AseanPlus News

Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (May 21, 2026)

Here's a look at the news highlights from Asean countries in the Star-AseanPlus section for Thursday (May 21, 2026)

Vietnam

Vietnam mandates health declarations for travellers from July 1

HANOI: (Bernama-Xinhua) Travellers entering, leaving or transiting through Vietnam will be required to submit health declarations beginning July 1, 2026.

Japan

Boat captains suspected of letting students steer vessels before fatal capsizing in Okinawa

NAHA, (Japan): The captains of two small boats that capsized off Henoko in Nago, Okinawa prefecture, in March are suspected of having allowed students to steer the vessels before the incident, according to sources close to the investigation.

AseanPlus News

Korean coach Kim Pan-Gon is sure his Selangor FC side will fight on after bitter loss to Buriram United

A dejected Selangor FC head coach Kim Pan-gon has vowed to take the fight to Buriram United FC next week after suffering a 1-0 home defeat at the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup final.

Thailand

Thai fruit exports surge 56% in first quarter as Commerce Ministry drives aggressive global campaigns

BANGKOK: Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has revealed a spectacular 56.24 per cent year-on-year surge in fresh fruit exports for the first quarter of 2026, driven by a highly aggressive trade strategy spanning traditional core markets and international live-commerce channels.

Corporate News

Indonesia, Malaysia have approved asset transfers to new Eni-PETRONAS JV, PETRONAS exec says

TANGERANG: The Indonesian and Malaysian governments have approved the changes of ownership for oil and gas blocks that will be transferred to a new joint venture between Petronas and Eni, a Petronas executive said on Thursday.

Entertainment

HK actor Sean Lau secretly photographed on train, amusing response wins over netizens

Beyond his screen accolades, the 62-year-old actor has long been praised for his humility and humour.

India

India wants return of stranded ships before sending more to Gulf

NEW DELHI: India wants to secure the return of its ships stranded in the Gulf before sending any vessels back to load fuel, a senior government official said on Thursday (May 21)

Cambodia

Cambodian avatars pray to spirits for rain, peace with Thailand

PHNOM PENH: Wearing leaf skirts and with brightly painted faces depicting mythical spirits, Cambodian revellers danced through village streets on Thursday (May 21), praying to an ancient guardian for rain, good fortune and peace with neighbouring Thailand.

AseanPlus News

Indonesian-Malaysian cross-cultural festival Latihan Pestapora Malaysia returns to Bukit Jalil with another exciting line-up

Festival this year offers fan-favourite acts & and exclusive collaborations; organisers say ticket sales have been brisk in announcing the first phase of lineup.

World

Philippines vows to arrest fugitive senator wanted by ICC 'without delay'

MANILA, May ⁠21 (Reuters) - The Philippines' National Bureau of Investigation said on Thursday it would apprehend a top politician wanted by the ⁠International Criminal Court "without delay", a day after a court rejected his petition seeking to block his arrest.

Brunei

Four foreigners detained in Brunei immigration raids

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Department of Immigration and National Registration (JIPK) carried out two enforcement operations under Operasi Kakas 2026, targeting several locations across the country in an ongoing effort to curb immigration offences.

Singapore

Number of Covid-19 cases rises to 12,700 in Singapore, CDA monitoring increase in infections

SINGAPORE: The number of Covid-19 cases rose to 12,700 in the week of May 10 to 16, compared with 8,000 in the previous week, said the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA)

China

Chinese man who lost a leg and an arm inspires many by competing in bodybuilding

Man whose life went on a downward spiral after horrific road accident fights back with determination; earns admiration online

Nation

Kota Baru man found dead in bathroom

KOTA BARU: A 28-year-old man was found dead in the bathroom of a house in Jalan Masjid Baung Bayan here on Wednesday (May 20).

Nation

GSF 2.0: All 428 activists released, Malaysians expected home on May 24

SEPANG: All 428 humanitarian activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) 2.0, including 29 Malaysians detained by Israeli forces in international waters, have been released, with the Malaysian group due to return home on Sunday (May 24).

AseanPlus News

Buriram coach praises the fighting spirit of his boys after they successfully contained Selangor FC in the first-leg final

Jackson praised his players, especially in the second half of the first leg of the Asean Club Shopee Cup 2025/26 final at MBPJ Stadium on Wednesday (May 20).

Japan

Japanese man arrested for causing drunk driving accident in fake undercover police car

TOKYO: The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 23-year-old man from Toda, Saitama Prefecture, on Tuesday (May 19) on suspicion of dangerous driving resulting in injury and driving an illegally modified vehicle, after he caused an accident while driving a fake undercover police car after drinking

Nation

Royal decree should be viewed as guidance, not political interference, says Tengku Zafrul

SHAH ALAM: The decree by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, should not be viewed as political interference, but rather as advice and guidance rooted in the Ruler's responsibility to safeguard the state's stability and the well-being of its people, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

South Korea

High school teacher who reported school misconduct found dead in Incheon

SEOUL: A high school teacher in his 50s who had reportedly exposed corruption and misconduct at his school was found dead after falling from an apartment building in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, police said Wednesday (May 20).