AI

Musk's Grok barred from undressing images after global backlash

Elon Musk's platform X on Jan 14 announced measures to prevent its AI chatbot Grok from undressing images of real people, following global backlash over its generation of sexualised photos of women and children.

Living

Decaf desirability is peaking: There’s never been a better time to quit caffeine

A renewed focus on health has inspired many people to examine their relationship with coffee and, more specifically, caffeine, mirroring changes in alcohol consumption.

Japan

Japan, Philippine top diplomats commit to uphold rules-based order

BANGKOK: The foreign ministers of the Philippines and Japan met on Thursday (Jan 15) to reiterate their commitment to uphold the international rules-based order, especially in the South China Sea, Manila's top diplomat said.

Philippines

Marcos promises aid, accountability after landfill collapse in Philippines

MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Jan 15) assured the relatives of the victims of the Binaliw landfill collapse in Cebu City that responsible parties would be held accountable and that all necessary assistance would be provided.

Nation

Drunk man detained after provoking Border Control DG’s police escort on KL-Seremban highway

PETALING JAYA: A 41-year-old man was detained after he allegedly attempted to provoke the police escorts of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general along the Kuala Lumpur-Seremban Highway on Wednesday (Jan 14).

India

India presses quick-commerce firms to end 10-minute deliveries

NEW DELHI: India is asking quick commerce companies to drop their 10-minute delivery promise amid mounting concerns that the ultra-tight deadlines are worsening safety and working conditions for gig workers.

Nation

I wanted a job, didn’t know it was wrong, claims Indonesian woman nabbed with false MyKad in joint raid

KUALA LANGAT: Foreign nationals caught using fake MyKad identity cards say they did so mainly to secure employment, with the forged cards sold for RM300.

Thailand

Another crane collapses in Thailand killing two people, police say

BANGKOK: A crane collapsed in Thailand on Thursday (Jan 15), crushing two vehicles and killing two people, police said, a day after a crane accident in the northeast caused the deaths of 32 train passengers.

Commodities

Oil drops as Trump calms Iran fears; tech stocks slide in Asia

TOKYO: Oil prices retreated from multi-month highs on Thursday and safe-haven gold eased back from a record peak after U.S. President Donald Trump calmed market anxiety about potential U.S. military action against Iran.

Indonesia

Indonesian ride-hailing industry set for shake-up under draft presidential decree

JAKARTA: Millions of Indonesian ride-hailing drivers would receive major increases to financial and social benefits under a draft decree being considered by President Prabowo Subianto, two sources said, threatening profitability of ride-sharing platforms in their largest market in South-East Asia.

Vietnam

Vietnam's economic growth in 2026 to rely on domestic consumption

HCM CITY: Amid growing uncertainty in the global 2026 economic outlook, experts say Vietnam's growth prospects will largely depend on the recovery of domestic consumption, the effectiveness of policy implementation and the continued role of public investment as a key growth driver.

AseanPlus News

Australian festival apologises for cancelling Palestinian author

SYDNEY: A leading Australian arts festival apologised Thursday (Jan 15) for disinviting a Palestinian author, retracting claims her attendance would be "culturally insensitive" following a mass shooting targeting Jews at Bondi Beach.

Economy

Bank Negara's OPR expected to remain at 2.75% throughout 2026 - BMI

KUALA LUMPUR: BMI maintained its view that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will leave the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged at 2.75 per cent for the rest of 2026 amid support from resilient domestic demand.

Japan

Why Japan's Takaichi is gambling on an early election

TOKYO: Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament's lower house next week, triggering a national election to decide all 465 seats in her first major election test since taking office in October.

Nation

Umno must lead with 30% women in top leadership, says Noraini

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno must lead in ensuring 30% women's participation in leadership positions and make this part of the party's constitution, says Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

Cambodia

US pauses migrant visas for 75 nations, including Cambodia and Thailand

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia and Thailand are among 75 countries on a new list of nations which the US Department of State has paused the processing of all immigrant visa applications.

Internet

China teen makes fraudulent returns on cosmetics platform, profiting US$570,000 from resale

17-year-old makes 11,900 deceptive refund applications after discovering loophole; splurges ill-gotten gains on new mobile phones, friends.

Asia & Oceania

Could Hong Kong be the perfect hiking and city break in one?

Hong Kong's quieter side reveals lush hiking trails, serene islands, and a rich blend of history and culture. 

Nation

Partnering with other political coalitions doesn’t mean we are weak, says Wanita Umno chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Cooperating with other political coalitions does not mean Umno will remain as just followers, says Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad.

South Korea

More than one in seven newborns in South Korea conceived through infertility treatment

SEOUL: The share of babies born through infertility treatment in South Korea has risen sharply over the past five years, as medically assisted conception makes up a growing portion of a shrinking total, government data showed.