How one factory in China learnt to live with Trump, tariffs and turmoil
Agilian Technology saw its US orders, accounting for more than half its revenue, frozen for months. Source: www.straitstimes.com
How one factory in China learned to live with Trump, tariffs and turmoil
DONGGUAN, China, April 6 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs sought to hurt Chinese manufacturing, but for one electronics maker, a turbulent 2025 ended with a belief that China is a location that is difficult to replicate — as long as things don’t change too drastically. Source: www.straitstimes.com
True IDC Pushes «Security Economy», Breaking Ground on Mega Data Center in EEC with 77-Billion-Baht BOI Investment, Cementing Thailand’s No. 1 Position
True Internet Data Center Co., Ltd. (True IDC), Thailand’s largest data center and cloud service provider … Source: en.antaranews.com
Charity spectacle: Indonesian Raya tradition puts ‘begging mentality’ in the spotlight
Some people now feel entitled to festive handouts of cash and gifts from celebrities and the wealthy. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Fuel reservoir hit at Russia’s Primorsk, NORSI refinery on fire after drone attacks
MOSCOW, April 5 — Fuel leaked at Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, while NORSI oil refinery caught fire following a drone attack, Russian authorities said on Sunday. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Четверо погибли в результате ДТП на юге Филиппин
Манила, 5 апреля /Синьхуа/ — В субботу на шоссе на юге Филиппин произошло столкновение небольшого грузовика с микроавтобусом, в результате чего погибли четыре человека, в том числе трехлетний
Downstreaming drives Indonesia’s palm oil export growth: minister
Indonesia’s exports of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivatives rose significantly to US$4.69 billion in the … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia foils illegal trade of protected birds
Indonesia's Forestry Ministry has thwarted an attempt to illegally trade protected birds in Manado, North … Source: en.antaranews.com
Pupuk Indonesia leads ASEAN fertilizer group for food security drives
PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), together with Petronas Chemicals Group Berhad and Brunei Fertilizer Industries, has … Source: en.antaranews.com
BRIN calls for national autism database for better policies
Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has urged the creation of integrated national … Source: en.antaranews.com
BRIN develops technology to clean water with heavy metal contamination
Indonesia’s Nuclear Technology Polytechnic under the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing … Source: en.antaranews.com
Sri Lanka struggles to avert economic collapse over Middle East war
Panic buying fuel in Sri Lanka has brought back memories of 2022, when the economy tanked. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Singapore artist Joshua Chiang brings a decade of Cambodian stories to life
In 2024, he and his wife relocated to Siem Reap province, where they opened CamCam By Joshua Chiang. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Fuel shock bites in China, but no panic yet
China’s top economic planner has stepped in to soften the blow of surging oil prices through an emergency provision. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Japanese, French and Omani vessels cross the Strait of Hormuz
TOKYO/OSLO, April 3 — Three Omani-operated tankers, a French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned gas carrier have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, shipping data showed, reflecting Iran’s policy to allow passage for vessels it deems friendly. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Japan aims to ease arms export rules, allow lethal weapons sales
Defence equipment would be divided into the categories of “weapons” and “non-weapons”. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Мин Аун Хлайн избран президентом Мьянмы
28 марта, Нейпьидо. Мин Аун Хлайн выступает во время церемонии, посвященной годовщине землетрясения в Мандалае. /Фото: Синьхуа/ Нейпьидо, 3 апреля /Синьхуа/ — Мин Аун Хлайн в пятницу набрал более 50
Indonesian tempeh taps Latin American market via Chile agreement
Indonesian tempeh products are entering the Latin American market through a US$125,000 distribution agreement with … Source: en.antaranews.com
‘Plastic bag chaos’: Shortage fears highlight Taiwan’s energy security concerns
The shortage comes amid a price hike for plastic goods, driven by surging oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Zelenskiy says frontline situation best for Ukraine in the last 10 months
KYIV, April 3 — President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the frontline situation for Ukraine was the best in 10 months, adding that Kyiv’s troops had foiled a Russian offensive last month. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Принцесса Королевства Таиланд Маха Чакри Сириндорн посетит Китай
Пекин, 3 апреля /Синьхуа/ — Принцесса Королевства Таиланд Маха Чакри Сириндорн по приглашению китайского правительства посетит Китай с 4 по 11 апреля. Об этом объявил в пятницу официальный
Правительство Австралии исключает переговоры с США по пошлинам на фармацевтические препараты
Канберра, 3 апреля /Синьхуа/ — Федеральное правительство Австралии не будет вносить изменения в свою схему субсидирования лекарств на фоне тарифного давления со стороны администрации США. Об этом
Thai PM Anutin blames stockpilers for fuel shortage
Evidence of hoarding and profiteering among large and medium-sized oil traders has been found. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Срочно: Мин Аун Хлайн избран президентом Мьянмы
Нейпьидо, 3 апреля /Синьхуа/ — Президентская коллегия выборщиков Мьянмы, состоящая из всех представителей Ассамблеи Союза /парламента/, в пятницу избрала Мин Аун Хлайна президентом страны.
Срочно: Мин Аун Хлайн набрал более 50 проц. голосов на президентских выборах в Мьянме
Нейпьидо, 3 апреля /Синьхуа/ — В пятницу Мин Аун Хлайн набрал более 50 проц. голосов в ходе голосования в Ассамблее Союза /парламенте/ Мьянмы, обеспечив победу на президентских выборах в стране.
India’s ‘Mounjaro brides’: Weight-loss injections become part of pre-wedding preparation
Marriages continue to be arranged, often bringing expectations around physical appearance and financial status. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Eid holiday boosts leisure travel, drives economy: Tourism Ministry
Indonesia’s 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday drove a surge in leisure travel and lifted tourism spending, supporting the … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia honors fallen UN peacekeepers with promotions, compensation
The Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) confirmed that three officers who were killed on duty with the United Nations … Source: en.antaranews.com
India graveyard raid uncovers hidden cooking gas canisters amid shortage
About 700 cylinders were seized after around 2,600 raids, a government official said. Source: www.straitstimes.com
South Korea’s Lee urges US visa reforms, raises defence role in talks with senators
He called on Congress to support legislation aimed at creating new work visas for South Korean professionals. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands’ defences as China steps up pressure
China claims the Pratas, and Taiwan, as its own territory. Source: www.straitstimes.com
UK to host talks with 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, April 2 — Britain will host talks on Thursday aimed at forming a coalition of countries to explore ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said securing the vital waterway was a problem for other nations to resolve. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Taiwan to strengthen Pratas islands’ defences as China steps up pressure
TAIPEI, April 2 — Taiwan will strengthen its defences of the Pratas as China steps up its activities around the islands which lie at the top end of the South China Sea, the minister in charge of Taiwan’s coastguard said on Thursday. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Russian nuclear missile forces hold drills in Siberia
MOSCOW, April 2 — Russian strategic missile forces have conducted drills in Siberia involving camouflaged movements of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles that are capable of delivering nuclear warheads, the Defence Ministry said on Thursday. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Bangkok’s soft-soil basin could amplify earthquake shaking by 3 to 6 times
The capital’s underlying soft-soil basin could dramatically intensify earthquake shaking. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Off the road: How rising fuel costs are pushing Karachi’s ride-hailing captains to the brink
Pakistan increased fuel prices by 55 Pakistani rupees (S$0.25) overnight after the Iran war started. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indonesia seeks Ireland partnership to boost creative economy
Indonesia's Creative Economy Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya explored avenues for collaboration with the Irish … Source: en.antaranews.com
Russia open to oil sales to Pertamina amid Strait of Hormuz tensions
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov said Moscow is open to Indonesia's state-owned oil company … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia’s economy, fuel supply remain stable amid tensions: govt
Indonesia's chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto said the economy and fuel supplies remain stable despite … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia to boost renewable energy investment to shield economy
The Indonesian government is determined to increase investment in new and renewable energy as part of efforts to shield … Source: en.antaranews.com
South Korea’s Lee urges prompt passage of $17 billion extra budget amid Middle East energy crisis
SEOUL, April 2 — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday urged parliament to promptly pass a 26.2 trillion won ($17.3 billion) supplementary budget to shore up the economy amid «the worst energy security threat» posed by the Middle East crisis. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Hopes dim for swift end to Iran war after Trump speech, oil prices surge anew
WASHINGTON/CAIRO, April 2 — Hopes for a swift end to the Middle East war faded on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran, in an eagerly anticipated address that disappointed investors hoping for clearer signals of a way out. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Fire hits LPG station near residential area of Indonesia’s Bekasi regency, 12 injured, agency says
JAKARTA, April 2 — A fire broke out at a liquefied petroleum gas filling station near a residential area in Indonesia’s Bekasi regency, east of the capital Jakarta, injuring at least 12, state news agency Antara said on Thursday, citing the local disaster mitigation agency. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Australia cracks down on gambling advertising, bans celebrity promotions
Australia is the world’s biggest gambling nation, which also has the highest per-capita betting losses. Source: www.straitstimes.com
В Индонезии произошло землетрясение магнитудой 7,4 — CENC
Пекин, 2 апреля /Синьхуа/ — В четверг в 06:48 по пекинскому времени в районе Молуккского пролива в Индонезии произошло землетрясение магнитудой 7,4, сообщил Китайский центр сейсмологических сетей
New Zealand, Cook Islands sign defence and security declaration, reset relationship
WELLINGTON, April 2 — New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a new defence and security agreement on Thursday, seeking to reset ties after months of tension over the Cook Islands’ dealings with China and clarifying how the two sides will consult going forward on defence and security matters. Source: www.straitstimes.com
New Zealand signs Cook Islands agreement to counter China deal
A strategic partnership agreement signed with Beijing in February 2025 caused that relationship to fray. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Luxon appoints Penk to lead New Zealand defence in Wellington reshuffle
WELLINGTON, April 2 — New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday appointed Chris Penk as defence minister in a Cabinet reshuffle, handing a former naval officer responsibility for the armed forces. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Police arrest British national on red notice at Ngurah Rai Airport
Bali Regional Police and the Ngurah Rai Immigration office arrested a foreign national listed on a red notice, … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia mourns three TNI UNIFIL Peacekeepers who fell in Lebanon
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi conveyed the government’s profound sorrow over the deaths of three … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia, Japan agree to bolster multifaceted cooperation
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reached an agreement to deepen … Source: en.antaranews.com
US VP Vance spoke to intermediaries about Iran conflict as recently as Tuesday, source says
WASHINGTON, April 1 — U.S. Vice President JD Vance communicated with intermediaries from Pakistan about the Iran conflict as recently as Tuesday, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters, a sign of his expanding role in efforts to broker an end to the conflict. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indonesia, ASEAN-Japan Centre partner to boost wellness tourism
Indonesia is strengthening ties with the ASEAN-Japan Centre (AJC) to develop its wellness tourism sector, aiming to … Source: en.antaranews.com
Russia says its troops have taken full control of Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine
MOSCOW, April 1 — The Russian Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that its forces had taken full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, suggesting they had wrested control of a small sliver of land which had remained beyond their reach since 2022. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Morphy Richards Wins Award at AWE 2026, Unveils New Kitchen Appliances
Morphy Richards, the British premium small appliance brand established in 1936, proudly commemorated its 90th … Source: en.antaranews.com
Billionaires step in as Thailand battles rising living costs
It underscored both the urgency of inflation pressures and the outsized role of big business in the country’s economy. Source: www.straitstimes.com
President Prabowo witnesses US$22.6 billion in Indonesia-Japan deals
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto witnessed the announcement of 10 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements … Source: en.antaranews.com
EU lawmakers press China on unsafe products on rare Beijing visit
It marks the first European parliamentary visit to the world’s No. 2 economy in eight years. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indian fuel retailers raise jet fuel, commercial LPG prices amid Middle East war
India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, is battling its worst gas crisis in decades. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indonesian soldier killed in Lebanon, TNI reaffirms UN mission
The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) confirmed the continuation of its peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, despite one of … Source: en.antaranews.com
Malaysia’s Energy Commission says natural gas and coal supplies secure despite rising costs
Malaysia has been able to secure coal based on existing contracts. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Australia PM Albanese to address nation as Iran war pushes oil prices higher
He will likely ask for cooperation from Australians, including saving fuel for areas and industries that need it. Source: www.straitstimes.com
South Korea, Indonesia sign agreements on minerals, tech and finance during Prabowo visit
SEOUL, April 1 — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks in Seoul on Wednesday with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, where they agreed to expand cooperation on critical minerals, technology, and clean energy, Seoul’s presidential Blue House said. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Japan raises tobacco, corporate taxes to finance boost in defence spending
The tax increases are expected to add $10.5 billion annually in revenue. Source: www.straitstimes.com
US is confronting Russia, China where necessary over Iran, says Hegseth
WASHINGTON, March 31 — The United States is well aware of what China and Russia are doing to help Iran and are confronting those efforts where necessary, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a briefing on Tuesday. Source: www.straitstimes.com
How an Indian LPG tanker escaped Hormuz via an unusual route
NEW DELHI, March 31 — A day before Israel and the United States attacked Iran on February 28, the Indian‑flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas loaded cargo at the United Arab Emirates’ Ruwais port, hoping to reach home within a week. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Australia considers raising taxes for energy giants as gas profits surge amid Mid-East war
Over 60% of Australians polled support such a move. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Военные представители от обеих палат парламента Мьянмы избрали У Ньо Со вице-президентом страны
Янгон, 31 марта /Синьхуа/ — У Ньо Со избран вице-президентом группой военных представителей от обеих палат Ассамблеи Союза /парламента/ Мьянмы во вторник, сообщает информационная служба Совета
Look at Hong Kong and don’t be naive about China, US senator says on Taiwan trip
TAIPEI, March 31 — Taiwan should look at what happened to Hong Kong and not be naive about China’s intentions, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis said on Tuesday during a visit by U.S. lawmakers to discuss stalled defence spending. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indonesia, Japan push Masela block project amid global tensions
Indonesia and Japan have reached an agreement to accelerate the development of the Abadi Field gas project in the … Source: en.antaranews.com
Indonesia, Japan strengthen tourism cooperation with new agreement
The Indonesian and Japanese governments strengthened both countries' cooperation in the tourism sector, covering … Source: en.antaranews.com
Индонезия призвала ООН созвать экстренное заседание Совета Безопасности в связи с гибелью миротворцев в Ливане
Джакарта, 31 марта /Синьхуа/ — Индонезия призвала ООН созвать экстренное заседание Совета Безопасности в связи с гибелью трех индонезийских миротворцев в Ливане, сообщили официальные лица. Министр
Seoul turns down billboard brightness across the city
Officials said the new daytime brightness limits curb unnecessary glare. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Депутаты парламента Мьянмы избрали двух вице-президентов
Нейпьидо, 31 марта /Синьхуа/ — Группы депутатов из Собрания народных представителей /нижней палаты/ и Собрания национальностей /верхней палаты/ Ассамблеи Союза /парламента/ Мьянмы во вторник избрали
МИД России заявил об отказе от поставок нефти странам, поддерживающим ценовой потолок
Москва, 31 марта /Синьхуа/ — Россия рассмотрит заявки стран на закупку нефти, однако не будет поставлять топливо в государства, поддерживающие ценовой потолок. Об этом в понедельник заявил
Needles, syringes to cost more in South Korea as impact of Middle East war hits medical sector
Local suppliers are raising prices or limiting production volume as the oil supply crunch deepens. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Thailand weighs fuel tax cuts as global oil surge tests fiscal limits
The country previously used tax cuts during the 2022 energy crisis. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Diesel price in Thailand surges past key psychological threshold of 40 baht per litre
Thailand’s energy pricing system is facing mounting pressure as global oil markets remain volatile. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Thai restaurant bookings hit by oil price surge from Middle East war
Cancellations reached as high as 70 per cent in the first two weeks of war. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Malaysia tightens checks near borders with Singapore on ‘smuggling’ of subsidised items
Border officials will look out for items like subsidised packet cooking oil, sugar, flour and rice. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Japan to coordinate on energy with Indonesia as Iran war disrupts supplies
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invited “Japan’s participation” in the Indonesian economy. Source: www.straitstimes.com
South Korea to start crude oil swap with local refiners, ministry says
Local refiners will be able to borrow crude oil from the national reserve and return the same volume later. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Korean Air to shift to emergency mode in April amid rising oil prices from Iran war
Fuel surcharge for flights from Incheon to New York and Chicago are set to jump by 200 per cent. Source: www.straitstimes.com
‘The mosque, the river, the sea’: Why Terengganu folk say they need little else to be happy
Despite its low GDP, gas-rich Terengganu state topped Malaysia’s 2024 Happiness Index. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Allies sent Ukraine ‘signals’ on reducing strikes on Russian oil, Zelenskiy says
KYIV, March 30 — Some of Ukraine’s allies have sent Kyiv «signals» about the possibility of scaling back its long-range strikes on Russia’s oil sector as global energy prices have surged, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Monday. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Gas pipeline blown up in southern Pakistan, says official
QUETTA, Pakistan, March 30 — A natural gas pipeline was blown up in southern Pakistan on Monday, suspending supply to several districts, an official said. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Zenlayer Launches Fabric Port in Singapore with Global Reach and Free Metro Connectivity
Zenlayer, the distributed cloud for AI, today announced the launch of its Fabric Port service in Singapore, expanding … Source: en.antaranews.com
Pylontech Advances Southeast Asia Strategy with 150MWh Energy Storage Agreement in Vietnam
Pylontech (688063.SH), a global energy storage system provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with … Source: en.antaranews.com
Bulog, BRIN expand tech partnership for food security
Indonesia’s state logistics agency Perum Bulog has expanded its partnership with the National … Source: en.antaranews.com
Вблизи островов Вануату произошло землетрясение магнитудой 7,3 — КЦСС
Пекин, 30 марта /Синьхуа/ — Землетрясение магнитудой 7,3 произошло в 16:44 по пекинскому времени в понедельник вблизи островов Вануату, сообщает Китайский центр сейсмологических сетей /КЦСС/. По
Rice, cooking oil assistance form of government’s presence: Bapanas
Deputy for Food Availability and Stabilization at the National Food Agency (Bapanas) I Gusti Ketut Astawa stated that … Source: en.antaranews.com
Iran war forces Asian economies to confront sliding currencies and surging oil
Asia is set to face an oil shortage that will worsen through April and May. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Землетрясение магнитудой 7,0 произошло на островах Вануату — GFZ
Сянган, 30 марта /Синьхуа/ — Землетрясение магнитудой 7,0 произошло на островах Вануату в понедельник в 08:44:10 по Гринвичу. Об этом сообщил Немецкий исследовательский центр геонаук /GFZ/. Согласно
South Korea considers nationwide driving curbs as oil prices soar
SEOUL, March 30 — South Korea is considering extending driving curbs to the general public if global oil prices climb further, senior officials said, as authorities seek to rein in energy demand amid supply strains due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Indonesia pushes downstream strategy to boost economy, end raw exports
Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman said downstream processing is key to … Source: en.antaranews.com
In Taipei visit, US lawmakers urge Taiwan to pass stalled $51.5 billion defence budget
The visit comes at a time when Beijing has ramped up military and political pressure on Taiwan. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Bali Immigration thwarts escape attempt of British Interpol fugitive
Indonesian immigration officers arrested a British fugitive listed on Interpol’s Red Notice shortly after he … Source: en.antaranews.com
In Taipei visit, US lawmakers urge Taiwan to pass stalled $40 billion defence budget
TAIPEI, March 30 — U.S. lawmakers visiting Taipei on Monday urged approval of President Lai Ching-te’s stalled $40 billion defence budget, warning further delays risk undermining the island’s ability to deter Chinese military pressure even as Washington accelerates arms sales and security support. Source: www.straitstimes.com
South Korea weighs first driving curbs in 35 years on oil crunch
Expanding restrictions to the private sector would be the first such move since the 1991 Gulf War. Source: www.straitstimes.com
Philippines oil refinery secures 2.5 million barrels of Russian crude
The Philippines has seen the price of fuel hit historic highs since the US-Israeli war with Iran. Source: www.straitstimes.com