Category: Asia

Politics

Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting: City Promises Support After Deadly Attack—Now Authorities Must Find Out How It Happened

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga City government has assured support for students, school personnel, families and others affected by the deadly shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus, as authorities intensify their investigation into the attack. The city government expressed its condolences following the August 18 shooting and said it was coordinating closely with school officials, the Zamboanga City Police Office and other authorities to respond to the incident.

August 18, 2026

Asia

Newcastle Finally Fix the Right-Back Problem With Amar Dedić — But What Matthias Jaissle Does Next Could Change Everything

NEWCASTLE, England — Newcastle United have completed the signing of Bosnia and Herzegovina international Amar Dedić from Benfica, bringing in a versatile defender as new head coach Matthias Jaissle continues to reshape the squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The transfer is understood to be worth around £29.5 million, with Dedić agreeing a five-year contract at St James’ Park. Sky Sports had previously reported that Newcastle and Benfica had reached agreement on the fee, with the

August 18, 2026

Asia

Johor’s RTS Link Is Almost Ready — But One Missing Piece Could Decide Whether It Really Eases Singapore Traffic

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug. 18, 2026 — The long-awaited Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is entering its final stretch, but Malaysia now faces a critical question: Will Johor’s transport network be ready to absorb the thousands of commuters expected to arrive when the cross-border rail service opens? Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Tuesday that the physical infrastructure at the Bukit Chagar RTS station and its Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex is essent

August 18, 2026

Asia

Taiwan Crosses a Historic Defence Line — Lai Unveils NT$1.12 Trillion Plan as China Pressure Intensifies

TAIPEI — Taiwan is preparing to spend more than NT$1 trillion (about US$35.2 billion) on defence in 2027, marking a historic escalation in military spending as President Lai Ching-te seeks to strengthen the island’s ability to deter a potential Chinese attack. Lai announced on Aug. 17 that Taiwan’s proposed 2027 defence budget will reach NT$1.1225 trillion, including both the regular defence allocation and special funding. The figure would push defence spending above 3% of Taiwan’s gross domest

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singaporeans Are Watching Aug 23 Closely — PM Wong Could Unveil a Major Shift in Family Support

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to deliver his National Day Rally speech on Aug 23, with Singaporeans watching closely for details on how the Government plans to ease the growing pressures faced by families. Mr Wong will deliver his third National Day Rally as Prime Minister at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Headquarters in Ang Mo Kio, with the speech beginning at 6.45pm. He will speak first in Malay, followed by Mandarin, before delivering his English speech at 8pm

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore Let Clarke Quay Drink Until 4am — But What Happened Next May Decide the Future of Nightlife

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s nightlife experiment is entering a crucial phase. A government pilot introduced in August 2025 allowed eligible nightlife and food-and-beverage operators in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Upper Circular Road to apply to extend liquor trading hours until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. The move was designed to inject new energy into Singapore’s after-dark economy — but the bigger question now is whether staying open later is enough to bring the crowds back. The answer so far i

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore’s Stock Market Is Hitting Records — But 3 Banks Are Doing Most of the Heavy Lifting

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s stock market is enjoying a remarkable run in 2026, with the Straits Times Index (STI) repeatedly reaching new highs. But beneath the headline numbers lies a more complicated picture: much of the rally is being driven by just three companies — DBS, OCBC and UOB. According to SGX data cited by CNA as of Aug 17, the STI had generated a 24 per cent total return year-to-date, ahead of the broader Asia-Pacific market at 19.4 per cent and global equities at 13.8 per cent. For

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore’s Fake Think-Tank Web Is Getting Bolder — Now It’s Targeting Ex-Diplomats and RSIS Talent

SINGAPORE — A growing network of suspicious think-tank and consultancy websites is raising fresh concerns about attempts to exploit Singapore’s reputation for diplomacy, policy expertise and national-security research. The latest case involves Great Vision, a supposedly Singapore-based consulting firm that claimed one of its senior figures was a former Singapore diplomat. Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), however, told CNA that the woman identified as “Dr Jade Chan” had never worke

August 18, 2026

Asia

America’s Water Lifeline Is Running Dangerously Low — And the Next Battle Could Be Over Who Gets the Water

The American West is confronting a worsening water crisis as Lake Mead and Lake Powell, the two largest reservoirs in the United States, sink to record-low levels, intensifying pressure on a Colorado River system that supplies water to tens of millions of people. Recent data show the reservoirs have reached their lowest combined levels on record, highlighting the growing strain on a river system already battered by prolonged drought, rising temperatures and decades of heavy water use. Lake Pow

August 18, 2026

Asia

Oil Surges as U.S.-Iran Peace Hopes Fade — What Happens If the Strait of Hormuz Stays Shut?

Oil prices climbed for a third consecutive session on Tuesday as hopes for a lasting U.S.-Iran peace agreement weakened, reviving fears that disruptions around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz could keep global energy supplies under pressure. Brent crude futures rose 89 cents to $91.76 a barrel, reaching their highest level since July 30, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.05 to $85.55 a barrel, its highest level since July 31. The latest rally came after Iran sig

August 18, 2026