AseanPlus News

Australian authorities urge thousands to flee New South Wales bushfires

Wildfires in Australia's New South Wales burnt through thousands of hectares of bushland on Saturday, prompting the authorities to urge evacuations at the highest danger rating for thousands of residents in the nation's most populous state.

Nation

Ex-Goldman banker Roger Ng loses bid to overturn 1MDB conviction

NEW YORK: Former Goldman Sachs Group Inc banker Roger Ng has lost a long-shot bid to overturn his federal conviction for helping loot billions of dollars from Malaysian fund 1MDB, one of the largest financial crimes in history.

Motorsport

Motor racing-Hamilton crashes as Russell keeps title favourite Norris off the top in final practice

ABU DHABI, Dec 6 (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton crashed his Ferrari in the final practice session of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, with Mercedes's George Russell denying McLaren's championship leader Lando Norris a sweep of fastest times.

Myanmar

Economics woes and conflicts driving Myanmar opium poppy cultivation and production, says UNODC

Myanmar's opium poppy cultivation has risen to its highest level in a decade from 45,200 hectares to 53,100 hectares - an increase of about 17 per cent compared to last year.

Cambodia

Cambodia sees digital technology as a vehicle to leapfrog modernisation and development, says deputy PM

Cambodian Permanent Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister Vongsey Vissoth said that the kingdom considers digital technology as a vehicle to leapfrog modernization, development, and increasing added value in the economy and society.

Philippines

‘Strategic’: Why are drones taking off among South China Sea claimant states?

Experts weigh the merits and limits of growing pivot in the region to uncrewed aircraft and the potential for 24/7 patrols

AseanPlus News

Famous US playwright and 'Emily in Paris' actor arrested in Japan for alleged drug smuggling: reports

Prominent American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris has been arrested in Japan on suspicion of drug smuggling, according to local media reports.

Philippines

Philippines aims to push for practical defence cooperation for Asean members

The Philippines' Department of National Defence (DND) will push for practical cooperation in the defence sector anchored on Asean solidarity and shared principles.

Indonesia

Starvation fears as flood toll passes 900 in Indonesia

Ruinous floods and landslides have killed more than 900 people on Indonesia's island of Sumatra, the country's disaster management agency said Saturday, with fears that starvation could send the toll even higher.

Nation

First in Southeast Asia: Malaysia launches International Cycling Union satellite centre in Johor

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Malaysia has marked a major milestone in the cycling arena with the launch of the World Cycling Centre (WCC) Regional Development Satellite (RDS), the first of its kind in Southeast Asia.

AseanPlus News

‘I’m worried’: residents of Hong Kong estates in limbo after renovation suspended

Owners at estates with projects by beleaguered contractor for Wang Fuk Court fear they might need to hire new company and spend even more

Nation

E-invoice exemption threshold up to RM1mil starting 2026, says PM

KOTA KINABALU: The government will raise the e-invoice exemption threshold from RM500,000 to RM1mil beginning 2026 as part of efforts to ease the burden on small and medium enterprises (SME).

AseanPlus News

Oil climbs to a two-week high on Fed rate-cut signals and supply concerns after Russia-Ukraine talks stall

Oil prices edged up nearly 1% to a two-week high on Friday on increasing expectations the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next week.

China

China clothing brand slammed for laundry tag, ‘please give it to your beloved woman’

'Inappropriate' expression on tag not intended to 'insult' women, say firm as some online observers call upon 'sisters' to boycott company

AseanPlus News

Well-known Japanese-born actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa of 'Mortal Kombat' and 'Last Emperor' fame dies at age 75

Actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who rose to fame thanks to films such as Mortal Kombat,Pearl Harbor,and The Last Emperor,has passed away at the age of 75 following a stroke,

Singapore

Singapore issues safety advisory as the northeast monsoon is expected to persist into 2026

Singapore has advised the public, port users and maritime industry stakeholders to remain vigilant during the northeast monsoon as stronger winds, choppier seas and heavy rain is expected to hit the republic.

AseanPlus News

Hong Kong summons international news outlets for rare warning

Hong Kong authorities summoned international news organisations to a rare meeting on Saturday to warn against "false information and smear campaigns" surrounding the city's deadliest fire in nearly eight decades.

Badminton

SEA Games: Chong Wei reminds shuttlers not to overlook Philippines as Thailand loom in semis

PETALING JAYA: World badminton legend Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei has sent his support from afar to the national players as they begin their Thailand SEA Games campaign tomorrow (Dec 7), particularly the men's singles squad, who are struggling to regain their best form.

Nation

KL-Seremban rail travel under an hour possible with new trains and track, says Loke

SEREMBAN: The Transport Ministry wants an express train service between Seremban and Kuala Lumpur that will take less than an hour of travel, says Anthony Loke.

China

China says it is working ‘with all parties’ to prevent escalation in Venezuela

Beijing's outreach comes amid a US naval build-up and a rare phone call between Trump and Maduro