Commentary: Hormuz crisis has shown that the world cannot quit fossil fuels yet

The Iran war has shown how deeply dependent the world is on fossil fuels beyond electricity and transport, says Alvin Ee of the Energy Studies Institute, NUS.

Cambodia's new conscription law takes effect in wake of conflict with Thailand

The legislation replaces a 2006 statute that was never implemented and was brought in following recent border tensions with Thailand.

US, China escalate quantum race with rival investment drives

Shares of key Chinese quantum computing companies have surged about 20% over two trading days after Washington announced a US$2 billion funding package for nine US firms, as investors bet that Beijing would respond with its own push to keep pace in the global race for quantum

RAMpocalyse: Penang chipmakers cheer burgeoning global demand, but gamers may just get priced out

Malaysia's chip sector, particularly Penang, is banking on new AI-driven memory demand.

Philippines ends rescue operation for 12 missing in building collapse

There had been hope earlier when thermal sensors detected signs of life in one area of the wreckage, but no survivors were found.

Singapore, China call for Middle East ceasefire, stress need to safeguard maritime flows

Their top diplomats also reaffirmed both sides' commitment to regional stability and the rules-based international order.

‘Super El Nino’ threatens Thailand with historic drought, heatwaves over 45 deg C

The shifts are expected to disrupt agriculture and strain the national energy grid.

Australia punts on pushing China out of rare‑earths projects

It’s been a significant month for Australia’s ambitions to become a critical-minerals superpower, while balancing its relations with China and the United States. On May 18, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced he had ordered six investors with links to China to sell off shares in

Free flu vaccination rolled out to more Malaysians

Those aged 50 to 59 with at least one chronic condition are now eligible for the programme.

AI boom, not oil shock, driving real yields structurally higher

Ten-year US Treasury yields are hovering near 4.5% even though bond markets are showing remarkably little panic about long-term inflation. Oil prices have jumped, conflict in the Middle East has intensified and headlines scream inflation risk daily. Yet the bond market’s own

Cambodian king pardons former opposition leader Kem Sokha

Everest operators must vet climbers better, says ascent record holder

Five people have died on Everest in 2026 and some faced problems at high altitudes.

Pakistan train bombing kills more than 30 people, officials say

A separatist group claimed the attack and described it as a suicide bombing.

Pakistan train bombing kills more than 30 people, official says

ISLAMABAD, May 25 - More than 30 people died in a suicide bombing of a train in southwestern Pakistan on Sunday, officials said on Monday, in the latest attack claimed by separatist Balochistan militants.

Japan’s Takaichi unveils $24 billion extra budget, reassures on bond issuance

Japan will build up its reserves to subsidise fuel costs and help tackle cost of living pressures.

Cambodian king pardons former opposition leader

PHNOM PENH, May 25 - Cambodia's king has pardoned former opposition leader Kem Sokha for a treason conviction, just weeks after he lost an appeal to overturn that verdict, according to a royal decree released on Monday.

Xi hails 'unbreakable' Pakistan ties, praises Iran peace efforts

BEIJING, May 25 - President Xi Jinping hailed China's \"unbreakable\" friendship with Pakistan on Monday as he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, seeking to deepen their \"all-weather\" partnership.

At least 19 people taken to hospital after 'strong smell' reported at Tokyo mall

Police say a man sprayed a substance at an ATM in the luxury Ginza 6 shopping centre.

Founder of viral Indian Gen Z account alleges crackdown, threats

The satirical Cockroach Janta Party founder said his family had received threats.

Why Vietnam won’t steal the show at Shangri-La Dialogue 2026

The Shangri-La Dialogue, held every year in Singapore, is one of the Indo-Pacific’s premier signaling platforms. A leader takes the keynote podium, and the room reads it for cues about where a country is heading: what partnerships it is prioritizing, what risks it is willing to

Moment of gas explosion at China coal mine

At least 82 people have been killed and two are missing after a gas explosion at a coal mine in northern China on Sunday, officials say.

'Not wise' to have two AI ecosystems, US and China can cooperate and compete: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang

In a wide-ranging interview with CNA's Victoria Jen, Mr Huang also talked about partnerships in Taiwan and competition between the US and China.

'Lazy' narrative to connect AI to job cuts, says Nvidia boss Jensen Huang

"If you don't engage the technology of your time, you'll just simply be left behind," Mr Huang told CNA's Victoria Jen in a wide-ranging interview.

Thais join efforts to rescue seven trapped in Laos cave

The seven Laotian villagers were trapped inside the cave after heavy rain triggered flash flooding.

Flooding kills at least nine in China’s Chongqing, state media says

Eleven people are missing following torrential rain in the municipality.

America no longer abiding by its own Taiwan Relations Act

America is arguably failing to comply with its own Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), enacted by Congress in 1979. Many know that the TRA established a framework for unofficial US relations with Taiwan after the US ended its defense treaty with the Republic of China and switched

China’s Xi meets Pakistan PM Sharif as Iran war mediation drags on

China has said it would work with Pakistan to contribute to the restoration of peace in the Middle East.

Starbucks furore in South Korea hijacks election finale with fight over hate speech

The incident is now shaping shifts in support for rival parties mere days before local elections.

Resource dominance reshaping Trump’s rivalry with China

The recent Trump-Xi summit in Beijing revealed how deeply commodities have become embedded in 21st-century geopolitics. Far beyond a conventional trade negotiation, the summit effectively showcased the emergence of resource diplomacy as a central organizing principle of

Drenched, injured monkey’s highway rescue in Malaysia goes viral

A TikTok of the rescue has since garnered more than 1.2 million views and thousands of likes.

‘Natural Wegovy’ egg recipe stirs weight-loss buzz in South Korea

The recipe is usually made with boiled eggs, extra virgin olive oil and pepper.

Malaysia govt will ensure critical medicine and medical device stocks remain sufficient: Minister

He added that there will be regular supply monitoring.

Fisherman hospitalised after crocodile attack near Malaysia’s Port Dickson

"The victim was standing on the riverbank when the reptile suddenly lunged at him", the authorities said.

Malaysia govt to keep medical supply prices stable amid global uncertainties, says PM Anwar

The Health Ministry will closely monitor any stock supply chain or pricing challenges.

Anger grows after China's deadliest coal mining disaster in years

On China's tightly-controlled internet, people are calling for justice and questioning how this happened.

2 teens arrested over gold bar robbery in Tokyo

They punched four men and sprayed them with a tear gas-like substance to steal a backpack.

17 dead, 10 injured in Pakistan as van hits parked bus

Many passengers were travelling home ahead of Eid.

Myanmar military steps up fight for rare earth area and border routes

The offensives come after Min Aung Hlaing asked rebel groups to enter into peace talks within 100 days.

Two Singaporeans among eight arrested in drug raid at Kuala Lumpur hotel after man dies

A 31-year-old Malaysian man was pronounced dead at Kuala Lumpur Hospital’s emergency department after being brought there on Sunday (May 24) morning.

Seek consent from Pahang Sultan before military training in state, crown prince tells Malaysian Armed Forces

Malaysia’s armed forces said it recognises the importance of “strategic cooperation with the state government, enforcement agencies, relevant experts and local communities”.

First Hong Kong astronaut launches into space onboard Chinese mission

The 43-year-old police officer and mother of three serves as the team's payload scientist.

The ‘cockroaches’ India’s elite created — and can’t exterminate

When India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed young people to cockroaches last week, he probably expected outrage, maybe an apology cycle and then silence. What he got instead was 15 million Instagram followers in five days, a cockroach logo on a mobile phone, and a

Hong Kong education bureau investigating principal seen swearing at security guards in S’pore

A video of the incident shows a man arguing with 2 women in Safra security uniforms.

All non-drone militaries are now obsolete

Drone warfare has been a fascination of mine for a very long time. When I read Daphne du Maurier’s “The Birds” as a kid, I imagined what would happen if the attacking swarms were mechanical birds, controlled with artificial intelligence (AI). When I read about Japanese

Tourists’ ‘travel hack’ to get free hot water in South Korean airport nursing rooms sparks backlash

The posts have prompted criticism from parents and caregivers in South Korea.

Around 20 unwell in Tokyo after man sprays substance in Ginza mall

Can the Pentagon beat China if it struggles with Iran?

The US-China summit ended without any discernible progress on the twin urgent security issues dividing the two superpowers: Iran and Taiwan. Some speculated that a deal was in the offing that would trade the island for Chinese pressure on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. That

Around 20 injured after spraying incident in Tokyo mall: Officials

A man sprayed a substance at an ATM on the ground floor of the building.

Rubio says US will find 'another way' if Iran talks fail

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD, May 25 - The United States will either have a good agreement with Iran or deal with the country \"another way,\" Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, as Washington played down hopes for an imminent breakthrough in the three-month-old war.