Samsung chip workers face colleagues’ resentment over bonus deal

Employees in other units feel they were systematically excluded.

EU deepens ties across Asia Pacific amid shifting global trade landscape

The bloc is seeking to diversify supply chains and strengthen its global position, as it recalibrates trade relations with the United States and China.

Thousands clash with Bangladesh police in outrage over rape of 4-year-old

Bangladesh has seen a spike in cases of violence against women and children, fuelling outrage.

Deals and words: Reading the tea leaves for the ‘historic’ Xi-Trump summit

Twists and turns can be expected for the rest of this year.

India seeks to stamp out viral ‘Cockroach’ youth party

The party’s Instagram handle, still online in India, has nearly 20 million followers.

China’s foreign minister to chair UN Security Council meeting in US, visit Canada

The New York leg of Mr Wang's trip follows a summit between Presidents Trump and Xi.

China foreign minister to chair UN Security Council meeting in US, visit Canada

BEIJING, May 22 - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to New York and chair a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on May 26, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.

Prabowo’s export control move could boost Indonesia’s revenues, but experts worry about stronger state hand

The new initiative will tighten state control over key commodities such as coal and palm oil.

Premium Hokkaido melons fetch record $46,600 at season’s first auction

Known for their juicy orange flesh and sweetness, Yubari melons are often sent as gifts in Japan.

India capital’s motor-rickshaws get Trump makeover to mark US Independence celebrations

Drivers usually risk a fine if they display adverts on their vehicles.

Malaysia’s energy supply secure despite global uncertainties, says PM Anwar

The Malaysian government is working to ensure energy supply security can be extended until December.

US navy chief says $14bn arms sale to Taiwan paused due to Iran war

Hung Cao told a Senate hearing they were "doing a pause" on the sale to make sure they had munitions for the Iran war.

Thailand turns to AI and science to upgrade durian export quality

It highlighted five major areas of development aimed at upgrading the durian industry.

Pakistan seeks breakthrough in US-Iran peace talks

WASHINGTON/DUBAI, May 22 - Iran's foreign minister met his Pakistani counterpart on Friday to discuss proposals to end the U.S.-Israeli war, Iranian media reported, with Tehran and Washington still at odds over Tehran's uranium stockpile and controls on the Strait of Hormuz.

Perikatan Nasional to contest all seats in Johor election, setting up potential three-way fight with PH and BN

Johor Perikatan Nasional chairman Sahruddin Jamal said the opposition coalition’s strength in Malaysia’s southern state should not be underestimated.

‘Everything has become expensive’: Pakistanis struggle with rising prices ahead of Eid al-Adha

Higher fuel and food prices, coupled with economic uncertainty linked to tensions in the Middle East, are forcing people to cut expenses for next week’s festive season.

Taiwan says it has not been told by US of changes to military sales

TAIPEI, May 22 - Taiwan's presidential office said on Friday it had not received any information about the U.S. adjusting military sales, after a senior U.S. official suggested there was a pause due to the need to have enough arms for the war with Iran.

Businesses, creators in Thailand urged to trademark ‘sound marks’ to shield against AI, deepfakes

The government-led push targets non-traditional trademarks.

From digital vouchers to shopping complex revamp, Johor looks across Causeway for inspiration

The pilot scheme aims to help residents cope with rising costs and revitalise local businesses.

Hokkaido zoo employee arrested on suspicion of murdering wife, admits to strangling her at home

Tatsuya Suzuki strangled his wife with a rope at their home, according to investigative sources.

Malaysia to introduce new rules to protect youth on online platforms

Online service providers will be required to include safeguards for users under the age of 16.

Turkey revokes licence for university seized by state in criminal probe

ANKARA, May 22 - Turkey has revoked the operational licence for Istanbul Bilgi University, effectively forcing it to close, according to a decision published in the Official Gazette on Friday, after the university was seized by the state in a criminal investigation last year.

APEC trade envoys gather in China to discuss trade imbalances, supply chain resilience

The event is part of meetings ahead of an annual APEC leaders summit later in Shenzhen.

From lab idea to $2.9b start-up: Ultrasound destroys cancer without scalpels

The histotripsy technique can liquefy tumor cells while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.

South Korean ministry to shun Starbucks vouchers in 'Tank Day' campaign backlash

Japan government to get access to Anthropic’s latest AI

Due to safe and security concerns, access to the model is currently limited to IT companies.

Why China might react badly to any call between Trump and Taiwan’s president

Mr Trump’s comments on speaking with Dr Lai raised concerns about further Chinese war games around Taiwan.

Explainer-Why China might react badly to any call between Trump and Taiwan's president

May 22 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would speak with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, an unprecedented move for a U.S. leader that could roil U.S. relations with China and maybe prompt more Chinese war games around the island.

South Korean ministry to shun Starbucks vouchers in ‘Tank Day’ campaign backlash

The uproar has also prompted boycott calls from consumers on social media platforms.

India warns of power use as demand peaks during heatwave

Temperatures sizzled at 45.3 deg C in the capital New Delhi on the afternoon of May 21.

Chinese authorities demolish villager's madcap 10-storey home

The structure drew comparisons from media and tourists to the fantastical creations of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Pattaya hotel rooftop fire injures four, no deaths reported

Initial findings suggest the fire was caused by a short circuit on the rooftop.

Vietnam sells convicted mogul’s Hermes bags in recovery push

Real estate tycoon Truong My Lan was ordered to repay US$27 billion in damages.

US Navy official says Taiwan arm sales on 'pause' over Iran war

Briton makes 20th Everest ascent, most by a foreigner

KATHMANDU, May 22 - A British climber improved his own Everest record on Friday and notched his 20th ascent of the world’s highest mountain, hiking officials said.

Briton Kenton Cool makes record Everest climb as climbing season’s death toll rises to 5

He first climbed Everest in 2004 and has since repeated the feat every year.

US Navy official says Taiwan arm sales on ‘pause’ due to Iran war

Taiwan is waiting on an US$14 billion weapons deal that President Trump is keeping on hold.

Hello Kitty: Fans flock to Japan museum showcasing history of Sanrio characters

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm and is closed on Tuesdays, except on national holidays.

Samsung workers begin voting on tentative wage deal

The vote will run through May 27 and around 70,000 members are expected to be eligible to vote.

Philippine artisans keep weaving traditions alive despite rising costs

As the Philippines looks to boost tourism, authorities have increasingly promoted immersive cultural experiences centred on traditional arts and weaving.

‘Filter of fantasy’: Japan trials anime therapy to treat depression

Participants were given online counselling by a psychologist appearing on screen as an anime avatar.

South-east Asia’s fishermen are being pushed to the brink by fuel costs

A protracted blockade in the Hormuz Strait leaves the South-east Asia desperately short of fuel.

Rescue and relief efforts intensify as rain risks rise across southern China

By the morning of May 21, the death toll from heavy rains stood at 16.

Japan envoy in China vows ‘best efforts’ to realise Takaichi-Xi leaders’ summit at APEC

Takaichi has said Japan remains open to dialogue with China, but Beijing has not responded to her overtures.

Australian women linked to ISIS leave Syrian camp, ABC reports

SYDNEY, May 22 - A second group of Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) extremist group have departed a refugee camp in northeast Syria and may be returning to Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.