Cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products now cost more in Singapore after a 20 per cent increase in tobacco excise duty took effect immediately on Feb 12. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced the change during his Budget…
Malaysia has reported 10 new active tuberculosis (TB) clusters in 2026 as at Feb 7, as health authorities step up screening and tracing while travel picks up ahead of Chinese New Year and Ramadan. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told Malaysia’s…
Google is expanding in Singapore with more than 150 open roles, most in technology and engineering. The company also unveiled an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence for security to tackle risks from fast-evolving “agentic” AI and to strengthen content verification.…
Singapore’s main business groups have delivered a familiar yet urgent wishlist ahead of the Feb 12 Budget. They call for cost relief, access to more workers – including foreign hires – and checks on sharp rent hikes by landlords. Their…
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said many Singaporeans remain anxious about jobs despite a strong 2025 and a tight labour market. He cited rapid technological change and global uncertainty. In a video released on Feb 11, he promised…
Indonesia is preparing a humanitarian deployment to Gaza under the US-led Board of Peace (BOP), with officials discussing the size and tasks of a possible contingent ahead of the initiative’s first leaders’ meeting on Feb 19. Jakarta says any role…
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces pressure to suspend anti-graft chief Azam Baki pending an investigation into his shareholding in Velocity Capital Partner. Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli urged immediate action and a full probe of Azam’s assets. The push…
Elon Musk has indicated that SpaceX could eventually develop a “very different” kind of mobile device as the company explores new ways to expand Starlink beyond fixed satellite internet, including direct-to-device connectivity and other services. The comments come as SpaceX’s…
Turkey is working to prevent tensions between the United States and Iran from tipping the Middle East into a new conflict, President Tayyip Erdogan said, as the two adversaries remain at odds over whether negotiations should cover Tehran’s missile programme.…
SINGAPORE — Parliament passed a raft of amendments to transport laws on Feb. 4, introducing new rules to curb the misuse of mobility scooters, strengthen pedestrian protection and pave the way for the next-generation Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. The…
