Malaysia PM Anwar orders probe into Khazanah-linked company
Datuk Seri Anwar said the investigation was not to target anyone over past decisions.
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‘It is tough’: Indonesia battles wildfires, bracing itself for worse to come
Indonesia's government says over 100,000 hectares burned in the first half of the year.
Sri Lankan government delivers water to nearly 72,000 people suffering drought
COLOMBO, Aug 20 - Sri Lanka's government has arranged for water to be delivered to nearly 72,000 people across seven districts as the country tackles a drought linked to this year's severe El Niño, a senior official said on Thursday.
Kazakhstan to hold snap election expected to tighten president's control
ALMATY, Aug 20 - Kazakhstan votes on Sunday in a snap parliamentary election expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's hold over the country after constitutional changes allowed him to extend his seven years in power for another seven.
China urges South Korea not to take sides, blames US policy for Korea tensions
BEIJING, Aug 20 - China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged South Korea not to take sides between Beijing and Washington, saying the U.S. should abandon its \"hostile\" policy toward North Korea to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Australia passes law to levy tech giants that fail to pay for local news
Proceeds from the scheme would be directed to local Australian news outlets.
North Korea launches 10 ballistic missiles as US-South Korea drills near end
The North Korean missile appeared to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone in the sea, Japanese media reported.
US designates American held by China as wrongfully detained
WASHINGTON, Aug 20 - The U.S. has designated Myanmar scholar and U.S. citizen Min Zin as wrongfully detained after his arrest by Chinese authorities in June, a senior State Department official told Reuters, a move that makes securing his release a top U.S. priority.
‘Worst’ ever El Nino to bring heavy rains, drought to Sri Lanka
Heavy rains expected later in 2026 is expected to be followed by a prolonged drought in early 2027.
Thai, Myanmar military chiefs meet as post-coup thaw progresses
Bangkok said the talks focused on ways to enhance security cooperation on the nations’ 2,400km border.
Chinese amateur underground idols in Shanghai urged not to sing Japanese songs
Music venues were warned in July against performances of songs with Japanese lyrics.
China says it ‘firmly opposes’ Trump drone tariffs
Beijing urged Washington to “immediately withdraw” the planned tariffs.
After Rocky’s death, calls grow for new approach to Malaysia’s stray dogs
Activists say that the ultimate goal should be preventing strays from ever being born or abandoned on the streets.
China charges 17 members of Myanmar-based human trafficking ring targeting Chinese citizens
Chinese actor Wang Xing, whose disappearance near the Thailand-Myanmar border made headlines last year, was among the syndicate’s victims, according to Chinese news outlets.
What property giant Evergrande's sentence means for China's economy
Evergrande's fortunes reversed in 2020, when new regulations from China seeking to limit excessive borrowing in the real estate sector complicated Evergrande's ability to make payments.
What property giant Evergrande’s court rulings mean for China’s economy
Evergrande founder Xu Jiayin was sentenced to life in prison in Shenzhen for fraud and other offences.
Four workers hit and killed by train in Japan
The incident involving four workers took place at Shin-Kanuma Station north of Tokyo.
Schools in several Sarawak districts to close for two days over haze
Home-based teaching and learning will be implemented during the closure.
From property tycoon to life in jail: Who is Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan
Hui, a former steel technician raised in a village in Henan, built his fortune on low-priced homes.
Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan, from property tycoon to life in jail
HONG KONG, Aug 20 - Mingling with power brokers at the Chinese Communist Party's centenary celebrations in 2021, a beaming Hui Ka Yan betrayed no sign of the pressure mounting on his property company, China Evergrande Group, the world's most-indebted developer.
Japan govt launches large-scale Gen AI pilot programme for civil servants
The system will help bureaucrats draft responses to parliamentary questions in the near future.
Beijing ‘commends’ Malaysia PM Anwar’s ‘One China’ stance following Taiwan’s rebuke
In a recent interview with news agency Al Jazeera, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had voiced support for Beijing’s “One China” principle as well as its right to use force should peaceful reunification fail.
Malaysian plane bound for Kuala Lumpur aborts takeoff at Narita airport
The runway was closed for about two and a half hours.
Australian prosecutors demand life in prison for mushroom killer
They say Erin Patterson should never be set free.
Yang Guo Fu Group apologises over restaurant’s unauthorised use of Japanese celebrities’ names
The restaurant displayed congratulatory flower stands bearing the names of well-known figures.
Four workers dead after being hit by train in Japan
The train collided with the four men at Shin-Kanuma Station, north of Tokyo, authorities say.
South Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump's figure
Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers that North Korea was generally believed to have around 80 to 120 warheads, after US President Donald Trump commented a day earlier that Pyongyang possessed 57 "very powerful nuclear weapons".
Potential kingmaker in New Zealand’s next government wants universal income, tax overhaul
Quilae Wong from the Opportunity party said the policy would also curb runaway house prices.
Potential kingmaker in New Zealand's next government wants universal income, tax overhaul
SYDNEY, Aug 20 - A New Zealand party that could hold the balance of power after this year's election wants to bring in a basic income for almost all residents that will be funded by a new land tax, with its leader saying on Thursday that the policy would also curb runaway house
Malaysia’s July exports jump 38% year on year, higher than forecast
July’s exports were expected to grow 34.3 per cent.
Robots poised for 'ChatGPT moment', says Unitree CEO
The industry is nearing a breakthrough where robots can be placed in unfamiliar environments and complete most tasks through simple voice or text instructions, says Unitree CEO Wang Xingxing.
Taiwan proposes boosting 2027 defence spending by 18% to a record high
The budget details come as Beijing has ramped up military and political pressure.
Taiwan proposes boosting 2027 defence spending 18% to a record high
TAIPEI, Aug 20 - Taiwan's government on Thursday proposed an 18% rise in defence spending for next year, including for drones and missiles, taking it above T$1 trillion ($31.41 billion) for the first time as Taipei bolsters its military to ward off China.
China Evergrande founder sentenced to life in prison for ‘heinous crime’
The court ordered all of Hui Ka Yan's personal property confiscated.
China Evergrande founder sentenced to life in prison
HONG KONG, Aug 20 - The billionaire founder of China Evergrande Group, the world's most-indebted property developer, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday by a Chinese court, which ordered all his personal property confiscated.
Founder of collapsed Chinese property giant Evergrande sentenced to life in prison
Hui's sentencing marks a key moment in the fallout from Evergrande's collapse, which shook China's property sector.
South Korea estimates North Korea has up to 120 nuclear warheads, far above Trump’s figure
Seoul has traditionally avoided publicly disclosing detailed estimates of North Korea’s nuclear stockpile.
China tests a new maritime presence east of Taiwan, report says
The activity is stoking concerns that Beijing is testing tactics relevant to a future quarantine or blockade.
Malaysian Cabinet approves 17 measures to tighten security at KLIA, entry points
The recommendations were approved on Aug 19.
Kim Jong-un balks at grasping fleeting opportunity
North Korean paramount leader Kim Jong-un has demonstrated he can make bold policy decisions. In 2013 he sought to frighten his senior officials into obedience by ordering the execution of his uncle and senior mentor Jang Song-thaek. In 2017 he kept his nerve and continued to
The global revival of mahjong, a centuries‑old Chinese tradition
Mahjong is having a global moment. From designer tile sets and “mahjong parties” to growing numbers of clubs and classes, the centuries-old Chinese tile game is becoming trendy once again. But its resurgence raises questions about cultural exchange, commercialization, and what
Vietnam proposes ending death penalty for six offences
HANOI, Aug 20 - Vietnam's government has proposed abolishing the death penalty for six offences, including drug trafficking and the rape of minors, as part of a revision of the country's criminal code presented to parliament on Thursday, state media reported.
Missing teen hiker found dead in Australian bush after eight-day search
The state premier initially said Lily Hooper had been found alive before police confirmed her death.
Australia summons Israeli ambassador over Gaza aid worker death
SYDNEY, Aug 20 - Australia summoned Israel's ambassador on Thursday and expressed outrage at a decision by its military not to pursue criminal proceedings over the death of an Australian aid worker in a 2024 airstrike in Gaza.
Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister says it’s time for plain speaking and everyday Tamil is what’s needed
Tamil Nadu’s new chief minister speaks everyday Tamil instead of the formal literary style used by former leaders.