China Merchants Securities, a leading Chinese brokerage, ceased market making for the mainland's only South Korea-focused ETF and five other QDII products. This move, described as commercial, aligns with Beijing's efforts to stabilize capital markets amidst significant volatility in South Korea's KOSPI index.
The global semiconductor market shows the US leading in advanced AI chips, China dominating legacy integrated circuits, and East Asia controlling memory chips. China is also closing the gap in CPUs, intensifying competition and highlighting shifting regional specializations in the industry.
Hong Kong maintained its 17th spot in QS's Best Student Cities list for 2027, but high living costs, East Asia's steepest tuition fees, and limited accommodation continue to deter international applicants. The city ranked sixth for university strength.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the ASEAN summit in Southeast Asia, reaffirming U.S. support for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with China and global threats from Middle East conflicts and Myanmar's civil war, impacting energy supplies and regional stability.
The U.S. condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions against Philippine navy personnel in the South China Sea, after a Chinese coast guard officer reportedly injured a Filipino sailor. The incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal ahead of U.S. and Chinese foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
A new UNODC report reveals online scams, primarily investment fraud, cost victims an estimated US$88.3 billion to US$114.1 billion last year, a significant increase from 2023. Authorities in an unspecified region are reportedly cracking down on this illicit industry under pressure from the United States, Britain, and China.
A study in 'Defence Industry Conversion in China' highlights Yunnan province's role as an "irreplaceable gateway" to Indochinese resources. It proposes Yunnan as a land-based lifeline for critical mineral supply, mitigating China's reliance on the Strait of Malacca and enhancing supply-chain resilience.
Vietnam's new Population Law, effective July 1, introduces subsidies and extended maternity/paternity leave to encourage more births. Despite these measures, the country faces a declining fertility rate and a rapidly aging population, raising concerns about economic growth and social support systems.
Typhoon Bavi, one of the strongest storms in decades, has caused deadly landslides in the southern Philippines, killing at least 15 people. The massive storm is now heading towards Taiwan and southeastern China, prompting widespread flight cancellations, school closures, and evacuations.
The Philippines attracted only US$9 billion in FDI last year, ranking sixth in Southeast Asia amid a regional capital boom. Analysts cite a corruption scandal and systemic issues for the gap, with Singapore and Indonesia leading inflows.
Tokopedia has laid off over 450 tech roles, reducing its workforce by 90%. Analysts worry this deepens ByteDance's control, shifting tech decisions to China and raising questions about Indonesia's digital future.
A study on dipterocarp trees in Malaysia reveals they have evolved specialized water transport systems, challenging the notion that extreme height makes trees more vulnerable to drought. These adaptations allow them to efficiently move water, influencing climate change impact models.
A study in Malaysia found that towering dipterocarp trees have evolved specialized systems, including wider xylem vessels and drought-tolerant leaves, to efficiently transport water to extreme heights. This challenges the belief that tall trees are more vulnerable to drought, with implications for understanding forest resilience in a changing climate.
Indian PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo met to discuss defense cooperation, with analysts noting the importance of missiles for protecting Indonesia's waterways. They also visited the Prambanan Temple, emphasizing cultural ties.
India's Modi government has increasingly used the restoration and conservation of ancient temples and cultural sites abroad as a pillar of its foreign policy and soft power, particularly in Asia. This approach aims to reinforce civilisational links and deepen diplomatic ties with partner countries.
Europe's record heatwaves are creating opportunities for Thailand's economy. The Tourism Authority is encouraging European travelers to visit during the milder rainy season with discounts, while Thai manufacturers are seeing a surge in air conditioner exports to Europe, particularly France and Germany.
Singapore and Indonesia are advancing a low-carbon electricity trade deal, potentially serving as a pilot for a broader ASEAN Power Grid. Analysts suggest the cooperation will bolster Singapore's energy security and sustainability goals, while boosting Indonesia's green economy.
Indonesia is reportedly interested in India's digital public infrastructure, including the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), as a potential blueprint for its own sovereign system. This follows recent visits by Indonesian delegations to India to study public policy initiatives.
Vietnam is implementing new incentives, including cash bonuses and housing priority, to encourage couples to have more children and combat a declining fertility rate, aiming to sustain its export boom.
Virtual taekwondo, a gamified combat sport combining VR technology with traditional techniques, is growing across Southeast Asia. Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Refract Technologies, it uses VR headsets and motion sensors for non-contact matches, placing all competitors in the same digital arena regardless of age, weight, or gender.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met with Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong to discuss the security of the Strait of Malacca, a critical oil chokepoint, amidst rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict. The discussion follows a previous proposal to charge vessels transiting the strait.
Four years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand faces scrutiny as seizures of the plant occur in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Lawmakers are still debating control legislation, leading to widespread recreational sales and illegal exports due to low domestic prices and oversupply.
Four years after decriminalizing cannabis, Thailand faces challenges as seizures of the plant occur in the UK, Germany, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Lawmakers are still debating control legislation, leading to widespread recreational sales and illegal exports due to low domestic prices.
The Philippine Air Force aims to strengthen its air assets to achieve 360-degree defense, according to spokeswoman Col. Maria Christina Basco. This initiative is part of the military's modernization program, enhancing operational range and interoperability for territorial defense in the South China Sea.
