Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Business

Vietnam’s Coffee Farmers Are Chasing China’s Durian Gold Rush—But Will the Boom Last?

DAK LAK, Vietnam — For generations, Vietnam’s Central Highlands have been synonymous with coffee. Today, however, a growing number of farmers are looking beyond the coffee bean and toward a far more lucrative crop: the spiky, pungent durian. Driven by soaring demand from China, Vietnam’s durian industry has exploded into one of Southeast Asia’s biggest agricultural success stories. Farmers who once relied almost entirely on coffee are planting durian trees in hopes of earning significantly high

August 30, 2026

Business

Singapore Is Building 1,200+ Faster BTO Flats in Sin Ming and Toa Payoh — But Buyers Are Still Waiting for One Crucial Detail

SINGAPORE — Home buyers hoping to secure a new flat in two highly sought-after central locations have been given an important new option: more than 1,200 Build-to-Order flats are being developed in Sin Ming and Toa Payoh with waiting times of less than three years. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced on Sunday, August 30, that the two upcoming developments will be part of Singapore's growing supply of Shorter Waiting Time, or SWT, flats. Unlike conventional BTO projects where

August 30, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Hawker Thought This ‘Wide-Eyed’ S$10 Note Was Fake — Two Banks Revealed the Surprising Truth

SINGAPORE — A strange-looking S$10 note that left hawker stall workers wondering whether they had been handed counterfeit money has turned out to be genuine — but someone appears to have deliberately altered the portrait printed on it. The unusual banknote surfaced at 21 Seafood, a zi char stall reported as being in the Kovan/Hougang area, after it was received during the busy lunchtime period on August 2, 2026. At first glance, nothing seemed particularly unusual. But when 42-year-old cook Z

August 30, 2026

Politics

Iran’s Economy Is Buckling Under War and Sanctions—But Tehran Still Has One Powerful Card to Play

Iran is facing mounting economic pain as months of war and a tightening U.S. sanctions campaign squeeze trade, fuel inflation and put increasing pressure on ordinary citizens. But despite the deepening crisis, Tehran is signaling that it is not ready to back down. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has acknowledged the growing economic toll, saying the country’s foreign trade has fallen by roughly 35% amid U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade affecting Iranian ports, according to Reuters. The c

August 30, 2026

Philippines

PH-US Defense Alliance Turns 75: What the Mutual Defense Treaty Means as Regional Tensions Rise

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reaffirmed its commitment to the country's longstanding defense alliance with the United States as the historic Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) marks its 75th anniversary on Sunday, August 30. Signed in 1951, the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty remains the foundation of the two nations' military and security partnership, committing both allies to support one another in the event of an armed attack under the conditions outlined

August 30, 2026

Uncategorized

MARCOS ORDERS SWIFT FLOOD RESPONSE AS HABAGAT BATTERS COMMUNITIES — BUT THE BIGGER TEST IS WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to move quickly in addressing the needs of communities affected by flooding and heavy rains as the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continues to disrupt parts of the country. In a statement reported by ABS-CBN News on Sunday, Aug. 30, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos had instructed concerned agencies to respond to the effects of the continuing bad weather and prioritize the needs and safe

August 30, 2026

Philippines

DPWH Halts Taguig Projects Over Alleged Illegal Reclamation—But What Will Investigators Find Beneath Laguna Lake?

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the suspension of projects linked to alleged illegal reclamation activities along the Taguig side of Laguna de Bay, intensifying scrutiny over infrastructure works that have become the subject of mounting questions and government investigations. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Sunday that the department had already issued a cease-and-desist order on August 20, following instructions coursed through the

August 30, 2026

Philippines

BACOLORUM CRACKDOWN HITS SUM-AG: 15 TRICYCLES IMPOUNDED—AND ONLY 75 OF 200+ TODA MEMBERS HAVE VALID PERMITS

BACOLOD CITY — The Bacolod City government is intensifying its campaign against colorum public transportation, with 15 tricycles, five e-bikes and two motorcycles recently impounded in Barangay Sum-ag over various violations, including the failure to secure or renew the required permits and franchise. The latest enforcement operation was carried out by the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) as authorities step up efforts to remove unauthorized public transport vehicles

August 30, 2026

Philippines

₱100,000 BBM Grant Heads to Barangay 3 Bacolod Office Equipment—But the Bigger Story Is Who Will Benefit Next

BACOlOD CITY — Barangay 3 in Bacolod City is set to use its ₱100,000 community-project allocation under the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (BBM) program to purchase essential office equipment, including a computer and printer, according to barangay officials. The decision comes as the national government rolls out financial assistance to barangays nationwide, with the program designed to provide both educational support and funding for community-priority projects. According to Punong Barangay Leo

August 30, 2026

Asia

Nearly 700 Dead, Thousands Missing After Himalayan Disaster—And Rescuers Fear the Worst Is Still Ahead

KATHMANDU/BEIJING — The death toll from the catastrophic Himalayan disaster along the Nepal-China border has climbed to nearly 700, while more than 3,000 people remain missing as rescuers battle treacherous terrain, damaged infrastructure and the growing fear that many victims may never be found. Chinese authorities said Sunday that 16 people have been confirmed dead and 546 remain missing in Tibet's Gyirong County, according to state media. Across the border in Nepal, authorities have reported

August 30, 2026