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Coronavirus pandemic

Students and other activists carry Bangladesh’s national flag during a protest march to mark one month since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stepped down after a mass uprising, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on September 5. Photo: AP

Politics

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

24 Dec 2024 - 9:30AMvideocam

In southern India, the push for home births carries health concerns

21 Dec 2024 - 3:00PMvideocam

‘Lives at stake’: will Singapore ban moving workers on lorries after fatal crash?

20 Dec 2024 - 5:48PMvideocam

Health & Environment

Indonesia’s ‘eternal snow’ on Puncak Jaya may melt away before 2026

The loss of Puncak Jaya’s glaciers will be an immeasurable loss to the area’s ecosystem and local tribes, scientists say.

18 Dec 2024 - 3:47PMvideocam

Indonesia’s Puncak Jaya, also known as the Carstensz Pyramid, where its glaciers are slowing disappearing. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Economics

In Japan, a protein pioneer’s edible insect experiment fails to fly

The founder of Gryllus Inc, which has filed for bankruptcy, maintains that his company’s insect-based food was ahead of its time.

18 Dec 2024 - 12:00PMvideocam

Health & Environment

Malaysian hospital accused of refusing to return baby’s body over unpaid bill

In a statement defending its actions, Razif Maternity Hospital alleged the dead child’s parents were unmarried – igniting further outrage.

16 Dec 2024 - 11:25AM

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Economics

Can Singapore’s green energy push be powered with Malaysia’s help?

Singapore has begun low-carbon electricity imports from Malaysia – but regional cooperation and cost-sharing are still an issue.

16 Dec 2024 - 10:09AMvideocam

Singapore aims to import around 6 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity by 2035. Photo: Shutterstock

Health & Environment

‘Families are very stressed’: what’s driving Japan’s murder-suicides?

Compounding the financial and other pressures driving the crisis is Japan’s deep-rooted stigma surrounding mental healthcare, experts say.

16 Dec 2024 - 9:02AMvideocam

Health & Environment

‘It was hell’: is India losing its fight against eradicating TB by 2025?

India’s anti-tuberculosis drive has been slowed by social stigma, superstition, poor public awareness and widespread tobacco use.

14 Dec 2024 - 3:00PM

Health & Environment

Japan faces ‘slapped-cheek syndrome’ outbreak, as experts warn of reduced immunity

Japan is facing a significant outbreak of parvovirus B19 due to reduced post-pandemic immunity, posing significant risks to pregnant women and children.

14 Dec 2024 - 9:32AM

A young woman with a rash on her face. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

‘Unbelievable’: Malaysia’s space defence plan sparks outrage in flood aftermath

The system would eventually also incorporate rocket and missile capabilities operated out of space for defence.

13 Dec 2024 - 8:51PMvideocam

Residents ride a boat in a flooded area in Rantau Panjang, Malaysia’s Kelantan state, on December 3. Photo: Reuters

Health & Environment

Death of Thai singer, 20, sparks warnings about ‘neck-twisting’ massages

Thai doctors have been highlighting the risks of untrained masseuses following Chayada Prao-hom’s death.

9 Dec 2024 - 8:12PM

Health & Environment

Malaysia to foot US$250 million flood bill amid warning of more misery

Severe floods have displaced thousands of residents and destroyed homes and crops, worsening the plight of the poorest communities in Kelantan.

4 Dec 2024 - 1:30PMvideocam

Health & Environment

Is Indonesia ready for Prabowo’s dream of phasing out fossil fuels?

Indonesia will require ‘significant policy reforms’ to achieve Prabowo’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050, analysts say.

4 Dec 2024 - 2:27PM

A boy walks beside a canal with the Cirebon-1 coal-fired power plant in the background, in Cirebon, West Java province, Indonesia. Photo: Reuters

Health & Environment

The Philippines

Philippines warns against eating sea turtle meat after 3 deaths

At least 35 people were hospitalised with gastrointestinal symptoms, including three who died from the suspected food poisoning incident.

3 Dec 2024 - 3:18PMvideocam

The shell of a sea turtle that was eaten by villagers in Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines. Photo: Facebook/DatuMohamadSinsuatJr

People

Uproar in Malaysia as exams go ahead despite flood chaos

With more than 140,000 displaced and six lives lost, families question the government’s decision not to postpone the key exams.

2 Dec 2024 - 7:08PMvideocam

Economics

Indonesia’s nuclear energy push pits growth against safety concerns

President Prabowo Subianto plans to build two new nuclear plants as part of Indonesia’s goal to derive more energy from clean sources.

1 Dec 2024 - 4:00PM

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Health & Environment

Is Asia’s climate funding hope fading over ‘unclear’ Cop29 pledges?

Experts say the summit outcome lacks details, making it challenging to secure financing for Southeast Asia and South Asia.

29 Nov 2024 - 8:33PMvideocam

Damaged buildings and debris on a street after Super Typhoon Yagi hit Ha Long, in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province, on September 8. Photo: AFP

Health & Environment

Floods wreak havoc in Malaysia, Thailand as tens of thousands evacuated

Malaysia mobilises nationwide relief efforts to rescue victims affected by flooding, with more than 80,000 people forced to evacuate.

29 Nov 2024 - 6:27PM

Health & Environment

‘Shall I kill you?’: why Japan is mulling a social media ban for under-16s

Australia has approved laws that stipulate fines against social media platforms for failing to ban children below 16 from having accounts.

29 Nov 2024 - 2:59PMvideocam

Health & Environment

Profiteering fears as Malaysians face punishing hike in health insurance

Proliferation of co-payment schemes, reminiscent of health insurance practices in the United States, has stirred fear and anger.

29 Nov 2024 - 1:51PM

A steep rise in health insurance premiums has forced many Malaysians to return to public hospitals. Photo: Shutterstock

TRENDING TOPICS

The Philippines

South China Sea

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