlapping maritime zone between the two countries. Photo: EPA-EFE
South Korea

Lee Jae-myung leads South Korea polls amid political turmoil and US tariffs

Support for Lee keeps rising while his rival, acting President Han Duck-soo, stays coy about his intentions for the June 3 snap elections.

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The Philippines

Philippine provinces torn between US military and China’s economic reach: study

US military hosts Cagayan and Palawan hold opposing views of Beijing because of their economic engagements with China, according to a study.

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South Korea

South Korea air force says pilot error caused aircraft to drop gun pods, tanks

The blunder, the latest in a series of accidents in recent months, has prompted concerns about lax standards within the armed forces.

A KA-1 light attack aircraft takes off during drills in South Korea. Photo: Handout
A KA-1 light attack aircraft takes off during drills in South Korea. Photo: Handout
India

Can Vance’s visit help India fast-track trade deal, avert Trump tariff threat?

India is expected to use Vance’s visit to signal it is serious in working out a trade deal with the US, analysts say.

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Malaysia

Malaysia may benefit from China’s Boeing snub – but at what price?

Airline may face strong headwinds in the form of rising cost of parts and declining passenger numbers, analysts warn.

The Philippines

Will Manila’s second BrahMos missile system deter Beijing in South China Sea?

The additional delivery may be more symbolic than strategic in repelling Chinese intentions on disputed area, analysts say.

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An Indian naval officer walks past the army’s BrahMos weapon systems during a rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in January 20. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Will red tape snarl Malaysia’s concert hub plans to emulate Singapore?

Rights to host mega concerts came into stark focus last year after Singapore secured an exclusive deal with US superstar Taylor Swift.

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Taylor Swift performs in the US. Singapore was estimated to have earned up to US$500 million in tourism receipts from hosting six of her shows. Photo: Getty Images/TNS/AFP
Taylor Swift performs in the US. Singapore was estimated to have earned up to US$500 million in tourism receipts from hosting six of her shows. Photo: Getty Images/TNS/AFP
France

‘A more reliable partner’: how France’s Palestine push could isolate the US

France’s president is seizing a global leadership vacuum left by Washington to champion a two-state solution. The effects could be profound.

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South China Sea

‘Beauty of compromise’: Chinese scholars urge peace with Manila in South China Sea

Experts emphasise compromise and reject ‘megaphone diplomacy’ to avoid conflicts in the disputed waterway.

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Australia

Will US tariffs sink Australia’s Aukus submarine delivery goals?

About one-third of the steel and aluminium used in US naval vessels, including the Aukus submarines, have been hit by Donald Trump’s tariffs.

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A Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Australia is set to acquire such submarines from the early 2030s. Photo: US Navy
Indonesia

From Bandung to Brics: Indonesia’s evolving quest for Global South autonomy

Seven decades after hosting a summit that birthed the Non-Aligned Movement, Indonesia prioritises pragmatic ties over grand gestures.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong
Asean

Can Asean withstand the flood of Chinese exports amid Trump’s tariff war?

Facing reduced domestic demand and increasing trade barriers, Chinese manufacturers are turning to Southeast Asia to export their surplus goods.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar meets Myanmar junta leader in week of tricky diplomacy

Critics warn the engagement in Anwar’s capacity as Asean chair risks handing a rare legitimacy win to Min Aung Hlaing’s regime.

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Japan

The ‘stabiliser’? Why Japan is Southeast Asia’s most trusted partner

Amid global uncertainty, Japan’s ‘diplomatic consistency’ and pacifist stance solidified its position as the most trusted major power.

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Tokyo city skyline. A new survey found Japan’s consistent diplomacy made it the most trusted power in Southeast Asia, enhancing stability amid global conflicts and US-China tensions. Photo: Shutterstock
Tokyo city skyline. A new survey found Japan’s consistent diplomacy made it the most trusted power in Southeast Asia, enhancing stability amid global conflicts and US-China tensions. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Is China planning to declare shared control of Diaoyu Islands with Japan?

Security expert warns Beijing may unilaterally claim islets to be jointly administered and dispatch maritime militia there to boost presence.

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South Korea

A ‘wild card’ emerges in South Korea’s presidential race: the prime minister

A new poll shows acting president Han Duck-soo, a 75-year-old technocrat, leading among conservative voters after Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment.

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Indonesia

Can Indonesia’s Prabowo succeed in plan to evacuate Gaza’s Palestinians?

The Indonesian president has said that his plan would happen only with agreement from ‘all parties’.

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A boy in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has proposed to evacuate 1,000 wounded or orphaned Palestinians from Gaza. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Singapore’s ‘sugar daddy’ scammer jailed for exploiting underage victims

A Singaporean scammer was sentenced for exploiting 31 victims, including underage girls, in a ‘sugar daddy’ scam, manipulating them into sending explicit content.

The Singapore skyline. The city state sentenced a man to nearly seven years in prison for exploiting underage girls via “sugar daddy” scam. Photo: Shutterstock
The Singapore skyline. The city state sentenced a man to nearly seven years in prison for exploiting underage girls via “sugar daddy” scam. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

China’s Xi ends Malaysia visit with jet, chip deals before heading to Cambodia

The Chinese president’s tour through Southeast Asia comes as Beijing seeks to position itself as the region’s most dependable trade partner.

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The Philippines

As Sara Duterte backs Imee Marcos, will it sway Philippine Senate elections?

A last-minute political gamble sees the president’s sister seeking to revive her campaign by tapping into the vice-president’s popularity.

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Cambodia

Cambodia’s descent into madness remembered, 50 years after the Khmer Rouge

Frenchman Roland Neveu witnessed the victorious Khmer Rouge enter Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, heralding a savage era for Cambodians.

Khmer Rouge troops gather surrendered weapons at an intersection in Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975. Photo: Roland Neveu
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