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China announced plans to establish a 3,500-hectare nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory claimed by the Philippines. The move has prompted diplomatic protests from Manila, increased regional tensions, and criticism from the US and allies. Clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified amid ongoing sovereignty disputes.
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Tensions escalated along the Cambodia-Thailand border on September 17-18, with injuries reported on both sides during clashes over disputed territory. The violence follows a ceasefire after July's intense fighting, with both nations accusing each other of provocations and border encroachments amid ongoing sovereignty disputes.
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Datchinamurthy Kataiah, 39, was executed in Singapore after a brief delay, despite last-minute legal challenges and international protests. He was convicted of trafficking 45 grams of heroin, a crime punishable by death under Singapore law. The execution has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for abolition.
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Recent US tariffs and trade negotiations are reshaping global supply chains. Europe and Southeast Asia face new barriers, while US allies like South Korea and Australia grapple with demands for large investment packages and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The impact on regional economies is significant today, October 6, 2025.
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The White House began demolishing part of a 1942 structure to build President Trump's $250 million ballroom. The project involves tearing down a section built during World War II, with the work starting on Monday, as reported by AP News and The Independent.
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Recent climate phenomena include a rare Sudden Stratospheric Warming over Antarctica affecting Australian weather, and powerful typhoons like Ragasa, intensified by climate change, impacting Southeast Asia. These events highlight the growing influence of global warming on regional weather patterns and natural disasters.
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ASEAN and Canada are close to finalizing a free trade agreement by the end of 2026, with discussions also underway to restart stalled US steel and aluminum tariffs talks. Malaysia promotes durian exports to China, highlighting regional economic ties amid broader trade negotiations.
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Hong Kong's restaurant industry is shifting with new social dining apps boosting small venues and a debate over pre-made foods. Meanwhile, iconic establishments close, and fine dining continues to thrive amid economic pressures. These stories highlight ongoing changes in the city’s culinary landscape as it balances tradition and innovation.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the safe arrival of 23 Malaysians detained by Israel after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. The Malaysian government plans to raise Palestinian concerns at the upcoming ASEAN summit, where US President Trump will also attend, amid regional protests and diplomatic balancing.
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Murray Hunter, an independent scholar living in Thailand, was detained by Thai authorities after writing about Malaysia in 2024. Hunter questions the jurisdiction, citing cross-border repression concerns. He was released on bail but faces a court hearing in November. The case raises issues of transnational repression and free speech.
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Fifa has suspended seven Malaysian footballers for 12 months and fined the Football Association of Malaysia $438,000 over allegations of falsified documents used to claim Malaysian heritage. Malaysia disputes the findings, citing administrative errors and preparing an appeal. The case raises concerns about citizenship integrity and regional rivalry in Southeast Asian football.
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Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand has called for a permanent border wall with Cambodia amid rising tensions. She also proposed building bunkers for civilians, signaling a rare political stance from the royal family. The move follows recent armed clashes and regional instability, with the U.S. pushing for agreements at upcoming ASEAN summits.
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President Trump will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan during the Apec summit, amid tense US-China relations over trade, fentanyl, and regional stability. The meeting aims to address key issues including trade disputes and border conflicts, with low expectations for significant breakthroughs.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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Recent weeks have seen multiple cases of sexual violence and bullying in Malaysian schools, prompting government investigations and public outrage. Authorities acknowledge cover-ups and inadequate safety measures, with calls for comprehensive reforms to protect students and ensure accountability.
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As of late October 2025, US-India trade talks remain stalled amid tensions over India's discounted Russian crude imports. President Trump claims Prime Minister Modi assured him India will soon halt these purchases, but India has not formally confirmed this. The US maintains 50% tariffs on Indian goods, complicating efforts to finalize a trade deal before India's November state elections.
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Satellite images and ship-tracking data reveal sanctioned Russian LNG vessels, including the Perle and Iris, engaging in ship-to-ship transfers near Malaysia. These operations involve vessels linked to US sanctions, highlighting ongoing efforts by Russia to export LNG despite Western restrictions. The Perle's journey from Baltic Russia to Asia underscores the complexity of sanctions evasion.
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Japan's newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi embarks on her first international trip, including meetings with U.S. President Trump and regional leaders. She faces economic challenges, regional security issues, and complex relations with China, amid her conservative stance and upcoming summits in South Korea and Kuala Lumpur.
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Recent articles highlight a growing focus on AI literacy and collaboration. CampusAI launches a platform for accessible AI upskilling, while professionals like Chan and freelancers adapt through vibe coding. Skepticism remains about AI's current capabilities, especially regarding autonomous agents, but the emphasis on human-AI partnership grows. This shift impacts both education and the workforce.
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Brazil's President Lula and US President Trump met in Kuala Lumpur, signaling progress toward resolving US tariffs on Brazilian exports. Lula described the meeting as 'surprisingly good,' with both leaders optimistic about reaching an agreement soon, potentially easing tensions over tariffs imposed earlier this year.
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Trade negotiations between the US and China have produced a framework that halts imminent tariffs and advances discussions on TikTok, rare earths, and agricultural purchases. Both sides aim for a summit in South Korea, with optimism tempered by caution over implementation and deeper strategic issues.
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On October 30, 2025, the Trump administration set the US refugee admissions ceiling at 7,500 for fiscal year 2026, a historic low compared to Biden's 125,000. Priority is given to white Afrikaners from South Africa, citing humanitarian concerns. The move has drawn criticism from South Africa's government and refugee advocates, who reject claims of 'white genocide' and warn of humanitarian consequences.
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US President Donald Trump is in Southeast Asia for a series of summits, including ASEAN and APEC, aiming to boost economic ties, oversee a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip highlights US-China rivalry and regional security concerns.
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Malaysia's High Court ordered police to reopen investigations into enforced disappearances of activists and religious figures, recognizing state involvement for the first time. Families received damages, but authorities plan to appeal. The case highlights ongoing concerns over religious vigilantism and justice in Malaysia.
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On October 26, 2025, East Timor officially became ASEAN's 11th member after a 14-year application process. The small nation of 1.4 million people gains access to regional trade, investment, and integration opportunities amid US-China rivalry. Leaders hailed this as a milestone for regional unity and economic diversification for East Timor’s fragile economy reliant on oil and gas.
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US and Chinese officials have made significant progress in trade talks in Malaysia, raising expectations for a deal between Trump and Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea. The discussions focus on avoiding tariffs and addressing China’s export controls, with both sides aiming to de-escalate tensions.
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Recent articles highlight the US's growing vulnerability due to its dependence on China for rare earth minerals. China’s export controls and dominance in processing threaten US supply chains, impacting clean energy and defense sectors. The US is attempting to diversify but faces significant hurdles.
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Recent diplomatic efforts have led to a temporary easing of trade tensions between the US and China, with preliminary agreements and high-level meetings in Asia. Leaders from South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia also made progress, boosting regional markets and optimism for future cooperation amid slowing regional growth forecasts.
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Malaysia considers aligning its dividend policy with European peers to improve financial discipline and strengthen its balance sheet. Meanwhile, Pakistan reports economic stabilization and deepening ties with the UAE, reflecting regional confidence and growing trade and investment cooperation.
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U.S. officials, including Hegseth, visited Japan to discuss increasing Japan's defense spending and military capabilities amid regional threats. Japan plans to raise its defense budget to 2% of GDP earlier than scheduled, with the U.S. supporting this shift. The talks also covered military cooperation and regional security concerns.
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The US and China agreed on a one-year truce in South Korea, stabilizing relations but not resolving core issues. Both sides aim to reduce dependence in strategic areas, with China gaining leverage over US export controls and tariffs. The deal signals cautious de-escalation amid ongoing tensions.
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U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth visited Hanoi, emphasizing the importance of war legacy cooperation and marking 30 years of diplomatic relations. The visit signals Vietnam's strategic balancing, amid reports of military purchases and North Korea visits, with Vietnam seeking to expand defense ties on its terms.
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A boat carrying approximately 300 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar sank near Langkawi, Malaysia, with at least seven dead, 10 survivors, and hundreds missing. The vessel likely capsized in Thai waters after departing from Rakhine state, amid ongoing migrant trafficking and perilous sea journeys. Search-and-rescue efforts continue today.
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A boat carrying Rohingya refugees sank near Thailand’s Ko Tarutao island, resulting in at least 20 deaths and 14 survivors. The vessel, believed to have been part of a larger group split from a larger boat, was en route from Myanmar. Rescue efforts continue as authorities warn of ongoing risks for migrants at sea.
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As of late November 2025, severe flooding and landslides triggered by relentless rains have killed 91 people and left 11 missing across Vietnam's central provinces, especially Dak Lak. Over 235,000 homes flooded, crops submerged, and infrastructure damaged, with economic losses estimated at $500 million. Neighboring Thailand and Malaysia also face heavy rains and flooding, affecting millions.
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A year after Reeves' tax hikes, the UK economy shows signs of slowdown, with weak Q3 growth, rising borrowing, and consumer uncertainty. Despite initial strong start, recent data indicates limited growth prospects for 2026 amid inflation and political pressures.
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The G20 summit in South Africa concluded with tensions over the presidency handover, as the U.S. boycotted the event citing alleged anti-white policies. Despite this, the summit highlighted issues like global inequality, debt relief, climate resilience, and regional trade, emphasizing South Africa's focus on inclusive development for the Global South.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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As of November 29, 2025, severe flooding in southern Thailand has affected over 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people across 12 provinces. The death toll has risen to 162, with Songkhla province, especially Hat Yai city, hardest hit. Floodwaters are receding, enabling rescue and relief efforts, while the government faces criticism over flood management and plans compensation and aid.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Severe flooding caused by cyclone-fueled rains has killed over 250 people across Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, displacing thousands. Authorities face challenges reaching affected areas amid landslides, power outages, and overwhelmed morgues. Rain is expected to continue, prolonging the crisis as rescue efforts continue.
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In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah and related monsoon storms caused catastrophic flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Over 2,500 deaths have been reported, with millions displaced and widespread infrastructure damage. Scientists link the severity to climate change, with warmer Indian Ocean waters intensifying storms and rainfall.
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Severe flooding and landslides in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have resulted in over 400 deaths, with thousands displaced. Indonesia reports over 300 fatalities, Thailand 162, and Malaysia two. Heavy rains, exacerbated by climate change, continue to impact the region amid ongoing rescue efforts.
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Severe flooding in Indonesia, caused by cyclone and heavy rains, has resulted in at least 442 deaths and displaced nearly 291,000 people. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid infrastructure damage, blocked roads, and limited communication. Aid is being delivered via helicopters, navy ships, and satellite internet, with looting reported in affected areas.
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Heavy rains from a rare tropical storm in the Malacca Strait have caused devastating floods and landslides across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, killing over 600 people and displacing millions. Rescue efforts continue as authorities struggle to access affected areas amid ongoing severe weather.
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Flooding and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia have caused over 1,160 deaths, displacing hundreds of thousands. Heavy monsoon rains, intensified by climate change and tropical cyclones, have led to widespread destruction, with aid efforts hampered by blocked roads and broken infrastructure.
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Recent floods and climate-related disasters have caused significant loss of life and infrastructure across Asia. Countries like Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are struggling with rising water-related hazards, underfunded resilience efforts, and economic strain, highlighting urgent regional vulnerabilities amid climate change.
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On December 30, 2025, Ocean Infinity will resume a 55-day intermittent seabed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in a targeted Indian Ocean area. The Boeing 777 vanished in 2014 with 239 aboard. Previous multinational searches, including a 2018 Ocean Infinity effort, failed to locate the wreckage. The search operates on a no-find, no-fee basis.
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Severe floods and landslides across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia have caused hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction. Experts warn that climate change, deforestation, and inadequate infrastructure are intensifying regional vulnerabilities, with urgent international and local action needed to prevent future disasters.