Entertainment

HK superstar Donnie Yen shares rare photos with son for latter's 18th birthday

The action star took fans on a journey through James's growth, sharing adorable images from his toddler years to the young man he has become today.

Japan

Kindergarten in Kyoto investigated after 133 children eat cakes with plastic decorations

TOKYO: (Bernama-Xinhua) A kindergarten in Kyoto Prefecture is under investigation after 133 children were mistakenly given cakes with plastic chocolate decorations to eat during a school activity, Xinhua reported.

Nation

Suspect in Serdang fast-food restaurant assault called up for questioning

PETALING JAYA: A 40-year-old woman has been called in to give her statement regarding an assault that occurred at a fast-food restaurant in Serdang Raya.

Technology

Zara turns to AI to generate fashion imagery using real-life models

LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Zara has become the latest fast-fashion retailer to use AI to help create new images of real models in different outfits, speeding up the production process as part of an industry shift that could have a major impact on fashion photography.

Football

Soccer-Man City look to extend winning streak against West Ham

MANCHESTER, England, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Manchester City have the chance to climb above Arsenal and seize the Premier League lead this Saturday with a home clash against struggling West Ham United, before Mikel Arteta's injury-hit side head to Everton later in the day.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka plans US$1.6bil in cyclone recovery spending in 2026

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's government announced plans on Thursday (Dec 18) for US$1.6 billion in extra spending in 2026 to fund the country's recovery from Cyclone Ditwah, which killed more than 640 people.

Football

JDT coach stays humble despite win

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) closed in on yet another Super League title with a 4-0 win over Kuala Lumpur, but coach Xisco Munoz insists the title race is far from over.

Badminton

Wei Chong-Kai Wun keep hope alive for semis spot in Hangzhou

PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles pair Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun kept their semi-final hopes alive at the World Tour Finals after defeating Chiu Hsiang-chieh-Wang Chi-lin on Thursday (Dec 18).

AseanPlus News

Nepal's ousted PM Oli re-elected as party leader

KATHMANDU: Members of ousted Nepali prime minister KP Sharma Oli's political party voted for him to retain leadership of the organisation on Thursday (Dec 18), meaning he will oversee its preparations for national elections next year.

Corporate News

United Malacca 2Q net profit surges to RM55.37mil on higher CPO, FFB output

KUALA LUMPUR: United Malacca Bhd (UMCCA) posted a net profit of RM55.37 million in the second quarter (2Q) ended Oct 31, 2025, from RM30.92 million in the same period last year.

World

Russia says commission on Ukraine war damages has no legal force for Moscow

MOSCOW, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Russia's foreign ministry said on Thursday that an International Claims Commission for Ukraine launched by some European powers had no legal force for Russia and was driven by an attempt by European countries to spread propaganda against Russia.

Corporate News

Gadang unit signs large scale solar photovoltaic PPA with Sabah Electricity

KUALA LUMPUR: Gadang Holdings Bhd announced that its 60 per cent-owned subsidiary Tenaga Aspirasi Sdn Bhd (SPP) today signed a large scale solar photovoltaic power purchase agreement (PPA) with Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd.

Bangladesh

Protests in Bangladesh as India cites security concerns

DHAKA: Bangladesh police on Thursday (Dec 18) stopped protesters from marching towards an Indian diplomatic mission, a day after India's foreign ministry conveyed its concerns over the "deteriorating" security environment in the country.

Corporate News

Tex Cycle gets Seda nod for 2MW renewable energy plant in Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia has approved the feed-in tariff commencement date (FiTCD) for Tex Cycle (P2) Sdn Bhd's (TCP2) two-megawatt (MW) gasification gas engine power plant in Port Klang, Selangor.

Nation

Police release names of 10 companies linked to fraud

KUALA LUMPUR: The police have identified 10 companies involved in fraudulent activities, with 127 police reports lodged within a month as of last Monday.

Living

Malaysian chef’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore celebrates Nusantara cuisine

A Malaysian chef's Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore celebrates the diversity of Nusantara flavours and ingredients.

Arts

Cultural and creative industries accounted for 6.8% of Malaysia’s 2024 GDP

Employment in the cultural and creative industry also rose 2.8 per cent to 763,100 persons in 2024: stats department

Football

Soccer-Leverkusen hunt second place before winter break in turnaround under Hjulmand

BERLIN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - When Kasper Hjulmand took over as Bayer Leverkusen coach after two Bundesliga matches this season, few would have predicted his team could have a shot at second place by the end of the year with a win over hosts RB Leipzig on Saturday.

South Korea

South Korean president’s remarks open up debate about coverage – in more ways than one

SEOUL: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's suggestion that the country expand public health insurance coverage for hair loss treatment has sparked a backlash, with critics questioning whether the insurance service's strained funds should be used for conditions that are not life-threatening.

Nation

Dewan Negara passes 13 bills, adjourns sine die

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Negara, which convened from Dec 1, was adjourned sine die on Thursday (Dec 18) after approving 13 bills.