Baby Shark: How a 90-second clip created a $400m business

Shares in the firm behind the highly-addictive children's song rose by more than 9% in their stock market debut.

What the east-up view means for Indo-Pacific regional stability

General Xavier T. Brunson’s recent article, “The East-Up Map: Revealing Hidden Strategic Advantages in the Indo-Pacific” has quickly become a major point of discussion in South Korea. In the article, the commander of all US forces on the peninsula argues that South Korea has

‘Friendly’ fights between partners, and hot seats: 5 things to watch at Sabah state election

“Sabah’s political landscape is extremely fragmented nowadays, so many parties and personalities all think they got a chance,” an analyst tells CNA about the record turnout of candidates. “So if you don’t try, you never know.”

IN FOCUS: The dreams and perils of moving capitals in a changing Asia

Across Asia, some countries are betting that a new capital can solve old problems. But history shows that capitals rarely move as neatly as their planners imagine, experts say.

Commentary: Indonesia’s U-turn on rupiah redenomination was the right move

As practical as the reasons to lob a few zeros off the rupiah are, the timing is not ideal, says political analyst Hasan Jafri.

Ukraine is entering the danger zone: Will NATO, the US intervene?

Ukraine is now entering the danger zone. Its army is running out of men and material, and worse than that, important parts of the army are trapped by Russian forces. This includes Pokrovsk, of course, as well as Zaphorize and a number of other areas. Meanwhile, Russia continues

Eleven people killed in Israeli strike on Lebanon's Sidon, Lebanese health ministry says

BEIRUT - An Israeli strike on the southern Lebanese city of Sidon killed 11 people and wounded four others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

Zelenskiy says Ukraine will try to restart diplomatic process to end war

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that Ukraine will try to \"reactivate\" the diplomatic process to end his country's war with Russia.

Trump says he has 'nothing to do with the family business'

WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he has nothing to do with his family business as the Trump Organization and a Saudi developer look to open the latest Trump hotel in the Maldives.

Ukraine hits targets in Russia with US-supplied ATACMS missiles, military says

KYIV - Ukraine's military said on Tuesday it had attacked military targets in Russia with U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles, calling it a \"significant development.\"

Eswatini received $5.1 million to accept US deportees, minister says

JOHANNESBURG - Eswatini received $5.1 million from the U.S. government under a deal to accept third-country nationals deported by the Trump administration, its finance minister said on Tuesday.

Chinese man who cryogenically froze late wife sparks debate by dating new partner

Gui Junmin froze his dead spouse as a sign of his devotion - but it's now emerged he is dating again.

Kremlin accuses Poland of 'Russophobia' after Warsaw blames railway sabotage on Russia

MOSCOW - The Kremlin accused Poland on Tuesday of succumbing to Russophobia after Warsaw blamed an explosion on a railway route to Ukraine on two Ukrainian citizens whom it said were recruited by Russian intelligence.

Taiwan charges Chinese national and six others with spying

They were charged with violating national security after they allegedly collected military secrets for China.

As the ringgit strengthens, what will it take for Malaysians working in Singapore to return home?

A stronger ringgit cuts remittances, but the salary gap keeps Malaysians crossing the Causeway for work.

Polish PM says two responsible for railway blast worked for Russian intelligence

WARSAW - Poland has identified two people responsible for an explosion on a railway route to Ukraine, Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday, adding that they were Ukrainians who collaborated with Russian intelligence and that they had fled to Belarus.

Hasina's death sentence sets stage for volatile Bangladesh vote

DHAKA - A Bangladeshi court’s decision to sentence exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death has done little to heal a nation scarred by her long rule and last year’s bloody crackdown against student-led, anti-government protests.

Rostec says defence exports halved since 2022 as Russian orders dominated

DUBAI - Russian state conglomerate Rostec said on Tuesday that its defence exports fell by half since 2022 as domestic orders became a priority amid the fighting in Ukraine, but expects recovery soon.

No issuing of MCs solely via video call, says Malaysian Medical Council

MCs in Malaysia can only be issued after a proper consultation, including a physical exam, is conducted.

Britain's MI5 spy service warns lawmakers of Chinese spy risk

LONDON - Britain's MI5 security service warned lawmakers on Tuesday about attempts by Chinese agents to collect information and influence activity, according to an email sent to lawmakers seen by Reuters, the latest spy threat to the nation's parliament.

EU will protect its market if needed, German finance minister says in China

BEIJING - German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil discussed overcapacity in China on Tuesday during a visit to Beijing and said the European Union would act if a solution was not found.

‘Bare shoulders’ backlash: Malaysia artistes turn to self-censorship amid syariah-oversight concerns

Grey areas in Malaysia’s entertainment rules fuel growing self-censorship among platforms and artistes.

Trump's empty chair at G20 summit is opportunity for South African hosts

JOHANNESBURG - An empty chair for Donald Trump at the G20 summit offers an opportunity for South African hosts, determined to set an agenda for global leaders in the face of the U.S. president's hostility to multilateral diplomacy.

FIFA to probe ‘internal operations’ of Malaysia FA in twist to foreign-born footballers forgery saga

Investigation aims to identify persons responsible for the falsification of documents, says FIFA’s appeal committee. Malaysia Football Association’s failure to do so is “deeply troubling”, it adds.

As it happened: Singapore end long wait for Asian Cup qualification after victory in Hong Kong

A 2-1 win at Kai Tak Stadium means the Lions have secured a place at the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Indonesia approves major overhaul of its criminal procedure code

Among the revisions is an expansion of enforcement powers to act without warrants in “urgent situations”.

Russian intelligence likely behind railway sabotage, Poland says

WARSAW - Everything points to Russian intelligence services commissioning sabotage on Polish railways that damaged a track on a route to Ukraine over the weekend, a spokesperson for Poland's special services minister said on Tuesday.

Palestine envoy in Philippines after UN vote on Trump Gaza plan

MANILA – Palestine is on a diplomatic mission in the region and on Tuesday forged an agreement for regular consultations with the Philippines, the incoming chairman of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc. Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin’s

Would an EU ‘drone wall’ stop Russian airspace incursions?

Violations of national airspace by drones are on the rise in Europe. When European leaders discussed these events at a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2025, they responded by announcing plans for a defensive “drone wall.” So what is a drone wall? Put simply, it is a

First charges in Philippine flood control scandal target ex-lawmaker, officials

Temple blaze in China blamed on tourists’ ‘irresponsible’ handling of candle, incense

Initially reported to be 1,500 years old, Wenchang Pavilion was constructed in January 2008.

China-Japan diplomatic row: What’s driving Beijing’s anger - and why this time is different

From China’s point of view, the Japanese Prime Minister’s remarks on Taiwan test a red line - a trigger that sets this dispute apart from past flare-ups, analysts say.

Philippines’ Marcos rejects estranged sister’s claim of drug use

His sister Imee Marcos is an ally of ex-president Duterte and says she no longer speaks to her brother.

Philippines’ Marcos rejects estranged sister's claim of drug use

MANILA - The Philippine president's office said on Tuesday that claims by his estranged sister that he uses illicit drugs are baseless and should not be taken seriously.

Eminem sues Australian beach brand 'Swim Shady'

The rapper alleges the beachwear brand created a "false association" with his alter ego Slim Shady.

Philippines files first cases against officials in graft scandal

These are the first legal charges filed in court against those implicated in the corruption scandal.

America’s AI giants surging strong and swift into India

In 2025, US artificial intelligence (AI) giants have taken the Indian market by storm, seeking to capture its large consumer base, tap its deep reservoir of tech talent and make critical inroads with policymakers. This flurry of activity offers a fascinating case study of

AT&S expands in Malaysia as global AI demand accelerates

Since setting up in Malaysia last year, the tech giant has invested more than €1.2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in facilities and operations, and has committed another €500 million for the next phase of expansion.

Apple takes 25% share of China smartphone market in October on iPhone 17 demand

Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina’s death sentence could deepen country’s political crisis: Analysts

The verdict, though unlikely to be carried out, could widen divisions and destabilise Bangladesh’s fragile democracy, analysts tell CNA.

China tour groups start cancelling Japan trips as spat simmers

At least two state-owned Chinese travel agencies are said to have scrapped group bookings made months in advance.

South Korean military to launch adjustment programme for multicultural recruits in 2026

There are also plans to publish a military life glossary containing frequently used terms in five languages.

Thai YouTuber slammed after dancing shirtless on car at Japan’s iconic Fuji-view tourist spot

Some followers said they were unfollowing him altogether.

Video of auxiliary police officer ‘scolding’ children in Penang goes viral

TikTok user said the police played along, telling her son not to be naughty or they would “catch” him.

491,000 Japan-bound air tickets cancelled as China warns people to avoid travel amid spat

The cancellations amount to roughly 32 per cent of Chinese airlines' total bookings to Japan, said a veteran aviation analyst.

Palestinian foreign minister says UN vote is 'first step towards peace'

MANILA - Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin said on Tuesday the U.N. Security Council's adoption of a resolution endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza was a necessary first step on a long road towards peace.

Loaf behind bars: Australian inmate sues over ‘human right’ to eat Vegemite

Victoria’s human rights Charter states no one should be denied the opportunity to “enjoy their culture”.

Bucheon’s battle with clickbait: Can this South Korean city tame live-stream chaos?

Live-streamers can profit from views and fan donations generated by their problematic behaviour.

Giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue arrive in Malaysia; set for 10-year stay

Their arrival follows the renewal of Malaysia’s long-standing panda loan programme with China.

India's US exports jump despite 50% tariffs as trade tensions ease

Goods exports to the US rose for the first time in five months in October, jumping14.5% from September.