The jailed Hong Kong democrats who challenged subversion convictions

Those jailed include former lawmakers, journalists and an Australian citizen.

Michelle Yeoh plays five characters in short film celebrating Penang’s vibrant streets and food culture

Sandiwara, the 10-minute film directed by Oscar-winner Sean Baker, was shot on iPhone and features George Town's Red Garden Food Paradise.

Hong Kong appeals court upholds jailed democracy campaigners' sentences

The appeals from the 12 democracy campaigners, including ex-lawmaker "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung and former journalist Gwyneth Ho, were heard last year.

South Korea urges Russian embassy to remove 'victory' banner as Ukraine war anniversary nears

SEOUL, Feb 23 - South Korea has asked the Russian embassy in Seoul to take down a large banner reading \"Victory will be ours\", its foreign ministry said, just ahead of this week's fourth anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine.

Why Indonesia should ditch Trump’s mineral trade deal

The February 19 Indonesia-United States trade deal was announced as a breakthrough. Headlines focused on tariff cuts and major business deals. But the provisions on critical minerals show why the deal could prove a strategic burden more than a win. Under the deal, Indonesia

Asian stocks rally after Trump's Supreme Court tariffs blow

SE Asia weighs options after Trump tariffs torpedoed

The US Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling striking down President Donald Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, is a landmark decision not just for American constitutional law, importers and citizens, but for every trading partner that

$750k in 12 hours: Malaysian food influencer Khairul Aming sets sales record on TikTok live stream

Among the items for sale were his popular Sambal Nyet Berapi, as well as ready-to-eat products.

South Korea protests ‘Victory’ banner hung from Russian embassy in Seoul

Its appearance has coincided with the four-year anniversary of Russia's Ukraine war.

Sony develops technology to trace origin of AI-made music

The move comes amid growing concern about the unauthorised use of copyrighted works in AI training.

Malaysia’s anti-graft chief questioned in shareholding probe

A special committee is examining the compliance and regularity of Tan Sri Azam Baki’s share ownership.

ICC to begin pre-trial hearing for Philippines’ Duterte

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity.

Tokyo Skytree lift malfunctions, trapping 20 people for about 5 hours

Some 1,200 people were stranded temporarily on observation decks hundreds of metres above ground.

How budget fast fashion is taking small-town India by storm

More Indians in small towns are now shopping for affordable brands instead of unlabelled goods in the bazaars.

Hong Kong appeals court upholds jailed democracy campaigners’ sentences

They were sentenced to prison in 2024 for organising an unofficial primary election.

How South Korea's democracy rallied after the president tried to impose military rule

Yoon Suk Yeol's life sentence for insurrection "offers a rare example of democratic resilience", experts say.

North Korea's Kim re-elected to lead ruling party at congress: Report

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to lift living standards in his opening speech at a congress held once every five years.

North Korea’s Kim re-elected to lead ruling party at congress: KCNA

The decision was made “in accordance with the unshakeable will and unanimous desire of all the delegates”.

North Korea's ruling party re-elects Kim Jong Un general secretary for bolstering nuclear power

SEOUL, Feb 23 - North Korea's ruling Workers' Party re-elected leader Kim Jong Un as general secretary at the fourth day of its party congress meetings on Sunday, state news agency KCNA reported on Monday.

Why Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier, and how Southeast Asian countries could respond

The acquisition of the Giuseppe Garibaldi would make Indonesia the second country in Southeast Asia, and the fifth in Asia, to operate an aircraft carrier.

Strong quake hits off eastern Malaysia

Strong quake hits off Malaysia's Sabah

The 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck 100km outside of Malaysia's Kota Kinabalu, with some residents in Singapore saying they felt the tremors.

Malampaya’s new gas find may steady Philippines’ power supply, but cheaper bills remain elusive

The new well must still be connected to the existing system through a 5km pipeline link.

Netanyahu says India's Modi to visit Israel on Wednesday

Netanyahu says India's Modi to visit Israel on Feb 25

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israel-India axis will be part of a wider regional alliance to counter common "radical" adversaries.

Strong 7.1-magnitude quake hits off Malaysia’s Sabah state; some in S’pore say they felt tremors

Some netizens in Singapore, in several locations such as Toa Payoh, Balestier and Punggol, said they felt the tremors.

3 bodies found after fire near Tokyo; children feared among dead

Two elementary school girls and their grandmother remain unaccounted for.

2 children among 6 killed in Vietnam boat collision at popular lake site

The passenger boat was carrying families visiting relatives for Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year.

Russian embassy in Seoul displays ‘Victory will be ours’ banner ahead of Ukraine war anniversary

The embassy plans to hold a public event on Feb 25 to mark the anniversary of the invasion.

Tariff ruling limits Trump's leverage but won't end uncertainty for trade partners

WASHINGTON, Feb 22 - The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down a large swath of President Donald Trump's tariffs has weakened his ability to threaten and impose tariffs at a moment's notice, but it won't end gnawing uncertainty for trade partners or companies.

Thai authorities find staged foreign government offices during raid on suspected scam hub

Staged settings designed to resemble overseas government agencies was also found in the raid.

US envoy's remarks on Israel and Middle East land draw condemnation in region

JERUSALEM, Feb 21 - Comments by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggesting that Israel had a biblical right to much of the Middle East drew condemnation over the weekend from countries across the region, who called his remarks \"dangerous and inflammatory\".

India delays US trade talks after Supreme Court rejects Trump tariffs: Source

The delegation had been set to leave on Sunday for talks to finalise an interim trade deal.

India delays US trade talks after Supreme Court rejects Trump tariffs, source says

The delegation had been set to leave on Feb 22 for talks to finalise an interim trade deal.

India delays U.S. trade talks after Supreme Court rejects Trump tariffs, source says

NEW DELHI, Feb 22 - India has delayed plans to send a trade delegation to Washington this week, chiefly because of uncertainty after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, a source in its trade ministry said on Sunday.

Two-thirds of South Koreans contacted for work after hours: Survey

About 31 per cent of the respondents said they received work-related contact after 10pm.

South Korean police checking for more possible victims of ‘motel drug killings’

Officials are zeroing in on those contacted by her in a manner similar to the two known victims.

ICC bars in-person visits for ex-Philippine president Duterte during hearing, family says

He has waived his right to appear before the ICC, saying the tribunal has no jurisdiction over him.

Iran and US views on sanctions relief differ, Iranian official tells Reuters

DUBAI, Feb 22 - Iran and the United States have differing views over sanctions relief in talks to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Sunday, adding that new talks were planned in early March as fears of a military confrontation grow.

Brazil doesn't want 'new Cold War', Lula says before Trump meeting

NEW DELHI, Feb 22 - Brazil does not want a \"new Cold War\", President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Sunday, urging the Trump administration to treat all countries equally ahead of a trip to meet the U.S. president.

Hadi’s protege Samsuri takes helm of Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional after Muhyiddin exit

Perikatan Nasional breaks its unspoken rule and picks someone who is not a party president as chairman.

China’s visa-free travel is diplomacy sweetener as it rekindles ties with middle powers

The addition of Canada and Britain brings the number of countries with visa-free access to China to 79.

No change in Johor Ramadan bazaar SOPs despite rise in TB cases, says official

Visitors to bazaars are encouraged to exercise precautionary measures to reduce disease spread.

Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan

Pakistan says the strikes were retaliation for recent suicide bombings in the country.

New Zealand marks 15th anniversary of Christchurch quake that killed 185

For some bereaved families, justice remains elusive 15 years after the quake.

South Korea protests Japanese event over disputed islands

In a statement on Sunday (Feb 22), South Korea's foreign ministry said it strongly objected to the Takeshima Day event held by Japan's Shimane prefecture and urged Japan to abolish the ceremony immediately.

Russia hits Ukraine energy infrastructure with major missile, drone strikes, Kyiv says

KYIV, Feb 22 - Russia attacked Ukraine with dozens of strike drones and ballistic and cruise missiles, focusing on energy infrastructure, the Ukrainian military and local officials said on Sunday.

North Korean movie about assassination attempt of late leader aired on TV

Days And Nights Of Confrontation depicts a plot to kill Mr Kim Jong Il, current leader Kim Jong Un's late father.