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Former South Korean PM Han jailed for 23 years in martial law case

SEOUL, Jan 21 (Reuters) - ‌A South Korean court jailed former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for 23 years on Wednesday, on charges that included insurrection relating ‌to ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024.

AseanPlus News

KL's much loved Panggung Anniversari back to enhance the fans - 'Semarak Seni' with Search Kiddin and Spider to start the festival

KL City Hall proudly introduces Semarak Seni @ Panggung Anniversari 2026, a year-long initiative aimed at revitalising Panggung Anniversari.

Cambodia

Over 1,400 Indonesians left Cambodian scam groups in five days: Embassy

PHNOM PENH: More than 1,400 Indonesians have left cyberscam networks in Cambodia in the last five days, Jakarta said on Wednesday (Jan 21), after Phnom Penh pledged a fresh crackdown on the illicit trade.

Banking

Maybank aims to mobilise RM300bil in sustainable finance by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) plans to mobilise RM300bil (US$74bil) in sustainable finance over the next five years, Malaysia's largest lender by assets said on Tuesday.

Entertainment

Dolly Parton celebrates her 80th birthday with new music and best wishes

Parton is coming off a rough year that saw her lose her husband of nearly 60 years in March in addition to dealing with health problems of her own.

Nation

Bukit Bintang to host Water Musical Festival for Visit Malaysia 2026

PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, a Tourism Labour Day celebration and a Water Musical Festival in Bukit Bintang will be among the key events lined up by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry.

China

US uranium producer Energy Fuels to expand rare earths supply chain with Australian Strategic Materials deal

MELBOURNE: US uranium producer Energy Fuels has agreed to pay a large premium for Australian Strategic Materials (ASM), as the United States bolsters efforts to secure Western supply chains for rare earth elements.

Vietnam

Vietnam plans to expand unilateral visa waivers to attract high-quality tourists

HANOI: The Ministry of Public Security will work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and propose more open visa policies, with a focus on expanding unilateral visa exemptions for major and high-potential source markets in order to attract high-quality international visitors.

Japan

Japan's LDP set to announce election pledges, consider pause on consumption tax for food

TOKYO: A draft of the Liberal Democratic Party's official pledges for the House of Representatives election indicates that it will accelerate discussions on exempting food items from consumption tax for two years.

Nation

Negri Sembilan prepared to limit Mentri Besar tenure to two terms

SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan unity government is prepared to table a motion in the next state assembly sitting to limit the tenure of the Mentri Besar to two terms, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

Other Sports

Sailing-British America's Cup team re-launches as GB1 with Fletcher as helm

LONDON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Ben Ainslie's British team ‌said on Wednesday they would compete for the America's Cup as GB1 and named Dylan Fletcher as helm ‌for their latest campaign to lift the coveted trophy.

Nation

Indonesian religious teacher sentenced to six years imprisonment, whipping for physical sexual assault on student

KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian religious teacher was sentenced to six years in prison and five strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here Wednesday (Jan 21) after pleading guilty to committing physical sexual assault on a male student last year.

China

China wedding goes viral as twin brothers marry twin sisters and both sides have twin uncles

BEIJING: A highly unlikely set of nuptials has taken place in China with a pair of twin brothers marrying twin sisters.

Aviation

Airbus reaffirms long-term commitment to Malaysia’s aerospace sector

KUALA LUMPUR: Airbus has reaffirmed Malaysia's importance as a key market for its commercial aircraft, defence and space businesses, underscoring its long-term commitment to supporting the country's aerospace sector through sustained industrial collaboration.

Nation

Arresting Rex Tan goes against freedom of speech, says Suhakam

KUALA LUMPUR: The detention of former FMT reporter Rex Tan is too harsh and an overkill, says Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Badminton

Aaron-Wooi Yik's first-round exit not due to fatigue, insists Rexy

PETALING JAYA: National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky has dismissed claims that national men's doubles pair Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik's shock first-round exit at the Indonesian Masters on Tuesday (Jan 20) was due to exhaustion.

Technology

Netflix shares drop 7% in Europe after Q4 results

(Refiles to ‌correct media identifier, with ‌no changes to story)

South Korea

South Korea raids suspects over drone flights into North

SEOUL: South Korean investigators raided the offices and homes of three civilians on Wednesday (Jan 21) over their alleged role in sending drones into the North, police said.

Thailand

India and Thailand reaffirm partnership for peace and prosperity

BANGKOK: As the world faces numerous complex challenges, India and Thailand have underscored the importance of further strengthening their robust and multifaceted strategic partnership, aiming for peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of both nations, the region, and beyond.

Badminton

India’s Saina hangs up racquet after two-year hiatus

PETALING JAYA: After two years away from the sport, Indian women's singles shuttler Saina Nehwal has officially announced her retirement from badminton.