China

Australia returns ancient stone heads to China after more than 30 years

The Song dynasty sculptures were given to the National Gallery of Australia in the 1990s, a time when art theft was rife in China

World

Nigerian families and survivors seek justice over miners' deaths

MINNA, Nigeria, Oct ⁠30 (Reuters) - Families of 37 artisinal miners who died in custody in Nigeria want swift ⁠justice and the return of property seized during their arrest, saying no financial ‌compensation will make up for their loss.

Wellness

It's never too late to start exercising and strength-training

Exercise will help women build strength, protect their bones and remain active for years to come.

Europe

Malaysian travellers charmed by Slovenia's car-free zone

Capital city Ljubljana is a charming destination with the largest car-free zone in the European Union.

Technology

In China, the war on mosquitoes has entered the AI era

Using sensors developed for self-driving cars, a Chinese start-up claims it can track and destroy tiny flying targets while avoiding people, pets and reflective surfaces.

Nation

Penang civil servants to receive one-month special assistance payout in December

GEORGE TOWN: Penang civil servants will receive a special financial assistance payment equivalent to one month's salary in December in recognition of their contributions to the state.

Technology

Foxconn working on a new tie-up with OpenAI, says there is no AI bubble

TAIPEI, Oct 30 (Reuters) - ⁠Foxconn, the world's biggest contract electronics manufacturer, on Friday flagged that a ⁠collaboration with leading US artificial intelligence developer OpenAI was in the works, ‌though details were scant.

Nation

Govt steps up action against e-commerce scams, consumer complaints

PETALING JAYA: The government will step up action against scams and other consumer problems involving e-commerce platforms, including complaints over high commission fees and goods that do not match what was ordered.

Nation

Ex-Cameron Highlands fire chief claims trial to bribery charge

KUANTAN: A former Cameron Highlands Fire and Rescue Station chief pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here on Friday (Oct 30) to a charge of receiving a RM2,000 bribe in May last year.

Technology

Chip designer MediaTek says AI demand growth will continue 'for sure'

TAIPEI, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Demand ⁠growth for AI will continue "for sure" although the ⁠rate may vary, said Rick Tsai, CEO of Taiwan's ‌largest chip designer MediaTek, on Friday.

Technology

Cursor says up to 5,000 users affected by tampered Claude Code extension

Oct 30 (Reuters) - Cursor, ⁠the coding-tool company owned by SpaceX, said ⁠on Friday that a maliciously modified version ‌of Anthropic's Claude Code extension was available on its Cursor VS Code extension marketplace on Thursday, affecting up ​to 5,000 users.

Nation

MOHE allows online classes for Hindu students, lecturers over Deepavali

PETALING JAYA: Hindu students and lecturers at public higher education institutions will be allowed to conduct and attend teaching and learning sessions online or in hybrid mode from Nov 5 to 13 in conjunction with Deepavali.

Energy

Oil set for fourth monthly gain as Hormuz tanker attack highlights supply risks from war

SINGAPORE: Oil prices rose on Friday - set for a fourth monthly gain - as an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz highlighted the continuing supply risks from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has entered its eighth month.

Nation

Cabinet approves two-stage reform of AUKU, amendments to be tabled in Dec

PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Minister is expected to introduce a new law to replace the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 (AUKU) next year, following the government's decision to first amend existing provisions that affect students' freedom of expression and association.

Philippines

Hegseth pledges stronger military framework with Philippines, but lacks details

Defence secretary reaffirms US support without specifying how much more funding is involved and what procedures or timeline it will pay for

Metro News

Highland Towers demolition stalled over formal application delay

DEMOLITION of the two remaining Highland Towers blocks in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, remains stalled as the developer has yet to submit a formal application to the local authority.

Thailand

Thailand has sufficient food, energy supplies, PM Anutin assures public

BANGKOK: (Bernama) Thailand has sufficient food supplies and energy resources to meet domestic needs, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assured the public, urging people to remain vigilant but not panic amid growing concerns over possible regional and global disruptions.

Nation

Global Bersih calls for 21-25 day campaign period for Sarawak polls

PETALING JAYA: Global Bersih has called for a minimum 21-25 day campaign period for the upcoming Sarawak state election, ensuring those living overseas can exercise their right to vote without depending on extraordinary volunteer-led ballot-running operations.

Nation

Watsons named official health and beauty retail partner of Hyrox in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Watsons, Asia and Malaysia's leading health and beauty retailer, announced its official partnership with Hyrox, the global fitness racing phenomenon, as its official health and beauty retail partner in seven major Asia Pacific markets, starting with the Hyrox Kuala Lumpur race.

Markets

Indonesian shares head for worst month in 18 years, AI retreat hits Korea, Taiwan

INDONESIAN stocks were set to post their worst month in nearly two decades on Friday, after a downgrade warning from MSCI deepened a market rout that left the rupiah hovering near record lows.