Nation

Modi says Malaysia is India's 'trusted partner'

SERI KEMBANGAN: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Malaysia as a close and trusted partner, and underscored the Indian diaspora's pivotal role as a living bridge anchoring the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

AseanPlus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (Feb 7, 2026)

Here's a look at the news highlights from Asean countries in the Star-AseanPlus section for Saturday (Feb 7, 2026)

Myanmar

Chinese embassy in Myanmar hosts Chinese New Year celebrations

YANGON: The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar hosted Chinese New Year celebrations at the National Theater in Yangon on Thursday and Friday (Feb 5-6)

Philippines

Philippines mining sector welcomes ‘critical minerals’ accord with US

MANILA: The country's mining sector on Friday (Feb 6) welcomed an agreement between Manila and Washington on mineral development, saying it provides a fresh opportunity to attract investments and promote technology transfer.

Singapore

RMAF participation at Singapore airshow earns recognition from PM Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (Feb 7) expressed appreciation for the participation of regional air forces, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), at the Singapore Airshow 2026.

Indonesia

Indonesia arrests dozens of Indian nationals in Bali gambling crackdown

JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities have arrested dozens of Indian nationals in a crackdown on online gambling operations on the popular tourist island of Bali, police said Saturday (Feb 7)

Nation

Malaysia, Saudi Arabia to sign defence cooperation agreement

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a defence cooperation agreement during Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin's working visit to the kingdom beginning on Saturday (Feb 7).

Vietnam

Smoke-dried mummies in Vietnam – discovery of world scale

HANOI: The discovery of mummies preserved through the smoke-drying method in Vietnam and some other South-east Asian countries was a finding recognised as one of the world's top 10 archaeological discoveries of 2025.

Nation

Public service to go paper-free on Feb 9, says govt chief sec

BANGI: The public service will begin implementing a paperless approach for simple administrative matters starting Monday (Feb 9), in line with efforts to accelerate digitalisation in government administration, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

Japan

Takaichi talks tough on immigration on eve of vote

TOKYO: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged Saturday (Feb 7) to make Japan "more prosperous and safer", including through tougher immigration screening, in a final appeal to voters on the eve of snap elections.

Thailand

Thailand is wracked by floods and quakes. But what’s holding it back is far harder to tackle

Rural voters express frustration, seeking effective policy implementation and technological advancements, while southern Thailand becomes a key election battleground.

Nation

Zamri Vinoth arrested, say cops

PETALING JAYA: Police confirm that controversial preacher Zamri Vinoth has been arrested.

Indonesia

Riau Police probe decapitation of critically endangered Sumatran elephant

JAKARTA: Riau Police have launched an investigation into the death of a Sumatran elephant found decapitated inside a pulp company's forest concession in Riau.

South Korea

Soaring gold prices reshape South Korea’s rituals

SEOUL: Gold has long been woven into the fabric of South Korean life. The precious metal has traditionally marked key rites of passage, from births and marriages to other major milestones.

Nation

Rollout of workers' cross-border protection scheme by end 2026, says Ramanan

PETALING JAYA: The cross-border worker protection scheme is expected to be ready by end-2026, with a feasibility study completed by March, says Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

Indonesia

5.9 magnitude earthquake strikes of Indonesia's Tanimbar islands

ISTANBUL: A strong 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's Tanimbar Islands in Maluku province early Saturday (Feb 7), according to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

Philippines

House to review use of billions in Philippines' travel tax funds

MANILA: The House of Representatives is set to review how travel tax collections averaging about P4 billion to P5 billion annually have been spent, amid questions on whether the funds reached areas most in need of tourism development.

Asia & Oceania

Win a free cruise when you spend using TNG eWallet in Singapore

From now until March 31, stand a chance to win a Royal Caribbean cruise for two.

Nation

India's Unified Payments Interface system to enter Malaysian market, says Modi

SERI KEMBANGAN: India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system is all set to enter the Malaysian market as the two countries strengthen their longstanding economic ties, says Narendra Modi.

Singapore

Huge crowds turn out for Singapore Airshow on first public day

SINGAPORE: Since 2012, aviation enthusiast Rafi Damar has been a visitor to the Singapore Airshow, flying in from Jakarta with his father, who is similarly fascinated by planes.