Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Uncategorized

Samsung, SK hynix Hold Top NAND Spots as AI Demand Sends Memory Market Soaring

SEOUL — Samsung Electronics and SK hynix remained the two biggest players in the global NAND flash memory market in the second quarter of 2026, but a rapidly strengthening Chinese competitor is adding a new layer of pressure to the industry. According to Counterpoint Research, global NAND market revenue jumped 70% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, following a 90% increase in Q1. The latest surge was fueled largely by a sharp increase in NAND prices, with average prices rising 55% from the previous

September 4, 2026

Politics

Singapore and Thailand PMs Turn Diplomacy Into a Singalong: Anutin Sings “Let It Be” as Lawrence Wong Plays Guitar

A high-level diplomatic meeting in Bangkok ended with an unexpected performance as Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took the microphone and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong picked up a guitar for a rendition of The Beatles' classic “Let It Be.” The unusual musical moment took place during an official dinner on Sept. 2, 2026, following the Singapore-Thailand Leaders’ Retreat in Bangkok. Video of the performance quickly circulated online, turning what was otherwise a highly formal di

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Bonoan Faces Arraignment in Remaining Flood Control Graft Case—But His Legal Battle Is Far From Over

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan appeared before the Sandiganbayan on Friday for arraignment in the remaining graft case tied to the alleged flood control kickback scandal, even as a separate court ruling has already removed him as an accused in two other cases. The development comes just days after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division granted the Office of the Ombudsman’s request to drop Bonoan from the plunder and graft cases involving former S

September 4, 2026

Politics

South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung Heads to France for Macron Summit — But This Visit Is About Far More Than Cinema

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is heading to France for a four-day state visit that will put diplomacy, advanced technology and the future of global entertainment on the same agenda. Lee will visit France from September 6 to 9, 2026, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The trip will combine a high-level international film summit with formal bilateral talks aimed at turning the countries' newly upgraded relationship into deeper cooperation across security, business, tech

September 4, 2026

Singapore

Singapore’s Haze Is Back as PSI Hits Unhealthy Levels — But Officials Are Watching What Happens Next

SINGAPORE — Singapore has crossed a threshold it had avoided for nearly three years. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in central Singapore reached 101 at 7am on Friday, September 4, pushing air quality into the Unhealthy range and triggering a new phase in the government’s haze response. It was the first time Singapore’s PSI had entered the Unhealthy range because of haze since October 8, 2023, according to the National Environment Agency. And the bigger concern may be what happens next.

September 4, 2026

Asia

Singapore Sends S$560,000 Humanitarian Package to Flood-Hit Nepal as Search for Missing Continues

Singapore has stepped up its humanitarian response to Nepal after catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-China border, handing over an emergency assistance package worth about S$560,000 as rescuers continue searching for survivors and people still unaccounted for. The latest assistance includes medical supplies, DNA testing kits, personal protective equipment and specialised equipment to support Nepal's ongoing search, recovery and disaster-victim identification operations, Singapore's Minis

September 4, 2026

Uncategorized

Thailand’s ‘Friend-for-Hire’ Trend Takes Off as Solo Living Reshapes Social Life

BANGKOK — In Thailand, friendship is becoming an unexpected part of the gig economy. A growing number of people are now paying for companions to join them on trips, take photographs, go shopping, exercise, visit cafés or simply provide company—reflecting wider changes in Thai lifestyles and the country's increasingly large population of people living alone. The emerging “friend-for-hire” industry does not necessarily revolve around romance or loneliness. For many customers, it is simply about

September 4, 2026

Sport

COCO GAUFF SURVIVES A MAJOR US OPEN TEST—BUT HER NEXT OPPONENT COULD PUSH HER EVEN HARDER

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff survived one of the most dangerous second-round matchups of the 2026 US Open, defeating former world No. 2 Paula Badosa, 6-4, 7-6(5), Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium to keep her bid for another Grand Slam title alive. The fourth-seeded American needed nearly two hours to overcome the Spaniard in a tense battle that was considerably tougher than their rankings suggested. Gauff entered the match as the world No. 4, while Badosa was ranked No. 87 after a difficult stret

September 4, 2026

Indonesia

Indonesia’s Wildfires Are Choking Southeast Asia — But September May Be the Most Dangerous Month Yet

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s worsening forest and land fires have turned into a regional air-quality crisis, sending smoke across international borders, disrupting schools and flights, and exposing millions of people to unhealthy air. But the most worrying part may be what comes next. Indonesian officials and climate experts say September could prove to be one of the most critical periods of the 2026 fire season as an exceptionally strong El Niño combines with prolonged dry weather across major parts

September 4, 2026

Uncategorized

PNP Steps Up Coordination Across Mindanao as Security Forces Push to Protect Hard-Won Peace

MANILA — The Philippine National Police is strengthening coordination with security forces, local governments and peace stakeholders across Mindanao as authorities work to preserve stability and prevent renewed violence in the region. The move comes at a particularly important moment for the Bangsamoro, with the first regular Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14, 2026 and security preparations already involving the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Ele

September 4, 2026