5.7-magnitude earthquake jolts western Japan; no tsunami warning issued

The quake struck at 6.28pm in the prefectures of Mie, Nara and Wakayama.

Thailand’s Chiang Mai set for 40 deg C days, while heavy rainfall expected in Phuket, Krabi

Thai authorities have advised people to take precautions against extreme heat and choppy seas.

China rejects US sanctions on refineries over Iran oil links

Woman jumps out of moving car in Malaysia after allegedly feeling uncomfortable with driver

She was then sent to a nearby clinic for treatment by a passing motorcyclist.

Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic allies

May 2 - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday on a surprise trip, after his government blamed Chinese pressure for the cancellation of a visit that was meant to have taken place last month.

China’s Commerce Ministry blocks US sanctions against five refineries

The sanctions created some hurdles for the refiners, including difficulties receiving crude.

KL tried to throw a water party like Songkran. Malaysians threw a wet blanket instead

Scenes of water-soaked dancing crowds at Visit Malaysia's Rain Rave event were criticised as un-Islamic.

Seoul holds 'Power Nap Contest' in sleep-deprived South Korea

Taiwan president arrives in Eswatini after blaming China for cancellation of prior trip

Eswatini in southern Africa is one of just 12 small states that have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

In Vietnam, Japan PM vows more effort to keep Asia ‘free and open’

Her foreign policy, articulated in a communist state, is likely to further rankle Beijing.

Sweet dreams: Seoul holds ‘Power Nap Contest’ in sleep-deprived South Korea

Now in its third consecutive year, the sleep competition underscores a chronic issue for South Koreans.

Air India CEO search narrows to Singapore Airlines exec Kannan and insider Aggarwal, sources say

No final decision has been taken and it is possible another candidate may emerge as the favorite.

In Vietnam, Japan PM Sanae Takaichi vows more effort to keep Asia 'free and open'

The Japanese premier also called for Asian countries to cultivate "resilience" and the ability to "determine their own future".

‘Singapore is a real priority for New Zealand’: PM Luxon committed to supplying food to Singapore

Both nations agreed to work together to maintain supply chain resilience and ensure the continued flow of essential goods.

Rescuers widen search in fatal central India boat accident as 4 remain missing

Army divers and specialised teams are combing deep waters as part of the ongoing operation.

Iranian proposal rejected by Trump would open strait before nuclear talks, Iran official says

May 2 - An Iranian proposal so far rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump would open shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. blockade of Iran while leaving talks on Iran's nuclear programme for later, a senior Iranian official said on Saturday.

China's railway hit new single-day passenger record on May Day

China's tourism market is a bright spot in domestic demand, injecting momentum into a economy facing pressure from weak consumption and a prolonged property downturn.

Korean Air bans roosters on US-Philippine routes amid cockfighting outcry

The Philippines has a huge cockfighting industry, with Filipinos wagering tens of millions of dollars daily, according to some industry estimates.

Thailand says its oil reserves will cover 108 days amid energy volatility from Mid-East tensions

Average petrol prices in Thailand have increased, but remain lower than in regional neighbours.

Wildfire in north-east Japan under control, burns 1,633ha in 11 days

A total of eight buildings were burned in the blaze that began on April 22 in Otsuchi.

US, Philippines deploy anti-ship missile system in Batanes near Taiwan for war games

BATANES, Philippines, May 2 - Philippine and U.S. forces on Saturday showcased the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes province, near Taiwan, during annual war games, as tensions simmer over the self-governed island that China views as its own territory.

Korean Air bans roosters on US-Philippines routes amid cockfighting outcry

The US is an important source of roosters for these fights.

US firm tests brain implant with patients in China in rare sign of cooperation between both sides

The Chinese government intends to develop several world-leading companies by 2030.

China railway handles record 24.8m passengers on May Day

This year’s May 1 figure for railway trips was 1.7 million higher than on the same day in 2025.

Two teenagers killed in petrol station fire in Vietnam’s Da Nang

The flames reportedly started from the rear before rapidly spreading.

Monkey malaria cases rising in Sabah; 1 person dead: Malaysian health minister

Monkey malaria is transmitted from monkeys to humans through mosquito bites.

Don’t mistake Suu Kyi’s house arrest for Myanmar’s freedom

News that Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest has stirred deep emotions among Myanmar’s people and many abroad. For those who have long admired her courage in the face of persecution, it is natural to feel relief. After harsh conditions in prison, any

Reclusive Turkmenistan shows signs of cautiously opening up

ASHGABAT, May 2 - From a brightly lit, open-plan office Azat Seyitmuhammedov runs an e-commerce startup, Wabrum, that he founded almost a decade ago.

Old and new Gulf faultlines exposed by Iran war

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on April 28 that it will leave the global oil producers’ cartel OPEC. Its decision is the latest sign that the war in the Middle East has not only deepened animosities between Iran and its Gulf neighbors, but among the Gulf states too.

Malaysian man dies after collapsing while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia

The 65-year-old man from Pahang reportedly died of heart complications.

One reason to learn muay thai? You can stay in Thailand longer

The Destination Thailand Visa is for foreigners who sign up for “Thai soft power” activities.

Donroe Doctrine is becoming everything China feared

On April 28, the State Department issued a joint statement “in solidarity with Panama” in response to an uptick in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports, which it characterized as “a blatant attempt to politicize maritime trade.” This comes on the heels of a

Travel rush under way at start of 5-day stretch in Japan’s Golden Week holidays

People faced congestion as they headed to their hometowns or departed for vacations.

Chinese national dies after falling from a height at KLIA Terminal 2; probe under way

Investigations showed that the woman was scheduled to fly back to China on May 2.

2 foreign nationals die after falling from a height in separate cases at KLIA Terminal 2

Both cases have been classified as sudden deaths and are under investigation.

US, UN troubled by Cambodian court decision to uphold defunct opposition leader’s conviction

Kem Sokha was sentenced in 2023 to 27 years in prison for treason but serves time under house arrest.

US 'troubled' by Cambodian court decision to uphold defunct opposition leader's conviction

WASHINGTON, May 1 - The U.S. State Department said on Friday that Washington was \"troubled\" by a Cambodian appeals court's decision that upheld a 27-year sentence for former opposition leader Kem Sokha for his treason conviction.

‘The store looked almost identical’: Pharmacies in Malaysia warn of fake websites that impersonate them

In one instance, a customer was hospitalised after consuming a counterfeit product.

Tourism worsens Bali waste crisis

The waste issue could strain Bali’s image and tourism sector, the backbone of the local economy.

Over 70% say first-ever constitutional change in Japan needs broad consensus

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi has pushed to bring about a change to the post-war supreme law for the first time.

Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi to meet top Vietnam leaders in Hanoi

The Japanese leader will hold talks with Vietnamese President To Lam as both sides aim to boost bilateral ties amid a drop in Japanese investment in Vietnam.

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi meets top Vietnam leaders in Hanoi

Japan is Vietnam's largest provider of official development assistance and a key investor and trading partner.

Australia worried over mouse infestation's impact on food supply

May 2 - Australia's government said on Saturday it was worried about a plague of mice in the west and would keep working with industry to curb its impact on food supply.

Australia worried over impact of mouse infestation on food supply

The country is the world’s fourth-largest wheat exporter.

Social media addiction suspected among 7% of Japanese adolescents: Survey

Around a third of those with problematic use spend at least six hours on social media on weekdays.

Civil groups slam Indonesia government’s plan to vet human rights defenders

Activists argued that the state’s responsibility is to protect rights defenders, not vet them.

Japan and Vietnam seek deeper energy, minerals ties amid geopolitical risks

Japan aims to reduce its reliance on China for rare earths by boosting critical minerals supply chains.

To keep global trade alive, don’t write off friendshoring

The world economy is at a crossroads. International trade is slowing, economic uncertainty is rising, and trade between the US and China – the world’s two largest economies – risks pulling apart. And it is not just trade: the two countries also invest less in each other than