Category: Asia

Asia

Mayon’s Sulfur Dioxide Surges to 8,393 Tons a Day—What PHIVOLCS Warns Could Happen Next

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Mount Mayon is showing another worrying sign of renewed volcanic unrest after its sulfur dioxide emissions suddenly surged to 8,393 tonnes per day, the highest level recorded since the decline in volcanic gas concentrations began in July. The sharp increase was recorded on August 17, 2026, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The agency said the latest reading was significantly higher than the average 2,532 tonnes per day recorded

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore Drops the Hammer on WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook and TikTok — Here’s What Changes for Users

SINGAPORE — The way Singaporeans use WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and online marketplaces could soon change significantly as Singapore rolls out tougher anti-scam requirements targeting the digital platforms most frequently exploited by criminals. The Singapore Police Force (SPF) announced on Aug. 18 a new set of Online Criminal Harms Act (OCHA) codes of practice covering messaging services, social media platforms and e-commerce services, with major safeguards expected to be

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore’s Bus Interchanges Are Getting a Major Makeover in 2027 — But There’s One Catch Commuters Need to Know

SINGAPORE — Six well-used bus interchanges across Singapore are set for major upgrades from 2027, promising more comfortable, accessible and family-friendly facilities for commuters. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Aug. 18 that upgrading works will be carried out at Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Eunos, Punggol and Tampines bus interchanges. The improvements will target some of the everyday pain points faced by commuters, including ventilation, lighting, seating, accessibili

August 18, 2026

Asia

Singapore Is Upgrading 6 Major Bus Interchanges From 2027 — And Commuters May Notice a Big Difference

SINGAPORE — Six more bus interchanges across Singapore are set for upgrading works from 2027, bringing new accessibility features, improved commuter facilities and more energy-efficient systems to some of the island’s well-used transport hubs. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Aug 18 that the Bishan, Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Eunos, Punggol and Tampines bus interchanges will undergo phased enhancement works. The programme is aimed at making public transport facilities more comfor

August 18, 2026

Asia

Al-Ahli’s Title Defence Just Got Complicated: Back-to-Back Asian Champions Draw Al-Ain in Blockbuster Clash

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli will face 2024 champions Al-Ain of the UAE in the 2026/27 AFC Champions League Elite, setting up one of the most intriguing early clashes of Asia’s revamped continental competition. The road to a third straight AFC Champions League Elite crown has suddenly become much more demanding for Al-Ahli. The reigning Asian champions were drawn against former winners Al-Ain in the league phase of the 2026/27 competition following Tuesday’s draw in Kuala Lumpur. The matchup pits Sa

August 18, 2026

Asia

More Than 10,000 Singaporeans Live With Parkinson’s — Now a New S$4.48 Million Programme Is Trying to Change What Happens Next

SINGAPORE — A new S$4.48 million community rehabilitation initiative is aiming to change how people with Parkinson’s disease manage the condition, with an ambitious target of reaching about 2,000 patients over the next five years. The programme, known as Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s (KEEP), began rolling out in January 2026 and is being progressively introduced across 13 day-rehabilitation centres in Singapore. The initiative is backed by the Lien Foundation in partnership with P

August 18, 2026

Asia

Xinmin Secondary Bomb Scare Ends With a Teen Arrest — Now Police Are Digging Into What Really Happened

SINGAPORE — A 15-year-old has been arrested in connection with the false bomb threat that triggered an evacuation at Xinmin Secondary School in Hougang last week, adding a major development to an incident that briefly disrupted classes and sent students and staff to safety. The Singapore Police Force confirmed on Tuesday, Aug. 18, that the teenager had been arrested in relation to the incident at Xinmin Secondary School on Aug. 13. However, authorities have not released further details about t

August 18, 2026

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