Category: Asia

Business

Japan’s Debt Bill Is About to Hit a Record — and Rising Interest Rates Are Making It Worse

Japan is heading toward a new fiscal pressure point. The country’s debt-servicing costs are expected to climb 17.1% to a record ¥36.6386 trillion (about US$230 billion) in fiscal 2027, according to a report by Kyodo cited by multiple media outlets. The projected increase would add roughly ¥5.3 trillion to the previous fiscal year’s level, putting debt repayment and interest costs under greater pressure as borrowing rates rise. The figure is particularly significant because Japan has spent dec

August 25, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Sends a Warning as the World Gets More Uncertain — Chan Chun Sing Reveals What Could Decide Which Countries Survive and Succeed

SINGAPORE — August 25, 2026 — As geopolitical tensions intensify and the rules-based international order faces growing pressure, Singapore has issued a pointed message about what could determine whether countries remain resilient: the quality, capability and credibility of their governments. Speaking at the inaugural Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said strong institutions, consistent policies and an

August 25, 2026

Entertainment

Lea Salonga Finally Reveals Why She Unfollowed BTS’ RM and J-Hope — And Her Reason Goes Beyond the Chris Brown Backlash

MANILA, Philippines — Broadway icon and longtime BTS fan Lea Salonga has broken her silence on why she decided to unfollow BTS members RM and J-Hope on Instagram, saying the decision was not meant to punish the K-pop superstars but to protect her own emotional well-being. The move became a major talking point among ARMY after RM and J-Hope were photographed attending Chris Brown and Usher’s concert at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on August 12, 2026 and later appeared in backstage photos with the R

August 25, 2026

Thailand

Bangkok and 6 Central Provinces Put on High-Tide Alert — But Rising Chao Phraya Waters Could Make the Next Few Days More Dangerous

BANGKOK — Residents in Bangkok and six provinces across central Thailand are being urged to stay alert as exceptionally high tides threaten to push water into vulnerable riverside and canal-side communities, raising fresh concerns over flooding along the Chao Phraya River system. Thailand's disaster authorities have warned that high sea levels can force water upstream, causing river and canal levels to rise and potentially overflow into low-lying communities, particularly areas located outside

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Basilan Trains 100 Provincial Workers as Tourism Push Gains Momentum

LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Basilan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its tourism industry, with 100 provincial government personnel undergoing training designed to raise service standards and improve the visitor experience. The training was conducted on August 20, 2026, at the Basilan Government Center in Sta. Clara, Lamitan City, according to the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT)-Basilan. The participants were introduced to the Department of Tourism's 7Ms of the Filipino Brand

August 25, 2026

Asia

Indonesia Moves to Punish Firms as Haze Crisis Spreads Across Southeast Asia

JAKARTA — Indonesia has ordered a tougher crackdown on companies suspected of being behind forest and land fires as thick smoke continues to spread across parts of Southeast Asia, affecting communities in Indonesia and neighbouring Malaysia while Singapore remains on alert for worsening haze. President Prabowo Subianto ordered authorities on Monday, Aug. 24, to revoke the business permits of corporations found to have ordered land or forest burning. Prabowo delivered the warning during a coord

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Ganarul Brigade Tops 11ID With 98.04% Rating—What the Result Says About Army Readiness in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA/SULU — The Philippine Army’s 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade has emerged as the top-performing unit among those evaluated under the 11th Infantry Division (11ID), posting an 98.04% rating in the 2026 Annual General Inspection (AGI). The result earned the Sulu-based brigade an “Excellent” rating, placing it ahead of the other 11ID units evaluated during the inspection cycle. The recognition was formally presented on August 24 during the 11ID’s flag-raising and awarding ceremony at t

August 25, 2026

Thailand

Southern Thailand Rail Line Reopens After Bombing — But Security Fears Remain After 51 Coordinated Attacks

NARATHIWAT, Thailand — Train services have returned to normal on a key stretch of Thailand’s southern railway after a bomb damaged the tracks in Narathiwat province, but the reopening comes amid heightened security following a sweeping wave of coordinated attacks across the country’s troubled Deep South. The State Railway of Thailand restored services between Maruebo and Tanyong Mat stations at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 24, after explosive-ordnance teams cleared the area and railway engineers

August 25, 2026

Business

Thailand Moves to Expand Social Security to Farmers, Street Vendors and Domestic Workers — But One Major Step Still Remains

Thailand is moving toward a major expansion of social security protection that could bring previously excluded groups—including agricultural workers, street vendors and domestic workers—closer to the country’s formal social security system. The Labour Ministry is preparing changes to extend Section 33 coverage under Thailand’s Social Security Act to workers in sectors that have historically faced gaps in employment-based protection. The proposal is part of a broader government effort to bring m

August 25, 2026

Philippines

ZAMBOANGA TIGHTENS SCHOOL SECURITY: Metal Detectors, Police Visibility and Threat Monitoring Rolled Out — What Happens Next?

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Schools across Zamboanga City are stepping up security measures following the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, with the Department of Education (DepEd) calling for stronger coordination among school officials, parents, local authorities and law enforcement. The intensified security push came after Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Ateneo de Zamboanga University to assess safety concerns and extend support following the August 18 campus shooting. DepEd Z

August 25, 2026