Saturday, 20 Sep 2025

Stay ahead of Asia’s biggest stories. Get our weekly news digest delivered to your inbox – it’s free!

Economy
EconomyShow More

Ecommerce Renaissance for Southeast Asia Brands Amid Rising Rents
Rising rents push brands onlineAfter years of rapid digital adoption, Southeast Asia…

September 20, 2025

Japan Increases Antidumping Investigations Amid China Glut
Why Japanese trade officials are opening more casesJapan is moving faster this…

September 20, 2025

From imperial lychee relays to a modern durian express: China races to feed a growing taste
Why fast fruit still matters in China todayChina is building a new…

September 20, 2025

How Singapore can protect mid level jobs as AI reshapes work
A weak middle is the fault line in a fast changing labor…

September 20, 2025

QRIS reshapes Indonesia’s payments and extends its reach abroad
Indonesia's QR code standard is changing how the country paysAcross Indonesia, a…

September 20, 2025
Education
EducationShow More

Company run AI graduate schools test South Koreas plan to scale tech talent
A first for South Korea, and a new kind of tech pipelineSouth…

September 20, 2025

Japan Sends Language Education Partners to India for First Time
A milestone for Japanese language learning in IndiaJapan has sent five Nihongo…

September 17, 2025

Tokyo to Increase Support for International Schools to Attract Foreign Talent
Why Tokyo is turning to international schools nowTokyo is preparing a new…

September 13, 2025

China Launches Nationwide AI Curriculum in Schools
A new core subject for the AI ageChina is beginning the school…

September 12, 2025

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Goes Fully Online: Dates, Eligibility, and How to Apply
Applications open for 2026 Global Korea Scholarship for undergraduatesSouth Korea has set…

September 8, 2025
Entertainment
EntertainmentShow More

Circular beats Myaku Myaku in Osaka Expo mascot poll as Germany takes the crown
A surprise result at a packed celebrationWith the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo…

September 20, 2025

Family Mart unveils all you can eat Famichiki event across Japan
A new tabehodai challenge for Famichiki fansFamily Mart is giving its most…

September 20, 2025

Pizza Hut Japan and Gion Tsujiri launch a matcha dessert Handy Melt for tsukimi season
A dessert pizza made for moon viewing seasonPizza Hut Japan has taken…

September 15, 2025

Bruno Mars Music to Ignite 60 Minute Fireworks Spectacle in Saitama and Osaka This November
A pop icon meets Japan hanabi traditionJapan celebrates fireworks on a grand…

September 9, 2025

Param Sundari sparks debate on Kerala stereotypes and authenticity in Bollywood
Why this romance has inflamed a cultural debateA glossy Hindi romcom has…

September 8, 2025
Environment
EnvironmentShow More

Bali Bans New Hotels on Farmland After Deadly Floods
Floods force Bali to rethink building on farmlandBali will halt new approvals…

September 20, 2025

Indonesia Raises Alert as Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Erupts
Eruptions intensify on Flores as authorities enforce top alertMount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on…

September 20, 2025

Tiger killing in Johor triggers arrests, national outrage and a new push against trafficking
A grim discovery in Johor sparks a national reckoningA Malayan tiger, the…

September 20, 2025

Anglers Turn Guardians as Invasive Fish Threaten Malaysia’s Rivers
A crisis grows beneath familiar watersWith a slingshot in one hand and…

September 20, 2025

Record Pacific Marine Heat Wave Spans the Basin and Tests Weather and Wildlife
A basin wide heat wave from Japan to CaliforniaA vast marine heat…

September 20, 2025
Health
HealthShow More

Arson Attacks Ravage Nepal Vaccine Cold Chain, Putting Child Immunisation at Risk
Arson and Outrage Collide With Public HealthDuring recent anti-corruption demonstrations across Nepal,…

September 20, 2025

Malaysia’s Reset Health Reforms Draw Fire From Private Doctors as Costs Surge
High stakes reset for Malaysian health careMalaysia is attempting one of its…

September 18, 2025

Osaka Expo 2025 issues redback spider alert after nest found in public area
An alert that put a spotlight on safety at Osaka ExpoOrganizers of…

September 17, 2025

India’s Cancer Paradox: More Women Diagnosed, More Men Dying
A paradox in India’s cancer burdenIndia’s latest cancer registries reveal a striking…

September 16, 2025

American Cockroaches Are Spreading in Japan’s Restaurants, Testing Pest Control and Public Trust
A fast growing pest problem hits Japan's dining roomsA bowl of ramen…

September 13, 2025
International
InternationalShow More

US Typhon Missile Deployment in Japan May Spur Chinese Countermeasures
A show of force in Japan and why it mattersThe United States…

September 20, 2025

China warns Papua New Guinea as Australia pushes landmark defence treaty
PNG weighs a landmark alliance as China pushes backPapua New Guinea is…

September 20, 2025

Guam Residents Weigh Risk as China Parades Guam Killer Missile and US Rushes New Defenses
A Pacific outpost on edgeGuam's 170,000 residents live with periodic warnings about…

September 17, 2025

Korea’s plan for visa free Chinese tour groups ignites public backlash, health concerns, and a wider political debate
A policy that divides the publicSouth Korea’s plan to allow Chinese tour…

September 17, 2025

Philippines and Ukraine pursue joint drone boats to deter China
A potential partnership at seaUkraine and the Philippines are moving toward a…

September 16, 2025
Politics
PoliticsShow More

Gen Z Uprising in Nepal Leaves Dozens Dead and Brings a New Interim Leader
A nation stunned by its deadliest unrest in decadesAt least 72 people…

September 16, 2025

Flood Scandal Ignites Nationwide Protests in the Philippines as Marcos Backs a Sweeping Probe
Outrage builds as flood control scandal sparks nationwide ralliesRising public anger over…

September 16, 2025

Talks gather pace on easing Macau residency curbs for Portuguese citizens
Momentum builds for a fix after talks in MacauPortuguese Prime Minister Luís…

September 11, 2025

Arrests and online censorship as Indonesia protests spread
What started the protestsIndonesia has been gripped by its largest street unrest…

September 11, 2025

Thai Supreme Court Sends Thaksin Shinawatra to Prison After Hospital Stay Ruled Unlawful
Supreme Court declares hospital detention unlawful, orders prison termThailand’s Supreme Court ordered…

September 11, 2025
Science
ScienceShow More

Japan Develops 90 C Hydrogen Battery for Safer Efficient Storage
Why a 90 C hydrogen battery matters nowResearchers in Japan have unveiled…

September 20, 2025

Japanese Zebra Striped Cows Study Wins Ig Nobel and a Fresh Look at Fly Control
A playful prize with a practical payoffA simple paint job has earned…

September 20, 2025

Ancient Cave Symbols May Be Earliest Written Language
A new look at the first human codeFor generations, the story of…

September 18, 2025

China presents CFR 1000 fast neutron reactor and a new chapter for nuclear power
A leap in reactor design with global stakesChina has moved a large…

September 14, 2025

Shanghai Pilot Offers 50,000 Yuan Grants to Keep New Mothers in Science
Shanghai tests a new way to keep mothers in scienceShanghai has opened…

September 14, 2025
Society
SocietyShow More

Tokyo Keeps Growing as Japan Shrinks: Can Regions Thrive in an Age of Fewer Births
Tokyo keeps growing while much of Japan shrinksTokyo continues to pull people,…

September 20, 2025

Six Singapore Hawker Centres to Close for Upgrades from September to December 2025
Why multiple hawker centres will close in late 2025Singapore will temporarily close…

September 20, 2025

From Soil Labs to Street Markets: Chinese PhD and Wife Turn Chongqing Noodles into a Belgian Hit
A viral noodle stall with academic rootsOn busy market days in Belgium,…

September 20, 2025

Bangladesh sees a sharp drop in women in the workforce
A sudden reversal after years of progressBangladesh’s labour force has shrunk by…

September 20, 2025

Singaporean Tourist Overcharged for Herbs in Hong Kong Pharmacy
A costly lesson in unclear pricingA family shopping trip in Hong Kong…

September 17, 2025
Sports
SportsShow More

How S Vegiyathuman Turned Walks and Runs Into a National Bond
Unity on foot across a diverse nationFor half a century, scenes of…

September 16, 2025

Tokyo Police Boost Security Ahead of World Athletics Championships
A city on alert as global athletics returns to TokyoTokyo has tightened…

September 13, 2025

Singapore to Host 2026 MotoGP Season Launch
A new stage for MotoGP in SingaporeMotoGP will open the 2026 campaign…

September 9, 2025

No New JRA Jockeys in 2026 as Weight Limits and Phone Rules Bite
A rare gap year for new jockeys in JapanJapan’s central horse racing…

September 5, 2025

Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns Among Expats and Tourists
Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns…

August 31, 2025
Technology
TechnologyShow More

China Keeps TikTok Algorithm as US Backs Licensing Deal
Why this deal matters nowA long running fight over TikTok in the…

September 20, 2025

Inside China’s Digital Great Wall at Sea to Defeat Drone Swarms
Why drone swarms are reshaping naval warfareCheap, fast and expendable drones have…

September 20, 2025

DeepSeek $294,000 Training Claim Unpacked: Why R1 Really Cost Millions
Why a $294,000 price tag shocked the AI worldWhen DeepSeek published a…

September 20, 2025

Tokyo’s Robot Tour Guides Enable Work for People with Disabilities
Why avatar robots are guiding tourists in NihonbashiIn Tokyo’s Nihonbashi business district,…

September 20, 2025

Japan’s AI Basic Plan to Promote AI Use in Public Institutions
Japan sets out first national AI basic plan: public sector to lead…

September 20, 2025
Travel
TravelShow More

Bangkok Insider Guide: Eat, Shop, and Socialise Like a Local
A city of contrasts that rewards wanderingBangkok reveals itself best at street…

September 20, 2025

Japan to unify Shinkansen online bookings across JR companies
Why a unified booking system matters nowJapan is preparing a major change…

September 20, 2025

Riding Niigata’s sake train through Japan’s snow country
Inside Niigata's moving tasting roomIn Niigata, a coastal prefecture that receives deep…

September 20, 2025

Southeast Asian travelers power a surge in China visa free arrivals
Visa free entries surge as Southeast Asia leads the reboundChina recorded a…

September 20, 2025

Quiet Rails: Four Beautiful, Less Crowded Japan Stops With the JR Pass
Why look beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and OsakaFor many first time visitors, the…

September 18, 2025

Saturday, 20 Sep 2025

Stay ahead of Asia’s biggest stories. Get our weekly news digest delivered to your inbox – it’s free!

Economy
EconomyShow More

Ecommerce Renaissance for Southeast Asia Brands Amid Rising Rents
Rising rents push brands onlineAfter years of rapid digital adoption, Southeast Asia…

September 20, 2025

Japan Increases Antidumping Investigations Amid China Glut
Why Japanese trade officials are opening more casesJapan is moving faster this…

September 20, 2025

From imperial lychee relays to a modern durian express: China races to feed a growing taste
Why fast fruit still matters in China todayChina is building a new…

September 20, 2025

How Singapore can protect mid level jobs as AI reshapes work
A weak middle is the fault line in a fast changing labor…

September 20, 2025

QRIS reshapes Indonesia’s payments and extends its reach abroad
Indonesia's QR code standard is changing how the country paysAcross Indonesia, a…

September 20, 2025
Education
EducationShow More

Company run AI graduate schools test South Koreas plan to scale tech talent
A first for South Korea, and a new kind of tech pipelineSouth…

September 20, 2025

Japan Sends Language Education Partners to India for First Time
A milestone for Japanese language learning in IndiaJapan has sent five Nihongo…

September 17, 2025

Tokyo to Increase Support for International Schools to Attract Foreign Talent
Why Tokyo is turning to international schools nowTokyo is preparing a new…

September 13, 2025

China Launches Nationwide AI Curriculum in Schools
A new core subject for the AI ageChina is beginning the school…

September 12, 2025

Global Korea Scholarship 2026 Goes Fully Online: Dates, Eligibility, and How to Apply
Applications open for 2026 Global Korea Scholarship for undergraduatesSouth Korea has set…

September 8, 2025
Entertainment
EntertainmentShow More

Circular beats Myaku Myaku in Osaka Expo mascot poll as Germany takes the crown
A surprise result at a packed celebrationWith the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo…

September 20, 2025

Family Mart unveils all you can eat Famichiki event across Japan
A new tabehodai challenge for Famichiki fansFamily Mart is giving its most…

September 20, 2025

Pizza Hut Japan and Gion Tsujiri launch a matcha dessert Handy Melt for tsukimi season
A dessert pizza made for moon viewing seasonPizza Hut Japan has taken…

September 15, 2025

Bruno Mars Music to Ignite 60 Minute Fireworks Spectacle in Saitama and Osaka This November
A pop icon meets Japan hanabi traditionJapan celebrates fireworks on a grand…

September 9, 2025

Param Sundari sparks debate on Kerala stereotypes and authenticity in Bollywood
Why this romance has inflamed a cultural debateA glossy Hindi romcom has…

September 8, 2025
Environment
EnvironmentShow More

Bali Bans New Hotels on Farmland After Deadly Floods
Floods force Bali to rethink building on farmlandBali will halt new approvals…

September 20, 2025

Indonesia Raises Alert as Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano Erupts
Eruptions intensify on Flores as authorities enforce top alertMount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on…

September 20, 2025

Tiger killing in Johor triggers arrests, national outrage and a new push against trafficking
A grim discovery in Johor sparks a national reckoningA Malayan tiger, the…

September 20, 2025

Anglers Turn Guardians as Invasive Fish Threaten Malaysia’s Rivers
A crisis grows beneath familiar watersWith a slingshot in one hand and…

September 20, 2025

Record Pacific Marine Heat Wave Spans the Basin and Tests Weather and Wildlife
A basin wide heat wave from Japan to CaliforniaA vast marine heat…

September 20, 2025
Health
HealthShow More

Arson Attacks Ravage Nepal Vaccine Cold Chain, Putting Child Immunisation at Risk
Arson and Outrage Collide With Public HealthDuring recent anti-corruption demonstrations across Nepal,…

September 20, 2025

Malaysia’s Reset Health Reforms Draw Fire From Private Doctors as Costs Surge
High stakes reset for Malaysian health careMalaysia is attempting one of its…

September 18, 2025

Osaka Expo 2025 issues redback spider alert after nest found in public area
An alert that put a spotlight on safety at Osaka ExpoOrganizers of…

September 17, 2025

India’s Cancer Paradox: More Women Diagnosed, More Men Dying
A paradox in India’s cancer burdenIndia’s latest cancer registries reveal a striking…

September 16, 2025

American Cockroaches Are Spreading in Japan’s Restaurants, Testing Pest Control and Public Trust
A fast growing pest problem hits Japan's dining roomsA bowl of ramen…

September 13, 2025
International
InternationalShow More

US Typhon Missile Deployment in Japan May Spur Chinese Countermeasures
A show of force in Japan and why it mattersThe United States…

September 20, 2025

China warns Papua New Guinea as Australia pushes landmark defence treaty
PNG weighs a landmark alliance as China pushes backPapua New Guinea is…

September 20, 2025

Guam Residents Weigh Risk as China Parades Guam Killer Missile and US Rushes New Defenses
A Pacific outpost on edgeGuam's 170,000 residents live with periodic warnings about…

September 17, 2025

Korea’s plan for visa free Chinese tour groups ignites public backlash, health concerns, and a wider political debate
A policy that divides the publicSouth Korea’s plan to allow Chinese tour…

September 17, 2025

Philippines and Ukraine pursue joint drone boats to deter China
A potential partnership at seaUkraine and the Philippines are moving toward a…

September 16, 2025
Politics
PoliticsShow More

Gen Z Uprising in Nepal Leaves Dozens Dead and Brings a New Interim Leader
A nation stunned by its deadliest unrest in decadesAt least 72 people…

September 16, 2025

Flood Scandal Ignites Nationwide Protests in the Philippines as Marcos Backs a Sweeping Probe
Outrage builds as flood control scandal sparks nationwide ralliesRising public anger over…

September 16, 2025

Talks gather pace on easing Macau residency curbs for Portuguese citizens
Momentum builds for a fix after talks in MacauPortuguese Prime Minister Luís…

September 11, 2025

Arrests and online censorship as Indonesia protests spread
What started the protestsIndonesia has been gripped by its largest street unrest…

September 11, 2025

Thai Supreme Court Sends Thaksin Shinawatra to Prison After Hospital Stay Ruled Unlawful
Supreme Court declares hospital detention unlawful, orders prison termThailand’s Supreme Court ordered…

September 11, 2025
Science
ScienceShow More

Japan Develops 90 C Hydrogen Battery for Safer Efficient Storage
Why a 90 C hydrogen battery matters nowResearchers in Japan have unveiled…

September 20, 2025

Japanese Zebra Striped Cows Study Wins Ig Nobel and a Fresh Look at Fly Control
A playful prize with a practical payoffA simple paint job has earned…

September 20, 2025

Ancient Cave Symbols May Be Earliest Written Language
A new look at the first human codeFor generations, the story of…

September 18, 2025

China presents CFR 1000 fast neutron reactor and a new chapter for nuclear power
A leap in reactor design with global stakesChina has moved a large…

September 14, 2025

Shanghai Pilot Offers 50,000 Yuan Grants to Keep New Mothers in Science
Shanghai tests a new way to keep mothers in scienceShanghai has opened…

September 14, 2025
Society
SocietyShow More

Tokyo Keeps Growing as Japan Shrinks: Can Regions Thrive in an Age of Fewer Births
Tokyo keeps growing while much of Japan shrinksTokyo continues to pull people,…

September 20, 2025

Six Singapore Hawker Centres to Close for Upgrades from September to December 2025
Why multiple hawker centres will close in late 2025Singapore will temporarily close…

September 20, 2025

From Soil Labs to Street Markets: Chinese PhD and Wife Turn Chongqing Noodles into a Belgian Hit
A viral noodle stall with academic rootsOn busy market days in Belgium,…

September 20, 2025

Bangladesh sees a sharp drop in women in the workforce
A sudden reversal after years of progressBangladesh’s labour force has shrunk by…

September 20, 2025

Singaporean Tourist Overcharged for Herbs in Hong Kong Pharmacy
A costly lesson in unclear pricingA family shopping trip in Hong Kong…

September 17, 2025
Sports
SportsShow More

How S Vegiyathuman Turned Walks and Runs Into a National Bond
Unity on foot across a diverse nationFor half a century, scenes of…

September 16, 2025

Tokyo Police Boost Security Ahead of World Athletics Championships
A city on alert as global athletics returns to TokyoTokyo has tightened…

September 13, 2025

Singapore to Host 2026 MotoGP Season Launch
A new stage for MotoGP in SingaporeMotoGP will open the 2026 campaign…

September 9, 2025

No New JRA Jockeys in 2026 as Weight Limits and Phone Rules Bite
A rare gap year for new jockeys in JapanJapan’s central horse racing…

September 5, 2025

Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns Among Expats and Tourists
Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns…

August 31, 2025
Technology
TechnologyShow More

China Keeps TikTok Algorithm as US Backs Licensing Deal
Why this deal matters nowA long running fight over TikTok in the…

September 20, 2025

Inside China’s Digital Great Wall at Sea to Defeat Drone Swarms
Why drone swarms are reshaping naval warfareCheap, fast and expendable drones have…

September 20, 2025

DeepSeek $294,000 Training Claim Unpacked: Why R1 Really Cost Millions
Why a $294,000 price tag shocked the AI worldWhen DeepSeek published a…

September 20, 2025

Tokyo’s Robot Tour Guides Enable Work for People with Disabilities
Why avatar robots are guiding tourists in NihonbashiIn Tokyo’s Nihonbashi business district,…

September 20, 2025

Japan’s AI Basic Plan to Promote AI Use in Public Institutions
Japan sets out first national AI basic plan: public sector to lead…

September 20, 2025
Travel
TravelShow More

Bangkok Insider Guide: Eat, Shop, and Socialise Like a Local
A city of contrasts that rewards wanderingBangkok reveals itself best at street…

September 20, 2025

Japan to unify Shinkansen online bookings across JR companies
Why a unified booking system matters nowJapan is preparing a major change…

September 20, 2025

Riding Niigata’s sake train through Japan’s snow country
Inside Niigata's moving tasting roomIn Niigata, a coastal prefecture that receives deep…

September 20, 2025

Southeast Asian travelers power a surge in China visa free arrivals
Visa free entries surge as Southeast Asia leads the reboundChina recorded a…

September 20, 2025

Quiet Rails: Four Beautiful, Less Crowded Japan Stops With the JR Pass
Why look beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and OsakaFor many first time visitors, the…

September 18, 2025

payment interoperability

QRIS reshapes Indonesia’s payments and extends its reach abroad

September 20, 2025