Vietnam

Vietnamese beauty pageant runner-up arrested; accused of operating escort network in Hanoi

A 22-year-old beauty pageant runner-up in Vietnam has been detained by police after allegedly acting as an intermediary in an escort network, authorities said.

Other Sports

Olympics-Alpine skiing-‘I’m a bit of a psychopath’, bruised Hemetsberger says on returning to Stelvio slope after crash

BORMIO, Italy, Feb 6 (Reuters) - ‌Bruised and swollen, Austria's Daniel Hemetsberger was back on the Stelvio on Friday, a day ‌after falling on its steep slopes ahead of the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

Other Sports

Olympics-Vonn's composed training run fuels coach Svindal's medal belief

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Coach ‌Aksel Lund Svindal said Lindsey Vonn could win a medal after a composed downhill training run on Friday brought her ‌long-awaited Olympic return closer, praising the American's control, symmetry and trademark mental resolve despite uncertainty around her knee.

Thailand

A hot Sunday it is - Thailand votes again after three prime ministers in two years

Thais vote on Sunday (Feb 8) in an election pitting the popular reformists who won last time against the conservative who ended up as prime minister, with ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra looming large from his prison cell.

AseanPlus News

WHO seeks nearly US$1bil to tackle 36 global health emergencies in 2026

WHO has launched its 2026 Global Health Appeal, seeking nearly US$1 billion (RM4.4 billion) to sustain life-saving health services for millions of people affected by conflict, climate shocks, and disease outbreaks across 36 emergencies worldwide.

Singapore

Singapore to raise entry permit fees for foreign-registered vehicles from 2027 (update)

The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fees for foreign-registered cars and motorcycles and the Goods Vehicle Permit (GVP) fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles will be raised from Jan 1, 2027.

Other Sports

Olympics-FIS aims to quash penis-enlargement sideshow, but science makes sense

(adds dropped words in last paragraph)

World

Olympics-Italy's Meloni plays down ICE agent furore as she meets Vance

MILAN, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Italian Prime ‌Minister Giorgia Meloni met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Milan ‌on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, using ‌the encounter to reaffirm the strength of U.S.–Italian ties despite tensions around the presence of U.S. security personnel at the Games.

AseanPlus News

'Several tonnes’ of rubbish cleared from Bali’s beaches after criticism from leader Prabowo

Bali has launched a major beach clean up initiative in response to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's recent criticism of the island's growing waste problem.

Technology

Global chip sales expected to hit $1 trillion this year, industry group says

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 6 (Reuters) - ‌Global semiconductor sales are expected to hit $1 trillion this ‌year, the Semiconductor Industry Association said on Friday.

Thailand

Thai GE: ‘Money being thrown around to buy votes’, but voters now want more than just handouts

Voters are sceptical of populist election measures like cash handouts, preferring sustainable support like career and job opportunities.

Arts

Weekend for the arts: Cultkids' 'Jiran Tetangga', Chetak 17's print annual

A list of arts and culture events to check out in the Klang Valley this weekend and beyond

Entertainment

HK actor Ruco Chan reveals first proposal to wife Phoebe Sin was a failure

Chan first met Sin in 2016 when she competed in the Miss Hong Kong pageant, where the TVB star served as a judge for the finals.

Hockey

Olympics-Ice hockey-Finland confident of having full roster available for US match

MILAN, Feb 6 (Reuters) - ‌Finland women's ice hockey team are confident of having ‌a full, or almost full roster available for Saturday's ‌match with the United States, a Finnish spokesperson told Reuters, after their opening game at the Olympics was postponed due to stomach flu in the ‍camp.

Cricket

Cricket-Suryavanshi's record 175 against England guides India to Under-19 World Cup glory

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Indian 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi unleashed ‌a ferocious batting masterclass in the Under-19 World Cup final against England on Friday, smashing a record-breaking 175 ‌off just 80 balls as India claimed their sixth title with a 100-run victory.

Cricket

Cricket–India's Rana ruled out of T20 World Cup with knee injury, replaced by Siraj

MUMBAI, Feb 6 (Reuters) - India ‌seam bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the ‌Twenty20 World Cup with a knee injury, India's cricket ‌board (BCCI) announced on Friday, with Mohammed Siraj named as a replacement.

Nation

Petition to sack Hamzah from Bersatu subject to disciplinary board, says sec-gen

PETALING JAYA: Any issue relating to the dismissal of Bersatu members, including its Deputy President Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, is subject to the process stipulated in the party constitution, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali tells Sinar Harian.

Badminton

Malaysia's back-up fall 0-3 to Japan as Asia team semis dream ends

PETALING JAYA: The national men shuttlers hopes of reaching the Asia Team Championships semi-finals were dashed after suffering a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Japan.

Philippines

Philippines-US pact to push for local processing of critical minerals

The Philippines, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States (US) to support local processing of the country's critical minerals and rare earth sector.

Nation

Special committee to conduct comprehensive, holistic study on e-waste related issues, says AKPS

PETALING JAYA: The Special Committee for E-Waste Coordination will conduct a comprehensive and holistic study on issues related to e-waste, particularly those involving entry, management, and enforcement at the national level, says the Malaysian Border Control and Protection (AKPS).