Japan deep-sea drilling ship extracts rare earth mud; a major breakthrough for domestic supply
Following this success, Japan plans a full-scale test excavation in February 2027, aiming to recover up to 350 tons of mud per day.
Cambodia set to strengthen role in regional party diplomacy through trilateral summit with Việt Nam and Laos
The simultaneous hosting of bilateral and trilateral summits is seen as highlighting Cambodia’s role in advancing party-to-party diplomacy and maintaining close political ties with Việt Nam and Laos, its neighbouring countries, and key traditional partners in the Indochina region.
South Korea braces for prolonged tariff pressure under US President Trump
Seoul mounts a diplomatic blitz as firms brace for a fallout. Experts see a long road ahead.
Japan PM Takaichi, UK counterpart Starmer to boost critical minerals supply chain
Under the agreement, the countries will work together to strengthen the supply chain of critical minerals and accelerate progress in trilateral development of next-generation fighter aircraft among Japan, the UK, and Italy.
Chinese President Xi, British PM Starmer envision growth of ties
PM Keir Starmer's four-day China visit is the first by a United Kingdom prime minister in eight years.
Sold-out first flight as Dhaka-Karachi route restarts
Bangladesh's national carrier, Biman, will operate twice-weekly nonstop flights.
Nipah virus outbreak in India: What you need to know about the disease
The Nipah virus is not very contagious, an expert said, adding that direct human transmission is rare and no instances of the virus spreading through casual contact have been documented.
Campaigning begins for Japan's Feb 8 election as PM Takaichi seeks mandate
The LDP-led ruling bloc aims to secure a combined majority in the chamber, or at least 233 seats, the number it held before the lower house was dissolved Friday.
Tens of thousands of survivors remain in tents two months after floods in Indonesia’s Sumatra
As of Jan 21, only 1,056 temporary houses have been completed, while 7,414 are still under construction.
Cambodia steps up regional fight against cyber scams, deports more than 200
Cambodian authorities said those deported included both suspected perpetrators and victims of technology-based fraud, underscoring the complex nature of online scam networks that often rely on trafficking and coercion.
Myanmar enters final phase of general election
Myanmar's last general election was held in November 2020.
ASEAN faces a tougher world but its diversity and resilience offer an edge: WEF panel
Even as Southeast Asia moves more slowly than it would like to, it often gives itself too hard a time and should capitalise on its diversity, neutrality, and growing resilience, said the panel of government and business leaders at the forum’s annual meeting.
Laos on track to graduate from LDC status this year, UN confirms
Laos is among three countries, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal, proposed for graduation following a comprehensive review process.
Affordable medical insurance for all Malaysians in the works
According to the MHIT White Paper released yesterday, there are two plans, with the monthly premiums for the Standard Plan for those aged between 31 and 35 set at RM80 to RM120 per month, while for Standard Plus, it is from RM50 to RM70.
Malay and History are a must across all Malaysian education systems
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the uniform requirement across Malaysia’s education system aims to bolster the status of Bahasa Melayu as the national language and to provide students with a common understanding of national history.
Thailand unveils economic development blueprint
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has released the outline of the 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan, aiming to drive growth by advancing smart agriculture, healthcare services, and future-oriented industries.
Pilot project guided group of Singaporeans and foreigners to find common ground on integration
The pilot is a local adaptation of a discussion model first used in Denmark, known as a consensus conference. IPS and REACH ran the project in Singapore in November and its results were released at a panel on Tuesday.
Climate inaction led to millions of ‘unavoidable deaths’
Delays in climate action are increasingly costing lives and livelihoods, causing millions of deaths every year, according to Lancet Countdown executive director Dr Marina Romanello.
Indonesia moves to shield textile industry from external shocks
Indonesia plans to establish a new state-owned enterprise (SOE) focused on the textile and garment sector, a move aimed at strengthening the industry against external shocks, including US tariff risks and the flood of Chinese textile imports in recent years.
Combating crimes against humanity must comply with UN Charter, int'l law: Chinese envoy
The participation of nongovernmental organisations should comply with relevant UN procedural rules and customary practices, and must not be used as a pretext to interfere in countries' internal affairs or undermine national sovereignty, Chinese envoy said.
E-paper
Youth Month 2026 launched in Đông Anh under national youth action plan
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Viettel Solutions wins submarine telecom company of the year award
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SME forum 2026 to focus on sustainable growth and leadership capacity
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Party chief pledges determination to fight against corruption, wastefulness
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Văn Lang showcases Việt Nam’s academic rise at APAIE 2026
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