Philippines' airlines press government for financial help

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN): The Philippines’ top three airlines are seeking a financial lifeline from the Duterte administration as the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) deals an “existential threat” to the domestic aviation sector — mirroring the crisis facing the industry globally.

Food security fears starting to threaten Asian rice exports

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Panic buying at supermarkets and hoarding have raised fears over food supplies, and governments for their part are acutely aware that keeping everyone fed at affordable prices is crucial for political stability.

Asia's factory activity plunges as coronavirus shock deepens

TOKYO: Factory activity contracted sharply across most of Asia in March as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzed economic activity across the globe, with sharp falls in export power-houses Japan and South Korea overshadowing a modest improvement in China.

Shahera turns aim to family

KUALA LUMPUR: Shooter Shahera Rahim Raja has put aside her rifle. And it has nothing to do with the pandemic. Her contract with National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) has ended.

Hurdler Rayzam rues the absence of proteges

KUALA LUMPUR: Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian has been the country’s top men’s 110m hurdler for the last 13 years – and he is not happy about it.

Downgrade for developing nations in EAP

KUALA LUMPUR: Following the rapid spread of Covid-19 and the heightened financial volatility, growth outlook for developing countries in the East Asia and the Pacific (EAP) region, including Malaysia, has been sharply downgraded as they face global financial shock and recession.

Philippines’ Covid-19 cases soar

The country recorded its largest daily increase in coronavirus deaths and infections, as it ramped up testing with the arrival of thousands of kits from abroad and the opening of new laboratories.Ten more deaths took the toll to 88 yesterday, while the tally of infections rose to 2,084, with 538 additional cases, said health ministry official Maria Rosario Vergeire.

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China imports avocados from the Philippines for the very first time

SHANGHAI: The first batch of avocados imported from the Philippines weighing 7,656kg arrived at the Waigaoqiao Port in Pudong New Area of Shanghai on Monday, the local customs officers announced on Tuesday (March 31).

Singapore startup raises US$27mil for remote consultations

Doctor Anywhere, a Singapore startup for remote medical consultations, raised US$27mil (RM116.64mil) in funding as the coronavirus pandemic fuels demand for telemedicine services.