Lit cigarette, combustibles and ‘human fault’ led to deadly Hong Kong fire: report
Published: 7:11pm, 29 Oct 2026Updated: 7:18pm, 29 Oct 2026 A combination of a lit cigarette and an “abundant fuel” of combustible materials caused Hong...
Why Japan is pushing for a more ‘proactive’ Southeast Asia amid great-power rivalry
Japan wants a more united and proactive Southeast Asia as it sees Asean as a bulwark against an intensifying great-power rivalry, analysts say, while...
Later hours unlikely to boost bottle sales at Hong Kong wine festival: exhibitors
Published: 7:05pm, 29 Oct 2026Updated: 7:08pm, 29 Oct 2026 Later opening times are unlikely to boost wine sales by the bottle, exhibitors returning to...
10 US states to vote on data centre development on election day amid opposition
Voters in 10 US states will decide on election day whether to curb data centre development in their communities, as the rapid buildout needed...
Indonesia haze cost Malaysia US$1.97 billion in losses: study
Smoke from this year’s Indonesian forest and peatland fires has inflicted an estimated 8 billion ringgit (US$1.97 billion) in welfare losses on Malaysia, contributing...
Thailand and Vietnam meat seizures highlight deepening risk of unsafe food on the table
Published: 6:04pm, 29 Oct 2026Updated: 6:10pm, 29 Oct 2026 A flurry of meat seizures across Thailand and Vietnam has raised fears of animal-borne diseases...
Why students in ancient China honoured teachers by gifting wild vegetables
While it is common for Chinese people to hold banquets for teachers upon graduation as a way of honouring them – a traditional value...
China promotes General Zhang Shengmin, a key player in PLA anti-graft drive, to Politburo
Published: 5:48pm, 29 Oct 2026Updated: 6:19pm, 29 Oct 2026 Beijing has promoted General Zhang Shengmin, the key player in the recent anti-corruption fight that...
Hegseth pitches new US-Asean defence framework, but doubts run deep
Published: 5:47pm, 29 Oct 2026Updated: 5:56pm, 29 Oct 2026 What are Southeast Asian nations doing to help the United States tackle its challenges? A...