Fireworks exploding over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year in Sydney, Australia, Jan 1, 2026.- Reuters
Malaysia
* MH370 hunt restarts: Drones dive into aviation's deepest enigma
* Malaysian victim uncovers dark world of online scams in Myawaddy
* GOF says it has nabbed over 1,600 people, seized goods worth RM1.1bil in 2025
* Customs initiative to streamline KLIA 1 passenger flow maintains high security
* S Korean envoy reflects on moments of joy, love for rojak and connection during final year in Malaysia
* Sabah polls: Pandikar files election petition for Pintasan, alleges bribery took place
* Legal fraternity backs judicial pay rise for stronger bench
* Religious school teacher pleads guilty to sexually assaulting two male pupils
* Victim of Sg Bakap restaurant attack now in critical condition, say cops
* Gig Workers Act officially gazetted, ministry says marks new chapter in labour reform
* Johor Immigration nabs seven foreign women for engaging in vice
* End of an era as KTMB’s last Southern Express departs JB Sentral
* Thaipusam, FT Day gazetted as public holiday on Feb 1, 2026
* Three Chinese nationals face charges for trafficking 26kg of meth
* Ringgit opens higher as US$ slips after FOMC minutes
* FAM still have one more avenue for recourse if appeal at CAS fails
Singapore
* More MRT and LRT backup systems, prioritising renewal among Singapore rail task force’s recommendations
* Durian sales surge in Singapore after Musang King prices plunge in Malaysia
* Singapore badminton star Yeo Jia Min and ex-national swimmer Pang Sheng Jun announce their engagement
* After mystery health scare, Gurmit Singh wants to live to 100
* Changi Airport’s new underground link to take passengers from future T5 to T2 in four minutes
* Musician Lee Si Song returns to Singapore after recovery from cerebral haemorrhage in Beijing
* Singapore economy grew 4.8% in 2025, strategy must be refreshed to stay competitive: PM Wong
Thailand
* Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July
* Thai navy arrests six Chinese nationals trying to cross into Cambodia
* Conditions not yet met for border meeting with Cambodia: Thai FM spokesperson
* Thai Astronomical Research body invites public to watch Jupiter at opposition on Jan 10
* Thailand extends strategic economic cooperation with Australia for three more years
Children performing a traditional Balinese dance to release the sun of 2025, and to welcome the sun of 2026, during a New Year's Eve celebration in Denpasar, on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Dec 31, 2025. - AFP
Indonesia
* Indonesia's poor maritime safety in spotlight following Valencia CF coach boat accident
* Medan police charge 12-year-old girl with domestic violence over mother's homicide
* Indonesia foils terror plots, arrests 51 suspects in 2025
* Indonesia's new criminal code requires public oversight: Minister
Philippines
* How Filipinos welcome 2026: New Year traditions you should know
* Malacañang says Philippine president not bothered by drop in approval ratings
* China rocket debris may fall in the Philippines' north Luzon waters
* Survey finds 44% of Filipinos expect better quality of life in 2026
A couple taking a selfie next to a New Year's banner in Hanoi on Dec 31, 2025. - AFP
Vietnam
* Vietnam police bust large-scale functional food smuggling ring
* Airport in Vietnam's southern hub to handle 131,000 passengers daily during New Year holiday
* Pakistan allows re-export of nearly 500 tea containers of Vietnam stranded at Karachi Port
* Cambodia border gate suffers from congestion during peak farm trade season
A Cambodian soldier (right), who had been captured by Thai soldiers in July, hugging his daughter as he arrives with other released soldiers at the former international airport in Phnom Penh on Dec 31, 2025. Thailand on December 31 released 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in July, both governments said, after a fresh ceasefire between the neighbours held for more than three days following weeks of deadly border clashes. - AFP
Cambodia
* Eighteen detained Cambodian soldiers return home after 155 days
* Cambodia to roll out 5G mobile services from Jan 1, 2026
* Embassies hail release of Cambodian soldiers held by Thailand as 'positive step' to peace
* Cambodia denies Thai drone incursions
Myanmar
* Myanmar junta says voter turnout at 52% in first phase of election
* Shan State Chief Minister defeated in Myanmar parliamentary election
* Myanmar's opium cultivation reaches record high
Laos
* First Lao in vitro fertilisation clinic opens at Vientiane hospital
* Lao coffee's aroma goes global
Brunei
* Brunei business sentiment steady in 2025: central bank
* Brunei sees steadier growth in 2025: central bank
Aseanplus
* World begins to welcome 2026 after a year of Trump, truces and turmoil
* Sydney brings in New Year with nod to victims of Bondi attack
* South Korea to extend visa fee waiver for group tourists from six countries
* Bangladesh mourns ex-PM Khaleda Zia with state funeral
* China's AS700 airship receives production certificate, readies for flight services
* Over 100 injured as monorail trains crash at Indian hydropower site
* South Korea’s Cabinet green-lights fake news Bill, insurrection tribunal
* China curtails travel to Japan, ordering visa applications cut
* South Korea set for icy cold start to 2026, with low of minus 15 deg C expected on Jan 1
* Xi says China to hit 2025 growth target of 'around 5 per cent'
* Japanese women MPs want more seats of the toilet kind; 58 including Japan PM submit petition
* China says to impose extra 55% tariffs on some beef imports
* Thousands of police deployed to ensure safe New Year celebrations in Victoria, Australia
* China woman undertaker criticised for disrespecting the dead by wearing make-up at work
* Timor-Leste and Zchwantech enter landmark AI partnership
* South Korean President approves resignation of anti-corruption agency chief
* As gold hits records, Indians opt for bars and coins over jewellery
* China's factory activity edges back to growth in December, private PMI shows
* TSMC says started mass production of 'most advanced' 2nm chips
* Bangladesh's Islamist party open to unity government after February vote
* Jackie Chan admits strict parenting style caused rift with son Jaycee
