Asia event news

Unconfirmed Pahang ‘piranha’ sightings spark public alarm, concerns over invasive species

Piranha-like fish caught in Pahang spark concerns over Malaysia’s waterways.

Finance

Factory activity returns to expansion in a positive sign for China’s economy

A Chinese government survey shows the country's factory activity has expanded for the first time since June, signaling a positive shift as officials aim to boost economic growth

North Korea denies South's claim, calls DMZ blast a 'farce'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong has accused Seoul of conspiracy after it blamed Pyongyang for the blast in the DMZ.

World

Restaurant named after Xi Jinping attacked by Chinese nationals

The owner said he chose the name because he wanted to run the "best Chinese restaurant" in South Korea.

Hong Kong connects European innovators to Greater Bay Area I&T opportunities

Explore how Hong Kong connects European innovators to Greater Bay Area opportunities, offering funding, partnerships and market access in I&T sectors.

String of rapes in Delhi triggers social campaign for women’s safety

Women in India’s capital are protesting after a string of rape cases, using bold slogans to demand safer public spaces.

World

Nepal government building falls into a river amid heavy flooding

The municipality building in Baglung was left teetering on an unstable ledge due to floods before it fell into a river.

Indonesia suspends five officials over luxury apartments for inmates

Warden among five officials suspended over the discovery of an apartment-style compound for inmates at Cibinong prison.

World

North Korea denies planting mines that injured 3 South Korean soldiers, accuses Seoul of conspiracy

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rejected South Korean findings that North Korea planted the land mines that injured three South Korean soldiers last week

Business

Japan's fusion energy startup to begin power-on tests at pilot reactor in 2027

TOKI, Japan, Sept 29 : Japanese startup Helical Fusion expects to begin preliminary power-on tests at its demonstration fusion reactor in 2027, it said on Tuesday, a step towards its goal of becoming a global leader in commercial nuclear fusion energy.The company is developing Helix HARUKA, Japan's first int

China opens rare joint military support centre in Laos

Sept 29 - China has opened a new military support and training centre in Laos, Beijing's Ministry of National Defence said on Tuesday, a rare overseas expansion.

Business

China unveils rate cut, mortgage subsidies to spur growth

BEIJING: China unveiled measures on Tuesday (Sep 29) designed to steer cheaper credit into a range of sectors including infrastructure and technology, as well as expanding support for home buyers, in a fresh bid to shore up its slowing economy.The measures were announced a day after the cabinet pledged to ste

Brunei's crown prince visits Singapore, leaders discuss deepening bilateral cooperation

Brunei and Singapore also signed a memorandum of understanding to further cooperation on maritime and port development, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Singapore Writers Festival 2026: Amitav Ghosh, Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Rachel Smythe among highlights

Running from Nov 13 to 22, this year's Singapore Writers Festival will feature more than 300 writers, speakers and moderators in over 200 programmes, including a new Crime & Mystery Spotlight, literary walks and multilingual events.

'Gift from God': Rain brings relief from Indonesia toxic haze

PONTIANAK, Indonesia: Welcome rain has brought relief to residents of Indonesia's Pontianak city after weeks of exposure to a cloying, toxic haze given off by rampant wildfires on Borneo island.Fires have torn through vast swathes of peat and forest areas on Borneo and nearby Sumatra island, with the resultin

South Korea says North Korean mines behind DMZ blast violated armistice

South Korea blames North Korean mines for DMZ blast violating armistice, vows staged military response and seeks direct dialogue with Pyongyang.

Nepal suspends search after 16 swept away by avalanche

It is feared to be the worst expedition disaster in over a decade.

Bangkok floods wipe out 80% of restaurant sales amid cash-flow crisis

Severe Bangkok floods cut restaurant sales by 80%, causing cash-flow crises amid supply chain issues and rising ingredient costs.

Nepal suspends search after 16 swept away by avalanche

"The conditions are very challenging," said Tul Singh Gurung, president of the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association.

‘I didn’t expect her to die’: Ex-Malaysia PM Mahathir says wife 'quite well' the night before death

Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali died at the National Heart Institute on Sep 28. She was 100.

Youth offending rate rises in Singapore, driven by jump in cheating offences

The number of young people committing cheating and related offences rose by 37 per cent in 2025, with many involved in scams as mules.

Users of generative AI in China surges by over 100 million in six months

Generative AI users in China exceed 700 million, with rapid growth in AI applications across industries and refined policies supporting sustainable development.

National Museum of Singapore’s revamped Singapore History Gallery reopens on Oct 10

To mark the reopening of the Singapore History Gallery and the National Museum’s 139th anniversary, the museum will hold nine days of festivities from Oct 10 to 18, featuring installations, an art market, live performances, workshops and various activities.

Business

HSBC bolsters Hang Seng balance sheet with $1.4 billion loan transfer

Sept 29 : HSBC has acquired loans worth HK$11 billion ($1.4 billion) from fully owned subsidiary Hang Seng Bank, as Hong Kong’s biggest banking group seeks to shore up the unit's balance sheet following investor concerns during the property slump.The deal was "conducted on arm’s length terms" in the first