Indonesia grants Christmas remissions to over 16,000 prisoners, including graft convicts

Officials said the move would help reduce state spending.

1 dead, 26 injured in 50-vehicle expressway pile-up north-west of Tokyo

Police said the vehicles likely skidded on the icy surface. At least 17 vehicles caught fire.

Myanmar election: military seeks legitimacy amid war, exclusion

On Sunday December 28, Myanmar goes to the polls for the first phase of its first general election since the military coup of February 1, 2021. After several extensions, the State Administration Council, controlled by the military (Tatmadaw), lifted the state of emergency on

1MDB trial verdict: Former Malaysian PM Najib admits to feeling ‘alone’ in struggle for freedom

He remained confident in the country’s judicial process, regardless of the outcome.

China sealing Hainan customs borders to make full free trade port

Beijing has moved to seal Hainan’s customs borders and turn the island into a full-fledged free trade port (FTP), a move that has sharply divided Chinese and overseas analysts over its economic and geopolitical implications. Under the new framework, the Hainan FTP will

North Korea’s Kim stresses shared bloodshed in New Year message to Putin

Mr Kim said 2025 was a “really meaningful year” for the bilateral alliance.

China hits US defence firms with sanctions over arms sales to Taiwan

The move follows Washington’s announcement last week of US$11.1b in arms sales to Taiwan.

Her husband's kidnapping became Malaysia's biggest mystery. Then came a stunning confession

Nine years after her husband disappeared, Susanna Liew had a stunning legal win in one of Malaysia's biggest mysteries.

'We will vote but not with our hearts': Inside the election staged by Myanmar's military rulers

This is the first election since the army's coup in early 2021 - and it is being widely condemned as a sham.

Bangladesh protests push India ties to the brink, fanning regional security fears

But it is unfathomable that Dhaka and New Delhi will allow relations to deteriorate further.

A 2018 Pakistan study helps explain other post-colonial failures

In the ongoing quest to understand South Africa’s political and economic stagnation, it may be helpful to look at other postcolonial states that have traveled farther along the path of independence. This may help clarify the stagnation question that citizens, politicians and

China frowns as Mona Lisa of Taiwan’s palace museum goes on loan to Prague

Taiwan’s National Palace Museum strikes a balance between its Chinese roots and Taiwanese narrative.

Myanmar junta lifts Yangon curfew ahead of elections

"Regional stability in Yangon region is improving now," said a statement shared by junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun.

North Korea’s nuclear sub reveal jolts US-Russia-China dynamics

North Korea’s nuclear submarine gambit marks a dangerous inflection point in the rise of an authoritarian nexus that challenges established deterrence dynamics. This month, multiple media outlets reported North Korea’s unveiling of what it says is the completed hull of its

Data centre surge reaches India as American tech giants invest billions

Firms see lots of room to run in a country that hosts nearly 20 per cent of the world’s data but only 3 per cent of its storage.

Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state

Dec 26 - Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday -- a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s longstanding opposition to its secession.

Moscow sentences Russian diplomat to 12 years for passing secrets to U.S. intelligence

MOSCOW, Dec 26 - A Moscow court sentenced a former Russian diplomat to 12 years in a maximum-security penal colony for selling secrets to U.S. intelligence while on a posting to the United States, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Friday.

Many cheer, but some disappointed with guilty verdict for Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib

Some continue to praise Najib, others say he did not receive a fair trial that led to his 2022 conviction.

Explosion at Alawite mosque in Syria's Homs kills eight

DAMASCUS, Dec 26 - Eight people were killed in an explosion at a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, Syrian state news agency SANA said.

US once again recalls imported Indonesian shrimp over Caesium-137 findings

The recall involved 83,800 units of frozen shrimp sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands

Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib and the multibillion-dollar 1MDB scandal

Najib co-founded 1MDB and chaired its advisory board until 2016.

Two dead in Palestinian attack in Israel, Israeli authorities say

JERUSALEM, Dec 26 - A Palestinian assailant ran over a man and stabbed a woman and killed them both in northern Israel on Friday, Israeli emergency services said.

Thailand’s PM expresses hope for ceasefire with Cambodia by Dec 27

Talks are moving towards a truce, even as border shellings continue.

Thailand bombs Cambodian border area as ceasefire talks continue

Cambodia accuses Thailand of "indiscriminate attacks", as negotiators meet for a third day to try to end weeks of renewed fighting.

Crisis in Perlis state signals growing power struggle inside Perikatan Nasional alliance

PAS and Bersatu, the main opposition parties in Parliament, are fighting for dominance ahead of the next general election.

Explosion at Alawite mosque in Syria's Homs kills five

DAMASCUS, Dec 26 - Five people were killed in an explosion at a mosque of the Alawite minority sect in the Syrian city of Homs on Friday, Syrian state news agency SANA said.

Thai defence minister to attend truce talks with Cambodia, PM says

If Thailand and Cambodia can come to an agreement, they will make a deal in line with the previous pact brokered with the help of US President Donald Trump, said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Thai defence minister to attend truce talks with Cambodia, PM Anutin says

Thai and Cambodian officials have been holding parleys at a border crossing since Dec 24.

South Korea braces itself for colder weather with temperatures expected to fall below minus 15 deg C

Temperatures will run 2 deg C to 7 deg C below the winter average.

China sanctions US defence firms, individuals over arms sales to Taiwan

At least 15 injured after stabbing, chemical spray attack at factory in Japan

A man in his thirties, armed with a survival knife and a gas mask, was reportedly arrested.

15 injured in Japan after stabbing, liquid spray attack, official says

Police arrested a man in his 30s said to be connected to the factory.

From Zara Qairina to Harimau Malaya: A gripping 2025 for Malaysia

Malaysia’s 2025 was marked by a stormy PKR election, school violence, and a scandal rocking its football team.

Elusive wild cat last seen in 1995, feared extinct, rediscovered in Thailand

Flat-headed cats are among the world’s rarest and most threatened wild felines.

South Korea prosecutor seeks 10-year jail term for ex-president Yoon

SEOUL, Dec 26 - South Korea's special prosecutor requested a 10-year prison sentence on Friday for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges including attempted obstruction of his arrest following his failed bid to impose martial law.

South Korea court acquits ex-officials over border killing

Seoul to ease access to North Korean newspaper

Critics argue the ban of the North's state newspaper in S. Korea amounts to unnecessary censorship.

Worried over boycott calls, Myanmar’s junta moves to counter dissent at the ballot box

Voting kicks off on Sunday (Dec 28) and will be held over three phases, limited to areas where the military maintains varying degrees of control.

Taiwan holds drill to boost response after metro stabbing

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said "through today's high-intensity drill, we will thoroughly and comprehensively review the existing defence mechanisms, leaving no stone unturned".

SIA, other Asian airlines cancel several New York flights due to snowstorm

SIA cancelled four flights between Singapore and New York as well as two flights between Frankfurt and the US state.

Tone-deaf? Australian PM’s popularity plunges over response to Bondi attack

Mr Albanese has been criticised for failing to heed warnings the Jewish community was at risk amid rising antisemitism.

Najib sentenced to 15 years’ jail in major 1MDB trial, verdict likely to add to tensions in Anwar’s government

The court acknowledged testimonies that fugitive financier Jho Low had acted as an intermediary for Najib and 1MDB.

Ex-Malaysia PM Najib Razak given 15-year jail term over state funds scandal

Najib was convicted for his role in the billion-dollar scandal involving the country's sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

952 suspects repatriated to China following joint scam crackdown with Thailand and Myanmar

Chinese officers, working with counterparts from Thailand and Myanmar, arrested suspects and dismantled gambling and fraud facilities, China’s Ministry of Public Security said.

Malaysia’s ex-PM Najib jailed 15 years, fined US$2.8 billion for abuse of power, money laundering in 1MDB case

Friday’s decision by Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah came after a trial that had stretched across 302 days over a period of six years.

Myanmar to hold third phase of election voting on January 25, state media reports

Dec 26 - Myanmar will hold a third phase of voting for its general election on January 25, according to an announcement on state media on Friday, outlining a poll plan that comes amid a raging civil war in the Southeast Asian nation.

Taiwan holds drill to boost response after deadly metro stabbing

The island was shaken after a knife-wielding attacker went on a rampage in Taipei.

Hong Kong’s shipping industry warns of growing talent shortage

Companies that rely on skilled workers to keep global trade moving are increasingly worried about the impact on long-term operations.

Seoul court acquits ex-officials of tampering in case of man slain by North Korean troops

SEOUL, Dec 26 - A South Korean court on Friday acquitted five former government officials accused of manipulating facts in a case from 2020 where a fisheries official was killed at sea by North Korean troops.