Binance’s US$6b crypto heist: Five things to know about North Korea’s TraderTraitor hackers

The Oct 29 attack is believed to be the largest crypto heist in history and is latest in a string of high-profile cyber thefts linked to Pyongyang.

Are Americans gloomy about the economy or is something else afoot?

Polling is looking grim for Republicans ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026, due in large part to deep pessimism among the public about the economy. At first glance, this might seem surprising. With the exception of inflation, many economic measures remain

Trump says US looking ‘closely’ at report Nvidia CEO is target of China spy plot

US President Donald Trump voiced on Saturday (Oct 31) his support for the “brilliant” head of US chip giant Nvidia, Jensen Huang after a report that he was targeted by a Chinese spy plot.

Malaysia Airlines says customers may be affected by Amadeus breach

The incident may have affected information processed between August 2023 and September 2026, the airline said on Sunday (Nov 1).

DeepSeek drops enhanced coding agent with aim to rival Anthropic

The new open-source offering can proactively monitor group chats among developers for feedback on coding issues.

Winds of change: Laos looks up for renewables push

Rising from verdant ridgelines of Laos, Chinese-built wind turbines help power Vietnam’s surging growth.

Indian authorities tighten security ahead of big opposition march in Delhi

Protesters are set to demand the resignation of India's election chief over a controversial revision of voter lists.

Empty arsenal, empty threat: how to fix America’s arms deficit

The Pentagon is starting to understand that the current arsenal of traditional and precision weapons is far too small to fight any prolonged war longer than a few days. The exhaustion of key weapons such as Patriot and HIMARS missiles, shortages of 155mm ammunition, and lack of

Aid available for struggling Malaysian media firms, says minister

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said laying off media personnel should be a last resort.

Costumes, drug scare and tributes to victims mark Halloween weekend in Seoul

Nearly 160,000 people filled Itaewon and Hongdae, but police reported no major safety incidents.

Japan sticker craze meets politics as PM Takaichi-themed sets are a hit

As many as 100 packs of the sticker sets, retailing at 1,320 yen (S$10), were sold per day this summer.

North Korea says defence research institutes tested major weapon system

The test was intended to “assess adaptation to combat and power of a cluster-bomb warhead to be tipped on tactical ballistic missiles”, state media KCNA said on Saturday (Oct 31).

Taiwan says China harassing shipping with east coast patrol

It also reported Chinese activity near the Pratas Islands, which it has “expelled” 13 times in 2026.

Thai Customs seize over 3,000 vapes and Kpods worth $113,500

The operation targeted smuggled parcels before Halloween to stop sales to young people.

Hanoi offers cash incentive to boost birth rate

Hanoi will provide a one-off payment to women who give birth to two children before the age of 35.

Malaysia PM Anwar calls for stronger action against school bullying

This comes amid growing concerns over children’s safety and well-being.

India's opposition set to hold mega rally seeking election chief's resignation

It comes amid growing protests over a voter roll revision exercise feared to leave 130 million voters off rolls.

Tokyo embraces Halloween crowds under tight security by police

There were large crowds and cosplay events, while police urged people to follow rules and stay safe.

I've been stuck on a tiny Pacific island for years and can't get a transit visa to fly home

Ruchira Ranasingha, 50, has been stranded in the Cook Islands since 2023 and wants to return to Sri Lanka.

Why did this Korean content creator throw a divorce ceremony?

Cho Seung-yeon marked the end of her marriage by having a divorce ceremony - however not everyone online was happy about it.

Malaysia wants to move away from Waze. Will drivers make the switch?

Malaysia has banned the popular Israeli navigation app for civil servants and urged citizens not to use it. Motorists say they lack a viable homegrown alternative.

India opposition parties hold mock impeachment of poll chief

China is helping modernise Timor-Leste with investment, trade and jobs. But is trouble brewing?

China's growing engagement is largely welcomed by Timorese but has triggered anxiety in the region.

US, Canada see growing interest in limited ceasefire in Black Sea

ATLANTA, Oct 31 - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday said there was growing interest by the international community in facilitating a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure unfettered energy and grain shipments by Russia and Ukraine.

Countries reach COP17 deal to speed up biodiversity action, but money still short

LONDON, Oct 31 - Governments at a UN conference that ended on Saturday have agreed to step up efforts to protect global biodiversity after talks ran through the night, although the finance to deliver it remains elusive.

China's coast guard conducts patrols east of Taiwan, CCTV reports

BEIJING, Oct 31 - China's coast guard carried out what it described as routine law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan island on Saturday, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Taipei mayor gets angry reception at Pride after gay bar raid

Chiang Wan-an was met with shouts of “don’t raid gay bars” and noisy calls of support for his main opponent.

Bangladesh death toll from dengue rises, unlikely to ease before December

The surge comes as Bangladesh is also battling the world’s worst measles outbreak.

Rubio to host meeting of Indo-Pacific Quad, wrap up G20 gathering

WASHINGTON, Oct 31 - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting with the foreign ministers of Australia, India and Japan on Saturday, their third meeting this year, as plans take shape for a summit of the leaders of the four countries in Manila next month.

Singapore-Manila flights among those cancelled, rescheduled by Philippine Airlines from Nov 14-18

The airline said affected passengers would be notified through e-mail and text messages.

Who will triumph in Melaka as 79 candidates battle for 28 state seats?

PH is fielding the most candidates at 24, followed by BN with 23 and Parti Bersama Malaysia with 16.

Pakistan military 'cautiously optimistic' on Iran-US mediation

Pakistan's chief mediator in its efforts to de-escalate the now eight-month-old Iran war has been to Tehran twice this month, most recently on Monday alongside Saudi and Turkish officials.

Train collides with bear in Japan’s Hokkaido, causing passengers to spend night on board

None of the 34 passengers and crew members was injured.