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Myanmar

Myanmar designates century-old air compressor station as heritage site

YANGON: Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture announced on Wednesday (Aug 19) it has designated a 138-year-old air compressor station in Yangon as an ancient heritage site.

Malaysia

New Mount Everest route to be shared at gathering in KL on Aug 23

Malaysia will hear about a safer new route to Mount Everest and future Everest Marathon collaboration.

Nepal

As AI-generated covers spread, Nepali musicians fight to reclaim their voices

KATHMANDU: On June 29, singer Sugam Pokharel posted a status on Facebook with a stern warning. He issued an immediate demand for the removal of unauthorised AI-generated content utilising his or other artists' works.

Commodities

Gold retreats after scaling over 2-month peak on US Treasury move

GOLD fell on Thursday as investors booked profits after prices climbed to a more than two-month peak on a surprise U.S. Treasury liquidity-support announcement for long-duration bonds, which weakened the dollar and lowered Treasury yields.

Vietnam

Vietnam urges completion of EV charging systems at roadside rest stops before 2027

HANOI: The Department for Roads of Vietnam under the Ministry of Construction has asked investors and operators of roadside rest areas to install and put into operation electric vehicle (EV) charging systems before Jan. 1, 2027, local media VnEconomy reported Wednesday (Aug 19).

Markets

Asian equities climb, currencies firm as Treasury backstop steadies markets

MOST emerging Asian stocks and currencies rose on Thursday afternoon as lower U.S. Treasury yields and a weaker dollar lifted risk appetite after Washington eased bond market concerns.

AseanPlus News

Australian prosecutors demand life in prison for mushroom killer

MELBOURNE: Australian prosecutors asked judges Thursday (Aug 20) to stiffen mushroom murderer Erin Patterson's prison sentence -- saying she should never be set free.

Technology

Australia passes law to levy tech giants that fail to pay for local news

SYDNEY, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Australia ⁠passed legislation on Thursday that will force tech giants to pay ⁠millions of dollars in levies if they fail to strike ‌commercial deals with local media outlets for news on their platforms.

AseanPlus News

microLEAP partners with Provident Banc to advance alternative financing and support the long-term financial resilience of Malaysian SMEs

The agreement is to explore initiatives aimed at strengthening responsible financing practices, broadening access to alternative financing and supporting the long-term financial resilience of Malaysian SMEs.

Philippines

China, Philippines jointly arrest key member of cross-border gambling syndicate

MANILA: Chinese and Philippine law enforcement authorities have jointly arrested and repatriated a key member of a cross-border gambling syndicate involving over 2.92 billion yuan (about US$433 million), the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said on Wednesday (Aug 19).

Singapore

Singapore arrival card to get refreshed interface with 19 language options, passport scan autofill

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) will be refreshed with a new look, with 19 languages available and passport scan autofill made available to travellers for faster submission.

Nation

Trade body backs hybrid SST-GST, demands ease of compliance

KUALA LUMPUR: The government's proposed hybrid taxation system that combines the current Sales and Service Tax (SST) with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is welcomed but must balance business growth and ease of compliance, says a trade body.

Sabah & Sarawak

Four remanded in Sabah over RM900,000 land sale bribery plot

KOTA KINABALU: A former customary officer, a civil servant, and two land brokers have been remanded over their alleged involvement in an RM900,000 bribery scheme involving unauthorised land sales.

South Korea

South Korea to send its first container ship through Arctic

SEOUL: South Korea plans its first trial voyage through the Arctic this week as Middle East conflict disrupts global shipping, Seoul's oceans ministry said Thursday (Aug 20), while environmental groups warn the route could accelerate melting of polar ice.

Football

Soccer-Qatar still not satisfied with Asia chief over Infantino letter

Aug 20 (Reuters) - The Qatar Football Association ⁠has reiterated its concerns over the lack of consultation with members before the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) signed an open ⁠letter with UEFA and CONCACAF criticising FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Nation

Developer withdraws Kota D'sara data centre plan after public concerns raised, says Ramanan

PETALING JAYA: The proposed data centre project in Kota Damansara is off the table for now, after the developer withdrew its planning permission application to the Petaling Jaya City Council.

Energy

Oil gains on Middle East supply concerns amid impasse in US-Iran war

TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices climbed on Thursday on concerns the impasse in the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran will continue to disrupt supply from the key Middle Eastern producing region and tighten global supplies.

Nation

Umno committed to ensuring stability of federal govt till end of term, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is committed to the stability of the Federal Government and will continue to honour the unity government agreement signed after the 15th General Election (GE15), says party information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

AseanPlus News

Provident advances responsible financing and financial well-being through industry collaboration

Provident Banc reinforced its commitment to responsible financing and financial well-being through an industry panel discussion and the establishment of three strategic partnerships.

Arts

Kerala's snake boat racers battle floods, financial woes to keep tradition afloat

Massive vessels - about 30m-long with 100-odd rowers - are source of village pride and symbol of unity in Kerala, India