Singapore

Fire at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts workshop leads to evacuation of campus wing; no injuries reported

SINGAPORE: About 50 people were evacuated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa) campus after smoke from a fire was detected in one of its workshops in the late afternoon of Aug 18.

Japan

Japan reports record exports and imports for July as energy costs climb

TOKYO: Japan's imports and exports set records in July and soaring energy costs and a weak yen helped extend a trade deficit for a third month, government data showed.

Vietnam

Volunteer divers fight to bring Vietnam reefs back to life

GIA LAI: Almost every day, after ferrying the last tourists back to shore, Nguyen Ton Xuan Sang straps on an air tank, pulls on his mask and drops back into the sea with an empty sack.

North Korea

Trump says will meet North Korea's Kim later this year

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Wednesday (Aug 19) that he would meet Kim Jong Un later this year, seeking to revive the bond he claims to have struck with the leader of nuclear-armed North Korea in his first term.

Nation

Cabinet approves 17 measures to tighten security at KLIA, entry points

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet has approved 17 recommendations to strengthen security controls, screening and risk management at KL International Airport (KLIA) and the country's international entry points.

Nation

Rocky’s owner charged in court for keeping unlicensed dog in Klang

KLANG: A housewife who claimed to be the owner of a dog named Rocky was charged at the Magistrate's Court here on Thursday (Aug 20) with keeping an unlicensed dog.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka unearths golden Buddha statues in ancient capital

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan archaeologists have excavated 17 gold-plated Buddha statues from a Unesco World Heritage site believed to have been a monastery more than 2,000 years ago, an official told AFP on Wednesday (Aug 19).

Sabah & Sarawak

Chinese tourist, undocumented man claim trial over Semporna jet ski crash

SEMPORNA: A Chinese tourist and an undocumented man have claimed trial to a charge of negligently operating a jet ski which crashed into an inflatable sea ride and seriously injured a Malaysian tourist.

Brunei

Community-based tourism supports Brunei's economic diversification

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Tourism has been identified as one of Brunei's priority sectors under the country's socio-economic development framework, supporting efforts to diversify the national economy, according to a Bruneian official on Wednesday (Aug 19).

Economy

Australia jobless rate hits near 5-year high of 4.5% in July

SYDNEY: Australian employment unexpectedly fell in July and the jobless rate hit its highest point since late 2021, data showed on Thursday, adding to signs of a cooling labour market and easing pressure for another interest rate hike.

Nation

Immigration lorry driver to be charged over fatal crash

KUALA LUMPUR: The driver of an Immigration Department lorry involved in a crash that killed three family members is expected to be charged at the Jalan Duta Court Complex.

Laos

Lao People’s Revolutionary Party calls for stronger cadre development

VIENTIANE: The Secretary General of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith (pic), has stressed the need to strengthen cadre development and political training as Laos enters a new period of development.

China

Chinese Valentine’s Day is rooted in legend and tradition, not just romance

BEIJING: Chinese Valentine's Day is not all about flowers and chocolates. Beyond the romance embraced by some contemporary couples, Qixi is an ancient tradition rooted in legend, prayer and cultural activities that survive to this day.

Asia & Oceania

Exploring Tohoku region and Kyushu island in Japan

If you're looking for places to explore outside of the 'Golden Route', Tohoku and Kyushu may be the perfect destinations.

Robotics

From robot dogs to helpers, China puts robotics ambitions on display at world conference

China kicked off the 2026 World Robot Conference on Aug 19, with companies showcasing the country's expanding robotics industry.

Cambodia

Workplace bullies busted: Foreign factory managers in Cambodia warned by labour ministry

PHNOM PENH: The foreign managers of two factories in Kandal and Kampong Speu have been ordered to issue written apologies for misconduct towards their employees, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

Thailand

Thailand's Nan airport remains open despite flood-hit road access

BANGKOK: Nan Nakhon Airport remains open and flights are operating according to schedule despite heavy rain and flooding across several parts of Nan province, aviation authorities confirmed on Wednesday (Aug 19).

Nation

Man pleads not guilty to cruelty charge involving 'Rocky' the dog

KLANG: A dog catcher involved in an operation by the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) claimed trial at the Sessions Court here on Thursday (Aug 20) to a charge of committing cruelty against a dog named Rocky.

China

Chinese defence minister commends Timor-Leste for upholding strategic autonomy

DILI: China commends Timor-Leste for upholding strategic autonomy and standing firm for fairness and justice, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun said here on Tuesday (Aug 18).

Badminton

Arif-Roy King upset Indonesian 12th seeds at World Championships

PETALING JAYA: Men's doubles pair Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King continued their impressive run at the World Championships in New Delhi after knocking out Indonesia's 12th seeds Raymond Indra-Nikolaus Joaquin in the second round on Wednesday (Aug 19).