The closet is one of those things we often take for granted. Just think about how your life would be without a closet. This piece of furniture is in a way the key to an organized home.

Of course, when you open the doors and all the mess pours out it’s not exactly pretty but you can fix that, and you should do it sooner rather than later. We can help with that. Today we’re looking at a bunch of small closet organizers designed to put an end to messy homes once and for all.

Built-in small closet organizer



Before we get into details, let’s first think of how organizing a small closet works. Closets are almost always incredibly simple featuring in most cases nothing but a shelf and a big empty space with a rod for hanging clothes onto. Just look at all the space you’re wasting.

On justagirlandherblog you can find a great tutorial showing you how to make the most of such a space and how to organize a small closet in a way that maximizes its functionality in a way that suits you.

L-shaped closet organizer from plywood


We also found a very cool closet organization idea on makingitinthemountains. What’s interesting in this case is that this closet organizer is made entirely of boxes and on top of what all the boxes are the exact same size and shape. That’s pretty clever, isn’t it? If you want to do the same thing for your own small closet, start by measuring the space and then plan out exactly where you want the shelves/ boxes to be placed and how big you want them to be.

Flexible drawer organizer


If you have a closet drawer just for things like socks and underwear this drawer is probably quite messy. You can change that with a simple and very easy to craft drawer organizer which you can make out of some sturdy and flexible material such as felt or thin craft foam using a hot glue gun. That’s right, this is all you need for this project. Check out our video tutorial to see just how easy it is to customize your closet drawers using this budget accordion organizer.

Cardboard drawer dividers


Speaking of drawers, there are more small closet organization ideas that we’d like to share with you and one of them involves cardboard sheets. You can use them to make drawer dividers so you can organize the contents into groups based on criteria determined by you. For example, you can install dividers in your sock drawer and organize your socks by color, type, length, or however else you prefer it.

Door storage


It’s almost impossible to maintain a clean and organized coat closet but you can greatly increase your chances if you invest a bit into a closet makeover. The idea is to organize the space into several compartments, each with its own function rather than having a large shared space where you store everything. Perhaps you’d like to add some shelves for shoes at the bottom, a shelf or two at the top for bags and other things and even some hooks on the inside of the door. Check out howtonestforless for instructions.

Hooks for bags


Need a system for organizing and storing your handbags? Here’s a clever idea from athoughtfulplaceblog: use shower hooks. Figure out the best way to hang them from your closet rod and make sure they slide easily in case you want to move them around. You can install a separate rods just for them or you can keep them together with your clothes.

Shelves and boxes


Before you start reorganizing your closet and you change its interior completely, take some time to figure out which are the main problems you’re facing now. For example, perhaps you’re keeping your socks in a box on a top shelf and it’s hard to reach up every day or perhaps the shelves are too spaced out and you’re not maximizing your storage space as much as you’d want to. These details will help you decide what needs to be changed and in what manner. Check out iheartorganizing for more tips and ideas regarding small closet organization.

Hangers


Sometimes it’s not the closet’s fault that the contents are disorganized. Maybe you just don’t have the drive to do anything about it. Do you know what could change that? A quick and simple makeover designed to make your closet more attractive. A cool idea could be to paint all of your wood hangers. You could pick a bright and happy color so you feel motivated to spend more time organizing your closet. The idea comes from hometalk.


Sometimes trying to work with a closet’s current organization system and modifying it is just not worth it. It would be easier to just start over. Empty your closet, step back and come up with a new plan. That’s exactly the scenario that frekleschick describes and look how awesome this closet turned out in the end. Sure, it’s a small closet but look how well the space is used now. You can store a ton on things in here.

Belts organizer

How do you normally store your scarves and belts? They’re most likely sitting in a drawer somewhere, all tangled up. Organizing your scarves and belts is not something you think about very often so take this opportunity to make a change. On viewalongtheway you can find a cool tutorial showing you how to make a small closet organizer that slides out and has rods for scarves and hooks for belts.


Hanging basket for rolled t-shirts


There are a lot of annoying things when it comes to small closets. For example, there seems to be no perfect way of storing sweaters, jeans, or T-shirts. If you just pile them up you’ll most likely make a mess in a few days when you’ll need something from the bottom of the pile. How about putting each item in its own little cubby? You could use one of those shoe organizers that can be hanged either inside the closet or on the door. This ingenious idea comes from askannamoseley.

Scarf organizer


The list of small closet organization ideas continues with a few tips from hip2save. These are more great ways in which you can organize and store your scarves in a tidy fashion. they involve things like hangers, shower curtain rings, show organizers or slack hangers. All these things can be repurposed into practical accessories for your closet.

Before and after closet


Regular closet organization ideas don’t necessarily apply when you’re dealing with a nursery closet where you need to store lots of small things. In that case you have to be more specific when picking the dimensions of your small closet organizers. Tiny shirts and pants don’t need big shelves so you could keep them in small baskets or boxes or you could install a small rod on the underside of a shelf so you can keep them on tiny hangers. Find more ideas like these ones on realitydaydream.



It’s important to know exactly what you want to store in your small closet in order to optimize its storage capacity. For example, closet makeover featured on fabeveryday incorporates storage for clothes, shoes but also for accessories like belts, sunglasses and even jewelry. It’s a well-planned and well-organized space.

Another scarf hanger


A scarf hanger can be quite useful, especially if you’re the type that has tons of scarves of different colors, sizes and styles. Here’s what you need in order to craft a scarf hanger just like the one featured on everydaydishes: a wooden hanger, shower curtain rings (or drapery rings) and a hot glue gun.

Jewelry hanger


We’ve seen earlier that you can organize and store a lot of things in a small closet, including jewelry. Sure, jewelry boxes can be quite practical, especially when you’re traveling but they’re always great as necklaces and other things can easily get tangled up inside. It would be much more practical to hang each item on a small hook. You can attach these hooks to a paint stick which can be mounted onto the wall or door of your closet. The idea comes from infarrantlycreative.

Common Organizing Mistakes With Small Closets


If your closet is constantly disorganized and messy that’s something a lot of other people are familiar with. It’s easy to blame this on the lack of space or other external factors. However, a lot of times the lack of organization is due to mistakes that we make without realizing it. Here are five of the most common organizing mistakes:

Not having a good system


Having a system helps a lot when organizing your closet or any other space for that matter. The closet doesn’t necessarily have to look organized as long as you know where to find everything that you need. You might think that there’s no need for that if you have a really tiny closet. That’s not really true. Small closets make it even more difficult to find anything because everything is so tighltly packed together.

Keeping too many items


We often tend to get too attached to old pieces of clothing and to keep them around even if we no longer wear them or if they don’t fit us anymore. When you think about it, you probably only have a few pieces of clothing that you’re actively wearing. Everything else is just cluttering up the closet. It’s important every one in a while to do a bit of spring cleaning. Donate the clothing that you no longer need and don’t try to keep every piece of clothing that you’ve ever bought.

Having too many accessories


Things like closet organizers, bins and storage boxes can be very helpful for organizing a space but there can be such a thing as too many products. If you don’t have a big closet too many of these dividers or bins can diminish the usable storage space and can actually get in the way. Sometimes it’s best to just keep things simple.

Not being consistent with the hangers


Closets looks very clean, neat and organized when everything is on hangers, or at least in theory they do. This might not be the case when you try to do it and the reason for that could be that you’re using the wrong hangers or that you’re using them in the wrong way. Try to be consistent and to have a certain type of hanger for all your pants for example instead of just having a mismatched set. Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking all of your hangers have to match. It’s actually better if they don’t because different clothing items fit better on certain types of hangers while others don’t.

Trying to fit everything into a small closet


This is in some way related to another mistake we mentioned, that of keeping every clothing item every bought and not decluttering the closet. But even if you don’t have a ton of clothes, those that you actually use might not all fit into the closet. It might be possible to cram them all in there but that would only mess up the organization and make it harder to find anything. Consider dividing your clothes based on seasons and keeping those that you don’t currently need in another space like the attic, the garage, the basement or underneath the bed.

5 useful tips for a well-organized closet


Now that you have a better idea of what you might be doing wrong, let’s also check out a few useful tips that can inspire you to be better at organizing your closet.

Add a second rod


Storing clothes on hangers looks nice and makes it easy to find everything but can sometimes waste a lot of space. A lot of times these closet modules are a lot taller than they need to be. You can use that in your favor and add a second rod so you can hang even more clothes in that space.

Get a freestanding rack


If there’s not enough space in your closet for everything, some of the more special items of clothing could potentially be stored on a freestanding rack. Perhaps you would like to use this for your most commonly used shirts, dresses and so on or for some of your favorite accessories and pieces of clothing which could become a part of the room décor.

Add storage to the closet doors


Not using the space on the inside of the closet doors for storage is a missed opportunity, especially in a small space. You can add hanging rods, bins, shelves or pockets to the doors and use them to organize various accessories like purses, hats, scarves or even shoes. They’ll be nice and organized, easily accessible and out of the way.

Make your own accessories and organizers


Another missed opportunity is to not use any organizers or accessories because you can’t really find any that suit your needs or style or that are affordable. You can solve any issues by crafting these things yourself. For example, you could make a nice rack for your scarves using just a hanger and a bunch of shower curtain hooks.

Use shelf dividers


We’ve seen this too often: you fold your clothes and stack them nicely on a shelf and a few days later they’re all messed up and your closed is no longer organized. You can avoid that or at least keep your shelves organized for longer by using dividers. These will prevent the clothes from falling over and mixing with everything else and will also help you to group them up a little better.

Best Small closet organization systems


1. Wire divider


As you’ve seen so far, there are plenty of small closet organizers that you can craft or build yourself but what if you’d rather buy one and be done with it? That’s an option too. For shelves, you could opt for these Evelots dividers which let you neatly stack your clothes and to delineate several sections onto a shelf. You can also use these dividers for towels, blankets, bedsheets and other such things.

2. Wall unit rack


The ClosetMaid system is great even if you don’t have a closet. You can attach it to a wall and that can be your new closet. It’s an adjustable system with shelves and rods which you can configure in several different ways based on the size of your closet as well as your storage needs.

3. Pockets


Pockets are great organizers, especially for small closets because you can hang them onto the closet wall to save space inside the drawers or on the shelves. The Cymiler organizer pockets can hold just about anything from T-shirts to pants, shoes, belts, socks and whatever else you normally keep in your closet. This is a great way to add more storage to your small closet without having to expand it or to add more shelves or drawers. You can use the space you have but in a more efficient way than before.

4. Hanging fabric pockets


Does your small closet lack shelves? No worries because you can use the Simple Houseware Organizer to compensate for that. Sure, you can add a few permanent shelves if you want to give your small closet a makeover anyway but this system doesn’t require any structural changes. You can just hang it on the clothing rod. It has five shelves and several pockets on the sides.

5. ClosetMaid system


This is the smaller version of the ClosetMaid that we showed you earlier. The ClosetMaid 22875 ShelfTrack is perfect for small closet organization. It has everything you need and it’s adjustable. All you need is an empty closet so perhaps it would be practical to take out everything you keep in yours and to start over. Figure out the best way to install this system and then you can take care of the little details, like customization perhaps.

6. Shelf and hanger organizer


The EZ Shelf is another small closet organization system with expandable pieces and adjustable configurations. It’s mostly made out of numerous steel tubes which serve different purposes. It’s easy to install and there are many different ways in which you can customize it and improve its storage capabilities by adding accessories. The design is simple and that makes it versatile and a good choice for most modern and contemporary closets. It’s also durable and sturdy which means it will last for quite some time.

7. Minimalist rack


Ready for another practical closet organizer kit? this is the ClosetMaid 5636 SuperSlide, a system that contains everything you need to install a set of shelves and rods into your closet. You can combine it with other kits and with numerous different accessories for increased functionality and storage-efficiency.

8. Floor standing


This system is not specifically designed to serve as a closet organizing system but is versatile enough to be used as one. The SONGMICS Storage Cube Organizer system is a set of six cubes stacked on three tiers. You can store just about anything in them, from books to shoes, clothes, toys and sports equipment. Moreover, these cubbies are stylish enough to be displayed in living rooms, bedrooms, on entryways and basically anywhere else in the house so you don’t have to hide them in your closet if you don’t want to.

9. Shoe rack


When it comes to small closet organization, there’s one more thing we need to discuss: boots. They’re special because they usually take up a lot of space. They don’t have to, at least not if you choose to use the Boot Butler Rack. It lets you store five pairs of boots in only 7” of closet space. It can hold almost any type of boot, even the knee-high ones. Finally, you can free up your closet floor (as long as you have room to hang this rack).

10. Nursery storage


There’s a lot to keep track of when you have a baby and closet clutter is the last problem one wishes to deal with so having a system that makes it easy to organize everything is very helpful. The Delta nursery closet organizer is a 24-piece set that allows you keep everything within reach and at the same time nice and neat. It includes 15 hangers, 6 closet dividers, a hanging organizer and two storage bins.

11. Accessories closet organizer


Ties, belts, scarves and other similar accessories are quite annoying because they don’t really fit in any section of the closet. They require a custom storage solution and keeping them all in a drawer is not practical at all. However, you can solve the problem with the help of a very simple accessory, the Evelots organizer. It’s small and doesn’t take up much space in your closet and has 14 hooks which can hold a variety of items including ties, belts, scarves, necklaces, handbags and so on.

12. Closet rack


A lot of closets lack the custom compartmentalization that one needs and that’s because they’re usually meant to be as versatile as possible. In that case, an accessory such as the Burroughs shelving set can be very efficient at dividing a large section of the closet into smaller modules by adding extra shelves. They have an open metal grate design which allows air to circulate and prevents mold or dust from setting on them. They’re great not just for closets but for pantries too and they can also be used as freestanding units outside of these enclosed spaces.

13. Medford 12″ W Paris 6 Shelf Closet Organizer


If you’d much rather prefer an extra set of shelves or cubbies rather than a big open space in your closet with a rod at the top, that can solved with the help of accessories such as the Medford closet organizer. It can be hanged vertically from the existing rod and it gives you six extra shelves for things like towels, shirts, shoes, bags and various other clothing items or accessories. It’s made of breathable material which allows air to circulate and it can be easily folded flat and stored whenever you don’t need it.

14. Kids Storage Closet Hanging Organizer


This is a kids’ closet organizer, similar to the one mentioned above but with a slightly different design. It has a set of mesh and fabric bins which can hold a variety of different items from clothes to shoes, toys, socks and so on. It’s an all-in-one organizer which can be hidden inside the closet or used as an extra storage piece which can hang from a wall or door.

15. Seiler Purse Handbag Closet Hanging Organizer (Set of 2)


Purses, handbags and backpacks take up a lot of space in the closet and since it’s not really worth investing in a big custom unit with different cubbies for each items unless you have a proper collection or the space for it, it’s much more practical to rely on something like the Seiler organizer. This is a very simple accessory which lets you store six different items on a single hanger. You can use it for scarves, belts and other accessories too.

16. Handbag Pocket Hanging Organizer


Here’s another organizer designed specifically for handbags and other similar accessories. This one features pockets, four on each side for a total of eight per organizer. The pockets are transparent so you can easily see what each one is holding and you can hang this organizer on a standard closet rod. It saves you shelf space and it keeps all your purses and handbags in one place. You can also use this for blankets, towels, sheets and other items as well.

17. Selders Hanger Organizer-Wall Mount


If you actually have a lot of hangers in your closet, that is technically a nice way to keep everything neat and organizer. However, all the extra hangers that are just sitting around waiting to be needed get tangled up and take up more space than you’d like them to. This little organizer can help with this problem. It can hold 50 hangers and it keeps them organized and out of the way until you actually need them.

18. Gino 5 Shelf Hanging Organizer


The Gino organizer gives you a simple and practical way to add more storage to your closet. With this you get five extra hanging modules which you can fit between all the hangers in your closet. It’s great if you want to keep all the accessories that go with your outfits in one place and easy to find or if you need some extra space for things like shoes, bags, hats and so on. This organizer is designed to be hanged from the rod and has mesh pockets which you can fold flat for compact storage in case you no longer need them.

19. Clothes Hanging Organizer


This little hanging organizer is a nice accessory for the laundry room and can potentially also be added to a bedroom or even a closet. It’s a very compact storage system which can also be installed outdoors and it consists of a fold-away rod that use can hang clothes from right after you take them out of the dryer to make ironing easier or completely unnecessary. It’s also great if you have a few items that can’t be put in the dryer or if you want to freshen a jacket out on the balcony.

20. Vela™ Closet Shelf Divider (Set of 2)


Although open shelves are very practical and versatile, they can also get really messy really fast. It’s practically impossible to keep the closet shelves organized without a bit of extra help and by that we mean these Vela™ shelf dividers or something similar. They’re little inserts which can be used to divider a large shelf into smaller sections in order to keep various clothing items separated. They’re made of steel and they’re super durable and they can easily slide over any standard solid wood shelf up to 7/8’’ thick.

21. Adjustable Overdoor Hanging Organizer


As much as we’d want all of our items to fit inside a closet, sometimes there’s just not enough room in there for everything. Luckily, there are always alternative solutions. For example, this is a hanging organizer which can be installed onto a door. It adds extra hooks and storage for things like purses, bags, accessories and other items that either don’t fit anywhere else or that you want to keep within reach.

22. Dante 3 Piece Soft Sided Closet System Set


The Dante set is a combination of two different storage systems. It includes an over-the-door organizer and two drawer organizers and they’re all made of cardboard panels and white fabric. The drawer inserts are useful for organizing socks and other accessories and clothing items and the hanging organizer has compartments and pockets of different sizes that can hold anything from shoes to towels, hats, bags and more.

Figure falls below analyst expectations, easing economic concerns
Singapore’s core inflation rose just 0.6 percent year-on-year in June, coming in below market forecasts and signaling a further easing of consumer price growth.

The slowdown, attributed to lower costs in services and goods, supports the view that inflationary risks in the city-state are gradually subsiding.
City-state’s green transformation inspires international praise
Singapore’s large-scale regreening initiatives are earning global recognition as a blueprint for sustainable urban development.

Through a combination of vertical gardens, forest restoration, and green building policies, the city has successfully integrated nature into dense urban spaces, offering a model for other global cities facing climate and livability challenges.
Incident sparks controversy over workplace injury claim
A woman in Singapore has died just one day after publicly accusing an Indian worker of faking a workplace injury for compensation.

The incident has triggered widespread debate on social media, with authorities now examining the circumstances surrounding both the accusation and her sudden death.
Global mobility index shows shift in travel access rankings
The 2025 global passport index reveals a reshuffling of ranks, with the United States and United Kingdom seeing declines in their travel access scores, while India makes significant gains.

The results reflect evolving visa agreements and international mobility trends, underscoring the growing influence of emerging markets on global travel dynamics.
Central bank to weigh figures ahead of policy decision
Singapore’s headline inflation rate has remained at its lowest level in more than four years, reinforcing expectations that the Monetary Authority of Singapore may maintain its current policy stance.

The latest data show price pressures continuing to ease, providing relief to households and policymakers alike as global inflation cools.
Agreement aims to open markets and strengthen bilateral trade ties
Indonesia has agreed to reduce tariffs and ease non-tariff barriers as part of a trade deal with the United States, a move expected to boost bilateral commerce and improve access for American businesses.

The framework includes the streamlining of import rules and lower duties on key products, paving the way for expanded trade cooperation between the two countries.
Elimination of barriers praised as economic breakthrough
President Donald Trump has described the new trade deal with Indonesia as a major win for American businesses, citing the elimination of significant trade barriers and enhanced access to Southeast Asian markets.

The agreement is part of the administration’s broader effort to rebalance global trade relationships in favor of U.S. industries.
Trump administration announces sweeping regional trade update
The Trump administration has unveiled a series of revised trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, introducing updated terms aimed at increasing U.S. exports and reducing trade deficits.

The new pacts cover tariff reductions, regulatory alignment, and strategic cooperation, positioning the U.S. for deeper economic engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.
Final negotiations enter advanced stage amid economic push
The White House has unveiled the framework for a new trade agreement with Indonesia, signaling the near completion of negotiations aimed at enhancing market access and reducing trade friction.

The plan outlines commitments from both sides on tariff adjustments, regulatory reforms, and investment protections, reinforcing the U.S. focus on strategic economic ties in Southeast Asia.
Trade deal retains duties despite broader concessions
Despite the broader trade deal between the United States and Indonesia, the Trump administration has decided to retain a 19 percent tariff on certain Indonesian exports.

The decision reflects ongoing concerns over competitive pricing and labor practices, even as both countries work to expand overall trade cooperation under the new agreement.
Talks aim to reduce 36 percent levy on key Thai goods
Thailand is close to finalizing a trade deal with the United States that would reduce a 36 percent export tariff on Thai products.

Negotiators report that more than 90 percent of the terms have been agreed upon, with both sides optimistic about reaching a final agreement that will enhance bilateral trade flows.
Charter reform delays signal continued political gridlock
Thailand’s government has acknowledged that the constitutional amendment process is unlikely to be completed within the current parliamentary term.

The announcement reflects persistent political divisions and limited consensus on proposed reforms, dealing a setback to efforts aimed at reshaping the nation's governance framework.
Tensions rise amid cross-border military allegations
Thailand has formally accused Cambodia of planting new landmines along their shared border, escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors.

Thai military officials claim recent discoveries indicate unauthorized activity, prompting calls for an international investigation and increased patrols in the disputed areas.
Strategic plan aims to redefine the country’s travel sector by 2026
Thailand has launched 'The New Thailand' vision, a comprehensive initiative to modernize and reposition its tourism industry by 2026.

The strategy includes sustainability goals, upgraded infrastructure, and a renewed focus on experiential travel, with the aim of attracting high-quality visitors and reinforcing the country’s global appeal.
Strong winds and flooding risk remain despite downgrade
Tropical Storm Wipha has weakened, but meteorologists warn that much of Thailand will still experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the coming days.

Authorities are advising residents in low-lying and coastal areas to remain vigilant as flooding and landslides remain a significant concern despite the storm’s downgraded status.
Country strengthens its position as a top global destination
Thailand has achieved a new milestone in tourism by reporting a sharp increase in Russian visitor arrivals, defying broader global travel challenges.

Officials attribute the surge to targeted marketing, relaxed visa measures, and the country’s sustained appeal as a premier tropical destination.
Thai boxer to face Leona Rodríguez in silver title defense
Thailand’s Wisuta Sririttidet is set to face Leona Rodríguez in a bid for the WBC Silver Atomweight Title.

The bout is expected to draw international attention as Sririttidet prepares to challenge the reigning champion in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup in the women’s boxing circuit.
Tech consultancy boosts capabilities with local acquisition
Accenture has strengthened its footprint in Malaysia through the acquisition of Aristal, a domestic technology solutions provider.

The deal aims to enhance Accenture’s ability to deliver digital transformation services in the Malaysian market and support the nation’s broader push for tech-driven economic growth.
New strategies aim to boost global appeal and arrivals
Malaysia has announced a bold plan to attract 47 million international tourists by 2026, focusing on digital campaigns, infrastructure investment, and strategic partnerships.

The Tourism Ministry outlined initiatives to enhance visitor experiences and position the country as a premier destination in the global travel market.
RM100 payment to every adult citizen to counter inflation
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a new relief plan to tackle Malaysia’s rising cost of living, including a one-off RM100 cash handout for all adult citizens and a targeted fuel subsidy scheme.

The initiative is designed to ease public dissatisfaction over inflation and growing economic pressures, as the government seeks to bolster household purchasing power.
Negotiations aim to soften impact of looming trade duties
Malaysia is in active discussions with the United States to reduce expected tariffs on its exports, seeking to limit the rate to 20 percent.

The government is engaging with American counterparts to protect key industries and preserve competitiveness amid shifting global trade dynamics.
Logistics giant recognized at CSR Malaysia Awards 2025
FedEx has received dual accolades at the Sustainability and CSR Malaysia Awards 2025, highlighting its environmental and community-focused initiatives.

The company was praised for its leadership in green logistics and corporate responsibility, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth in the region.
Invisalign debuts metal-free palatal expander for children
In a major advancement in orthodontic care, Invisalign has introduced a 3D-printed, metal-free palatal expander for children in Malaysia.

The innovative device offers a less invasive and more comfortable alternative to traditional treatments, reflecting a growing trend toward personalized and technology-driven dental solutions.
New partnership to enhance brand engagement in Malaysia
Gigi Coffee has named Chariot Agency as its new creative partner, tasking the firm with leading brand strategy and marketing campaigns across Malaysia.

The collaboration aims to strengthen Gigi’s market presence and connect more deeply with its growing customer base through innovative storytelling and design.
Higher power consumption drives reliance on fossil fuels
In response to surging domestic energy consumption, Malaysia is ramping up coal-fired power output and increasing coal imports.

Officials say the move is necessary to maintain grid stability and prevent shortages, despite environmental concerns and growing pressure to transition toward renewable sources.
Unmanned aircraft falls amid cross-border tensions
A military drone operated by Myanmar’s junta has crashed near the Thai border, raising concerns over airspace violations and regional security.

The incident comes amid heightened military activity and clashes with resistance groups in border regions, prompting authorities on both sides to monitor the situation closely.
Resistance forces say they shot down the aircraft
A Myanmar military fighter jet has reportedly gone missing, with a local resistance group claiming responsibility for shooting it down.

The aircraft vanished from radar during operations in contested territory, and while the military has not confirmed the cause, anti-junta forces have posted images allegedly showing the crash site and wreckage.
Now AI voice clones, and eventually video clones, can impersonate people in a way that Altman said is increasingly "indistinguishable from reality"

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned the financial industry of a "significant impending fraud crisis" because of the ability of artificial intelligence tools to impersonate a person's voice to bypass security checks and move money. Altman spoke at a Federal Reserve conference Tuesday in Washington.

"A thing that terrifies me is apparently there are still some financial institutions that will accept the voiceprint as authentication," Altman said. "That is a crazy thing to still be doing. AI has fully defeated that."

Voiceprinting as an identification for wealthy bank clients grew popular more than a decade ago, with customers typically asked to utter a challenge phrase into the phone to access their accounts.

But now AI voice clones, and eventually video clones, can impersonate people in a way that Altman said is increasingly "indistinguishable from reality" and will require new methods for verification.

"That might be something we can think about partnering on," said Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, the central bank's top financial regulator, who was hosting the discussion with Altman.

The popular host Joe Budden recently made headlines after accidentally sharing a screenshot that revealed he earns close to $900,000 per month—and later confirmed that his podcast network is on track to generate over $20 million in revenue by 2025. Budden represents a growing trend among independent audio creators who are trying to reduce their reliance on the industry’s major players—an industry that, according to new data, now generates $7.3 billion annually.

A Billion-Dollar Boom for Podcasts

According to a recent report from research firm Owl & Co, the global podcast industry brought in $7.3 billion last year—more than double most prior estimates. This surge reveals that podcasting, still a relatively young entertainment format, is bringing in far more money than many insiders had previously realized.

Advertising accounts for the bulk of these revenues, with the rest coming from paid subscriptions. These numbers do not include live events, such as the wildly popular British political podcast The Rest is Politics, which sold out London’s O2 Arena for a live taping.


Joe Budden’s Accidental Disclosure

In this booming market, one of the most surprising success stories is that of Joe Budden, a former rapper once dubbed “the Howard Stern of hip-hop.” Last month, Budden unintentionally posted a screenshot from Patreon—a subscription platform where fans can pay creators directly. The image showed over 30 million views in 30 days.

While the revenue figures were blacked out, internet sleuths edited the image and discovered that Budden had likely earned over $900,000 in that single month, backed by more than 154,000 active subscribers. The figures quickly made headlines. Budden’s latest Patreon update and podcast episode even referenced the leak with a title that cheekily reads “Blackout the Numbers.”


On Track for $20 Million+ in 2025

According to Ian Schwartzman, CEO of the Joe Budden Network, the platform is now averaging $1.04 million per month on Patreon. “We have around 70,000 paying subscribers, with subscription tiers ranging from $5 to $50 per month. Higher tiers offer access to more content, including exclusive spin-off shows,” Schwartzman told The New York Times.

Budden’s Patreon offers four subscription levels:

  • Homies ($5/month) – Ad-free episodes and bonus content.

  • Family ($10/month)

  • Friend of the Show ($25/month)

  • Part of the Show ($50/month) – Includes a chance to appear on-air and have your name in the credits.

These subscription revenues alone could exceed $12 million in 2025, making Budden one of the highest-earning creators on Patreon—a claim that a Patreon spokesperson has confirmed.


Advertising Still Adds Millions

But subscriptions aren’t Budden’s only income stream. Advertising also contributes millions in additional revenue, said Schwartzman. Notably, Budden’s team sells their own ads directly, instead of partnering with major networks like iHeartWondery, or SiriusXM, which often take a cut of ad revenues.


From $500 a Week to Industry Powerhouse

Budden’s journey hasn’t always been lucrative. Back in 2017, when he co-hosted a show on the media platform Complex, Schwartzman recalls that they were struggling to break even. Budden himself has said he was surviving on a $500-per-week stipend at the time.

From 2018 to 2020The Joe Budden Podcast had an exclusive licensing deal with Spotify, which paid under $2 million per year and didn’t include ad revenue or equity.


Leaving Spotify: A Strategic Reboot

After a tense split with Spotify, Budden and Schwartzman began shopping for new distribution deals. But negotiations often broke down over exclusivity clauses. In one case, a potential $44 million deal was rejected because it required removing all content from YouTube.

“As the money goes up, so do the demands,” said Schwartzman. “We wanted someone who saw our value and would let us stay in the game.”

In 2021, they found their fit in Patreon—no guaranteed check, but equity in the company and advisory roles for both Budden and Schwartzman. “Joe is in a league of his own,” said Patreon CEO Jack Conte. “Earning $1 million a month on Patreon is extremely rare.”


A New Model for Creator Power

Since hitting that revenue milestone in November, the Joe Budden Network hasn’t slowed down. Conte credits Patreon’s creator-first model, noting: “Artists today have more leverage and control than ever before in the history of the arts.”

The U.S. President disclosed new trade deals that include reduced tariffs and investment pledges from key Asian economies, with Japan committing $550 billion in U.S.-based projects
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a series of new trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, detailing what he described as transformative developments for the American economy.

According to statements released on his social media platform, Japan has pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States, with 90% of profits reportedly expected to remain within the country.

The trade agreement with Japan includes significant tariff adjustments, with Japanese imports to the U.S. subject to duties ranging between 15% and 19%.

In return, the Japanese market will open further to U.S. goods, including automobiles, trucks, rice, and other agricultural products.

Trump stated that the investment deal would generate hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Following the announcement, Tokyo’s stock exchange experienced a 3.5% surge, marking the highest closing since July 2024.

Additionally, Japan's 10-year government bond yield rose by 9 basis points to 1.60%.

The agreement with Indonesia entails the removal of 99% of tariffs on American industrial, technological, and agricultural products entering the Indonesian market.

In contrast, Indonesian exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 19% import tariff.

The deal includes commitments by Indonesia to supply critical minerals to the United States and purchase American goods, including Boeing aircraft, agricultural exports, and energy products, in contracts valued in the tens of billions of dollars.

A similar framework has been established with the Philippines, where American products will be exported tariff-free, while Philippine goods entering the U.S. market will face a 19% tariff.

During a state visit by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, the two countries signed a trade agreement that also includes military cooperation initiatives.

These agreements come two weeks after Trump previously announced plans to impose higher tariffs on several Asian nations—32% on Indonesia, 30% on Japan, and 25% on the Philippines—due to the expiration of a moratorium on his proposed trade measures.

The recent negotiations have led to revised terms and apparent withdrawal from those earlier tariff levels.

Japanese and regional media outlets have prominently covered the announcement, with front pages in Tokyo highlighting the scale of the trade and investment commitments.

The agreements mark a shift in bilateral economic relations between the United States and several Asian partners, following extended negotiations involving trade liberalization and strategic collaboration.
New visa-free agreements boost international mobility for Vietnamese citizens
Vietnam's passport has climbed to the 84th spot in global rankings, reflecting significant gains in visa-free or visa-on-arrival access.

The surge follows new agreements with countries like Poland, Czechia, and Switzerland, contributing to a growing sense of international mobility and positioning Vietnam as an increasingly connected nation in global travel networks.
Robust exports and reform optimism push GDP to new heights
Vietnam’s gross domestic product has recorded its highest first-half growth in 15 years, driven by strong export performance and investor confidence in ongoing structural reforms.

The upbeat economic indicators reflect a resilient recovery from global downturns and position Vietnam among Asia’s top-performing economies in 2025.
Anniversary highlights growing cooperation and strategic partnership
The United States and Vietnam have commemorated the 30th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic ties, underscoring deepening cooperation in trade, education, and regional security.

Leaders from both countries highlighted their shared interests and growing people-to-people exchanges, as Vietnam continues to emerge as a strategic partner in Southeast Asia.
Proposal aims to attract foreign experts and fuel economic growth
Vietnam is considering introducing a five-year visa exemption for foreign experts in key sectors as part of its broader strategy to attract global talent and boost long-term economic development.

The move is expected to facilitate international collaboration in science, technology, education, and business, while reinforcing Vietnam’s competitiveness on the world stage.
Thunderstorm blamed for capsizing of vessel with many still missing
At least 28 people have died after a tourist ferry capsized in Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay during a sudden thunderstorm.

The incident, which occurred amid rough weather conditions linked to Tropical Storm Wipha, has left several others missing, including children.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with survivors describing narrow escapes and authorities investigating safety lapses on board.
Heavy rains and strong winds cause severe flooding and transport disruptions
Tropical Storm Wipha has made landfall in northern Vietnam, bringing fierce winds and torrential rain that triggered widespread flooding and disrupted transportation across the region.

Authorities in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh issued warnings as rivers overflowed and hundreds of flights were delayed or canceled.

Emergency teams are responding to affected areas as residents brace for continued rainfall and possible landslides.
Shops selling illegal animal products target Chinese tourists
Authorities in Laos have uncovered a network of illegal wildlife shops allegedly scamming Chinese tourists with counterfeit or restricted animal products.

Conservationists warn that these operations not only harm protected species but also damage the country’s reputation as a responsible tourism destination.

Officials are now stepping up enforcement to combat trafficking and tourist fraud.
Hairy, dwarf-like creature found in tree confirmed as previously unknown species
A mysterious, hairy creature spotted high in a tree in northern Laos has been identified by scientists as a new species of primate.

The dwarf-like animal, notable for its dense fur and diminutive size, was initially mistaken for a local myth.

Researchers say the discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the region and underscores the need for greater environmental protection amid expanding development.
Drop in recycling prices worsens environmental burden
Laos is grappling with a mounting plastic waste crisis as falling international recycling prices reduce incentives for collection and reuse.

The resulting accumulation of waste is straining urban infrastructure and threatening rivers and forests.

Environmental groups are calling for urgent reforms in waste management and increased investment in domestic recycling capabilities.
Lodkeo Inthakoumman claims top spot in international road race
Laotian athlete Lodkeo Inthakoumman dominated the women's field at the Pattaya Marathon, crossing the finish line ahead of an international field of competitors.

Her victory is being celebrated as a moment of national pride in Laos, where officials hope her success will inspire greater participation in competitive athletics.
LamoPay aims to revolutionize digital payments and tourism
Laos and Vietnam have launched a new cross-border e-wallet system named LamoPay, designed to streamline digital payments and enhance tourism between the two nations.

Officials say the initiative will improve convenience for travelers and support bilateral trade through seamless transactions, marking a key milestone in ASEAN's regional digital integration strategy.
New trade sanctions target 14 nations amid global supply chain concerns
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping new tariffs on 14 countries, including a 40 percent levy on imports from Laos and Myanmar.

The announcement, which comes amid growing debate over trade security, is expected to complicate economic relations and prompt diplomatic pushback from Southeast Asian governments.
Cambodian Prime Minister warns of a 'red line' amid rising tensions
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued a stern warning to Thailand, stating that the Ta Moan Thom Temple lies within Cambodian territory and any Thai provocation constitutes a violation of sovereignty.

The border dispute has reignited fears among local residents and prompted military readiness from both sides, with the Thai army reportedly threatening a temporary temple closure and Cambodia accusing Thailand of crossing a 'red line' in their actions.
Authorities intensify efforts to dismantle cybercrime rings targeting foreigners
Cambodian authorities have arrested more than 2,100 individuals over the past three weeks as part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on online scam centers.

The raids, conducted in cooperation with regional and international partners, aim to dismantle sophisticated human trafficking and cyber fraud networks that have increasingly used Cambodia as a base of operations.
New powers allow the state to strip nationality in cases of perceived disloyalty
Cambodia’s National Assembly has passed a constitutional amendment permitting the government to revoke citizenship from individuals deemed to threaten national security or commit acts of treason.

Critics argue the change could be used to silence dissent, while the government insists it is necessary for national integrity and to deter subversive activities.
ITMO pilot includes 8,000 electric scooters to cut emissions under Paris Agreement
Cambodia and South Korea have jointly launched a landmark carbon trading initiative under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, marking the Kingdom’s first international carbon market partnership.

The ITMO pilot includes the delivery of 8,000 electric scooters aimed at reducing urban pollution and supporting a national transition to clean transport solutions.
National carrier asserts design is inspired by Khmer heritage and identity
Air Cambodia has pushed back against accusations of brand plagiarism following its rebranding and the launch of new international routes, including a service to Shenzhen.

The airline stated that its design choices are deeply rooted in Cambodian cultural symbolism, emphasizing that the new look reflects national pride and identity rather than imitation.
Deal includes economic incentives and defense cooperation framework
Donald Trump has revealed that the United States has reached a broad military and trade agreement with the Philippines, combining economic concessions with enhanced security collaboration.

The deal was finalized during President Marcos Jr.’s visit to Washington, where both leaders highlighted the importance of countering Chinese influence in the region.

Although exact military terms remain undisclosed, the agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral defense ties and open new avenues for American investment in the Philippines.
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