South Korean Education Ministry to toughen rules after exam question scandal

In December, 46 private academy instructors were indicted on charges of obtaining exam questions.

Era of Ascent: decoding To Lam’s 14th Party Congress report

Reading the political report delivered by Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam to the 14th Party Congress, and stripping away its layers of propaganda, a stark portrait emerges of a new power figure—more decisive and more ambitious, yet burdened by existential contradictions the

South Korea’s Lee plays down proposed US chip tariffs, warns of higher prices

He said domestic policies alone would not be sufficient to stabilise foreign exchange markets.

South Korea's Lee plays down proposed US chip tariffs, warns of higher prices

SEOUL, Jan 21 - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday if Washington introduced higher U.S. tariffs on semiconductor imports, it would likely boost U.S. prices, playing down concerns about the proposed 100% duty.

North Korea produces enough nuclear material a year for 10 to 20 weapons: South Korean President

A pragmatic approach was needed in addressing North Korea’s nuclear issue, he said.

Thai central bank eases rules on foreign income repatriation to ease baht

The measure will help reduce upward pressure on the baht, as exporters can retain more ⁠of their US dollar earnings without needing to convert into local ‍currency, it said.

With monitors and lawsuits, Pakistanis are fighting for clean air

Monitoring organisation IQAir in 2024 classified Pakistan as the third-most polluted country in the world.

Malaysian anti-graft agency opens money laundering probe involving IJM Corp

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed it has questioned nine people.

Indonesia pledges central bank independence as rupiah hits record low

This comes after lingering fears about government interference in monetary policy as President Prabowo Subianto nominated his nephew as deputy governor of the central bank.

Thailand crane collapse: Families of 30 victims receive $62k each in compensation

The sum comprises support from the State Railway of Thailand, the contractor and insurance coverage.

New Zealand PM Luxon calls November 7 poll, promises economic prosperity

WELLINGTON, Jan 21 - New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called a general election for November 7 and kicked off his re-election campaign on Wednesday asking voters to choose continuity and promising economic prosperity.

South Korea raids suspects’ homes, offices over drone flights into North Korea

One man has claimed responsibility for the infiltration, saying he did so to detect radiation levels.

Japan court to rule in trial of man charged with killing ex-PM Abe

Nine arrested in North Sumatra over alleged baby trafficking

The syndicate typically sourced babies from pregnant women facing severe financial hardship.

China hotels allege predatory pricing, forced exclusivity amid Trip.com antitrust probe

The booking platform's frequent discount campaigns force hotels to cut prices to remain visible on it.

New Zealand to hold general election on November 7

WELLINGTON, Jan 21 - New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon said on Wednesday the country’s parliamentary elections will be held on Saturday November 7.

New Zealand PM Luxon calls Nov 7 polls, promises economic prosperity

The conservative government has been in power since the 2023 election.

Locked exits, panic and desperate calls for help: Survivors tell of mall fire horror

The BBC speaks to eyewitnesses and survivors of the fire that ripped through a busy Pakistan shopping centre.

Trump greenlit tiny Kei cars but will Americans actually buy them?

The president wants to bring to the US tiny vehicles, like those commonly seen on the streets of Japan.

Man who admitted killing Japan's ex-PM Shinzo Abe set to be sentenced

The 45-year-old is set to be sentenced on Wednesday, but the question of what punishment he deserves has divided public opinion in Japan.

Alleged scam mastermind arrested after being exposed by BBC

Kuong Li featured in a 2023 BBC Eye investigation into alleged scam compounds in South East Asia.

Severe weather in New Zealand's North Island prompts evacuations

WELLINGTON, Jan 21 - Authorities urged evacuations in some low-lying areas of New Zealand's North Island on Wednesday and police searched for a missing man who was swept away in a river after continued heavy rain and strong winds triggered flooding, swollen rivers and landslides.

Commentary: What the Grok bans in Southeast Asia tell us about AI governance

Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are setting the pace on global AI governance norms, says an academic.

Trump says 'you got to let the UN continue' when asked about so-called 'Board of Peace'

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday \"you got to let the U.N. continue\" when asked about his plans for a so-called \"Board of Peace\" that has alarmed international experts.

Malaysia makes Malay and history compulsory for Chinese independent school route to public unis

The new education blueprint also plans to lower school entry age and reintroduce standardised tests from 2027.

Newly lower tariffs on Chinese EVs could diversify Canada’s trade

Canada has announced an agreement to reduce its 100%tariff on electric vehicle (EV) imports from China to 6.1%. The tariffs will be replaced by an annual import quota of 49,000 EVs in 2026, rising gradually to 70,000 by 2030. This phased opening is designed to help Canada

Pacific beckons deep sea mining, the next geopolitical frontline

When the United States recently escalated its confrontation with Venezuela – carrying out strikes in Caracas and capturing President Nicolás Maduro – the moves were framed as political intervention. But the raid also reflected a deeper contest over oil and critical mineral

Lithuania president says joint security deal could end Greenland row

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 20 - An agreement on sharing responsibility for the security of the Arctic and the North Atlantic could provide a way out of the stand-off between the United States and Europe over Greenland, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said on Tuesday.

Russia using Starlink and AI to knock out HIMARS

Near the village of Novobakhmetevo, almost 60 km (37 miles) from the front line in Ukraine, a Russian Geran 2 specially modified drone destroyed a mobile HIMARS launcher. Modern drone warfare is fast evolving, and Russia is keeping up with technology changes, although it lacks

Canada PM Carney strongly opposes US tariffs over Greenland

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 20 - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday that the country strongly opposed any tariffs being imposed by the U.S. to further President Donald Trump's aim of acquiring Greenland.

Lukashenko joins Trump's 'Board of Peace' as US eases his isolation

MOSCOW, Jan 20 - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko signed an agreement on Tuesday to join U.S. President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, the latest step in a rapprochement with Washington after years of international isolation.

Turkey probing flag burning at protests along Syrian border

NUSAYBIN, Turkey, Jan 20 - Turkey said on Tuesday it was investigating the burning of its flag during protests along its border with Syria by pro-Kurdish groups, coinciding with clashes there between the Damascus government army and Kurdish-led forces.

Peru's president embroiled in scandal over failure to disclose meetings with Chinese businessman

LIMA, Jan 20 - Peruvian President Jose Jeri is facing a preliminary investigation by the country's prosecutor as Congress looks to begin impeachment proceedings, after his recent meetings with a Chinese businessman outside of his official agenda erupted into a fresh political

Indonesia revokes permits of 28 firms after deadly floods

South Korea’s reputation abroad reaches new peak, powered by cultural content: Survey

The 2025 Korea National Image Survey surveyed 13,000 people across 26 countries.

UAE becomes early supporter of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ with formal acceptance

DUBAI, Jan 20 - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) accepted an invitation to join U.S. President Donald Trump's newly proposed “Board of Peace,” the UAE foreign ministry said on Tuesday, placing Abu Dhabi among the first governments to publicly endorse the initiative.

5-year-old boy dies in Malaysia after choking on rambutan seed

The boy was eating rambutan with his six-year-old sister.

Saudi state TV says King Salman chairs cabinet days after leaving hospital

DUBAI, Jan 20 - Saudi Arabia's 90-year-old King Salman chaired in person a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Saudi state TV reported, days after he left hospital where he was undergoing medical tests.

Greece, Israel to cooperate on anti-drone systems, cybersecurity, Greek minister says

ATHENS, Jan 20 - Greece will cooperate with Israel on anti-drone systems and cybersecurity, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Tuesday after meeting his Israeli counterpart in Athens.

Chinese drill sparks talk of ‘decapitation’ strike on Taipei

Analysts say the drill was a show of intimidation towards the administration of President Lai Ching-te.

Thai forces razed Cambodian homes on border: Rights group

The demolitions had occurred in disputed areas claimed by both countries.

Russia's Far East buried in snow, transport disrupted in China and Japan

Jan 20 - Russia's Far East was buried under metres of snow by its heaviest snowfall in 60 years on Tuesday as a winter blast swept across Asia, dusting Shanghai white and grounding flights in Japan's northwest.

Caught littering in Malaysia? This is what community service punishment will look like

Litterbugs could be made to sweep streets, clean drains and public toilets and trim trees.

EU Commission working on package to support Arctic security, von der Leyen says

DAVOS, Jan 20 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday that the bloc's executive arm is working on a package to support Arctic security and warned that tariffs proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland are a mistake.

UK considers Australia-style social media ban for children

LONDON, Jan 20 - Britain is considering an Australian-style ban on social media to better protect children online, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning on Tuesday they risk being pulled into \"a world of endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison\".

Man running HK marathon while carrying baby gets booted, banned from race and roasted online

He was disqualified for violating competition rules.