More Nepalis drive EVs, evading global fuel shocks

Nepal has emerged as one of the world’s fastest adopters of EVs.

Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending

Five Japanese firms are already in the top 100 global defence companies.

Not enough time to play for South Korean children, teens: Report

A total of 1,177 children and teens, and 815 adults participated in the nationwide survey.

More young South Koreans turning away from religion: Poll

South Koreans in their 20s were least likely to follow a religion.

North Korea calls US cyber crime accusations 'absurd slander'

Washington has accused Pyongyang of ramping up a cyber-warfare program responsible for the theft of billions of dollars in virtual assets in recent years.

Japan astronomers launch group to look for aliens, radio observations eyed

They say it is the country’s first organisation dedicated to the search for alien life.

Man charged over death of Australian Indigenous girl that sparked outback riots

SYDNEY, May 3 - Police in Australia's Northern Territory said on Sunday they had charged a man with murdering an Indigenous girl, days after the 5-year-old's death sparked violent clashes in an outback town.

Trump insists China trip will go on as planned; analysts say leaders' summit crucial to manage risks

United States President Donald Trump says his upcoming visit will be an “amazing event”, while Chinese observers say both sides need to prioritise risk management in the face of rising uncertainty worldwide.

Philippines says thousands evacuated as Mayon Volcano erupts

Heavy ashfall blanketed several towns in Albay province on May 2, disrupting traffic.

Penang records first heat stroke death of 2026

A 42-year-old Malaysian man died from heat stroke following a 30km run.

These 20-year-olds in Japan are finally planning their junior high school trips cancelled by Covid-19

The young adults were given about $160 per person to plan school trips with their former classmates.

North Korea's Kim casts youth as vanguard of state goals amid Russia war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met delegates to the ruling party's youth league congress in Pyongyang, a once-in-five-years political gathering aimed at mobilising citizens aged roughly 14 to 30.

Man charged with murdering 5-year-old Indigenous girl in Australian outback

He was also charged with two counts of rape.

Taiwan president defiant as Eswatini trip begins; China calls him a 'rat'

Eswatini is one of only 12 countries with formal ties with Taipei.

North Korea calls US cyber threat claims a fabrication, warns of countermeasures

SEOUL, May 3 - North Korea's foreign ministry on Sunday rejected U.S. accusations that Pyongyang poses a cyber threat, calling them a fabrication aimed at justifying Washington's longstanding hostile policy, state media KCNA said.

North Korea’s Kim casts youth as vanguard of state goals amid Russia war

The emphasis on youth control comes amid intensified repression of foreign cultural influence.

Nein! Indian school students forced to drop foreign languages amid govt’s native language push

Some criticise the move for limiting students' access to an education with a global outlook.

From Jakarta to Klang Valley, why is it so hard for Southeast Asia to fight this invasive catfish?

The suckermouth catfish originating from South America is swarming waterways in parts of Southeast Asia.

Global drive: Chinese tech firm behind Singapore autonomous public bus trial eyes further fields

They have been turning their driverless mileage into commercial trials and deployments abroad.

Iran offers Strait deal; Trump dissatisfied but prefers non-military path

DUBAI/WEST PALM BEACH, 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 program for later, a senior Iranian official said on Saturday.

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.