Officials tried to silence Papua film Pesta Babi. It drew millions of views on YouTube instead

The documentary examines large-scale food estate and bioethanol projects in South Papua.

China, Pakistan aim to revamp economic corridor, Gwadar port

They agreed to promote “high-quality” development of CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

Perilous logic behind Indonesia’s commodity export funnel

JAKARTA – When President Prabowo Subianto rose before Indonesia’s plenary parliamentary session on May 20, 2026, few foresaw that he would deliver an address that will inevitably shift the world’s fourth most populous nation’s economic destiny. In the speech, the leader

Private car drivers to pay RM5 road charge to enter Genting Highlands starting May 28

Drivers will be required to tap their cards, including Touch ‘n Go or credit and debit cards, for payment.

BTS crowned 'Artist of the Year' at American Music Awards

The group beat Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga, and also won 'Song of the Summer'.

Australian police arrest two in connection with gunman Dezi Freeman

Police say the pair will be questioned in relation to the fugitive who was shot dead in March.

Philippines ends rescue efforts as hope fades for victims of building collapse

ANGELES, Philippines May 26 - Lea Casilao and her husband usually began each day exchanging text messages: \"Good morning\" from her, and his usual reply of \"Good morning, love.\"

Japan approves $4 billion spending to help with energy bills

The spending aims to help households with electricity and gas bills between July and September.

Singaporean, Indonesian defence firms explore collaborations

At a workshop, representatives from both sides presented each of their company’s capabilities.

North Korea fires unidentified projectile, South Korea military says

If confirmed as a missile launch, it would be the first since April 19.

Japan approves US$3 billion spending to help with energy bills

Starbucks sees sharp drop in Korean sales after 'Tank Day' marketing backlash

The chairman of Shinsegae Group, the operator of Starbucks Korea, asked people not to take out any anger on their employees and frontline staff.

Samsung consumer electronics union asks court to block vote on pay deal

The union, consisting of about 13,000 members, said it was told it had no right to join the vote.

Human body parts found in bear’s stomach in Japan’s Yamagata confirmed as 78-year-old man

The bear was killed nearby immediately after the body was found.

Rubio says Iran deal could take days as US launches fresh strikes

May 26 - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday negotiating a deal with Iran could \"take a few days,\" quashing hopes for an imminent end to the conflict a day after U.S. forces conducted what Washington called defensive strikes in southern Iran.

Type 004: China’s nuclear carrier fast-forged to face down the US

As China rapidly builds its largest and potentially first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Type 004 may mark a decisive shift from regional sea denial toward sustained blue-water power projection across the Indo-Pacific. This month, the Center for Strategic and

Dozens of drones crash into Sydney harbour after light show glitch

Vivid Sydney organisers and the UK company behind the drone show blamed it on technical difficulties.

China adds relief funds for flood and quake-hit areas

Additional funds of $30 million were allocated.

EXPLAINED: Why Taiwan wants U.S. weapons and why Washington supplies them

Reports of a delayed U.S. arms package have renewed attention on the unusual security relationship with Taipei.

Starbucks Korea executives apologise as ‘Tank Day’ campaign boycott hits revenue

The campaign coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, when tanks crushed protests, killing hundreds.

Frontier isn’t the finish line in US-China AI rivalry

For the better part of three years, the global conversation about artificial intelligence has been framed as a horse race, with the projected winners having the biggest models, largest data centers and fastest chips. By those measures, the United States is clearly ahead.

Malaysians opt for buses to return to home towns for Hari Raya Haji, aiming to stretch fuel quota

Some travellers are rethinking travel plans amid rising fuel costs and the reduced BUDI95 petrol quota.

Malaysian police arrest 51 men, seize drugs in raids linked to ‘gay party’

Syariah laws in Malaysia ban same-sex acts and cross-dressing.

Malaysian police arrest 51 men, seize drugs in raids linked to 'gay party'

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 - Malaysian authorities detained 51 men in a series of raids on Sunday in connection with what police described as a drug-fueled \"gay party\" held at a Kuala Lumpur hotel.

Taiwan drone exports soar amid Ukraine war

Taiwanese companies are seeking a stake in the fast-growing global market for UAVs.

Sydney light show called off after malfunctioning drones crash into water

The company behind the drone performance – blamed a change in radio frequency for the disaster.

Rescuers race to free seven people trapped in flooded Laos cave

A team of experts who helped free a teen football team from a Thai cave in 2018 are among the rescuers.

India’s prized Alphonso mango crop ruined by weather

The weather damage has coincided with a slump in exports as a result of the Iran war.

Australia-India-Japan-US Quad urged to address 'connectivity choke points'

NEW DELHI, May 26 - At the beginning of the Quad meeting on Tuesday, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. need to address \"connectivity choke points\" and resource concentration.

Sabah to step up enforcement after fish bombing incident that damaged coral reefs

The suspects are believed to have fled before enforcement teams arrived.

Quad foreign chiefs to discuss energy security, push for leaders’ summit

The Quad grouping is seen as part of the US' strategy to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

A scorching Asian summer will add to risk of surging gas prices

The key risk is that the heat triggers stronger demand in China, the world’s No. 1 LNG buyer.

Taiwan tracks second Chinese ‘combat’ patrol in a week, sends ships and jets to monitor

Beijing operates its warships and warplanes around Taiwan on an almost daily basis.

Japan baseball Giants manager Abe arrested for alleged assault on daughter

He was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Department for allegedly grabbing his 18-year-old daughter.

Second group of Australian women linked to Islamic State to return home

SYDNEY, May 26 - A group of seven Australian women and 12 children linked to the Islamic State militant group have made travel plans to return home, authorities said on Tuesday, in what would be the second such Australian group to leave a Syrian refugee camp this month.

Second group of Australian women linked to ISIS to return home

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the government was not assisting their travel.

Delhi's most exclusive club is under threat of shutdown - can it survive?

The British-era Gymkhana Club is facing eviction, triggering a legal battle and a wave of nostalgia.

Commentary: Strait of Hormuz disruptions create a ‘fossil premium’ for consumers

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

Penang chipmakers cheer soaring demand even as gamers feel the pain

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, 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.