Singapore-based rewards and payments platform ShopBack has secured a major payment institution license from local regulators, enabling it to expand its suite of digital financial services.

Executives say the license will support greater innovation and strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional fintech hub.

The United States and Singapore have announced deeper collaboration on education, unveiling new exchange programs and partnerships designed to boost academic ties and cultural understanding.

Officials say the initiative will create expanded opportunities for students, researchers, and educators in both countries.

Singapore-based NTT DC REIT is set to raise approximately $773 million through an initial public offering, aiming to capitalize on surging demand for data center capacity.

The company plans to expand its regional footprint as cloud computing and AI workloads fuel a race for secure, efficient digital infrastructure.

Singapore is defying the global luxury slump with a surge in high-end retail spending, driven by its 240,000 millionaires and a robust influx of wealthy tourists.

Industry analysts say global brands are opening more stores in the city-state, making it Southeast Asia’s most stable and lucrative destination for luxury shopping.

Singapore’s financial regulator has imposed penalties totaling over S$27 million on nine institutions for breaches of anti-money laundering rules linked to gambling operations.

The enforcement action underscores the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system.

Singapore plans to install its fastest electric vehicle charger by the fourth quarter of 2025, a move aimed at accelerating the country’s transition to cleaner transport.

Authorities say the high-capacity charger will significantly reduce charging times, supporting government targets for wider EV adoption in the coming years.

Google has announced the expansion of its telemedicine advertising service to Singapore and the UK, enabling healthcare providers to better reach patients seeking virtual care.

The move aligns with rising demand for digital health solutions and represents the tech giant’s push into more localized, regulated markets.

Singapore and the United Kingdom have formed a new alliance aimed at shaping the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector.

Officials say the collaboration will focus on developing standards, guidelines, and research to ensure AI tools are deployed safely and effectively across banking and fintech.

Singapore’s first net-positive energy nature park has been recognized as a finalist in the ULI Global Awards for Excellence 2024.

The innovative project, designed to generate more energy than it consumes, showcases the city-state’s commitment to sustainable urban development and serves as a model for other global cities.

Severe weather across Southeast Asia has disrupted flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in Singapore, China, and the UAE.

Airlines including Singapore Airlines and Air China have scrambled to accommodate passengers after unexpected storms forced widespread delays and cancellations, complicating peak travel schedules.

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano has erupted spectacularly, sending an ash plume 18 kilometers into the sky and grounding flights across the region, including heavy disruptions for Bali-bound tourists.

Authorities have issued health warnings for ashfall, with residents wearing masks as thick grey deposits blanket nearby villages.

Chinese mining giant Huayou Cobalt has posted record profits fueled by its nickel operations in Indonesia, underlining the Southeast Asian nation’s growing importance as a global supplier of battery metals.

The company says demand remains strong despite environmental and social governance concerns surrounding resource extraction.

U.S. energy giants including ExxonMobil and Chevron are expected to sign $34 billion worth of deals with Indonesia, covering oil and gas production as well as critical minerals essential for the green energy transition.

Officials describe the agreements as a landmark boost for bilateral economic ties and energy security cooperation.

In an apparent concession aimed at reducing trade tensions, Indonesia has pledged to buy more American wheat as it negotiates with Washington to avoid the full impact of a 32% tariff on its exports.

Officials hope the expanded agricultural imports will help secure a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement.

Former President Donald Trump has confirmed the imposition of a 32% tariff on all Indonesian exports to the United States, warning Jakarta against retaliation.

The measure forms part of a broader set of trade restrictions targeting multiple countries, sparking concerns over rising costs for key Indonesian industries such as palm oil and electronics.

Indonesia and Vietnam have announced a new rice trade agreement designed to secure reliable supplies as exports from the region face sharp declines.

Officials say the pact will help maintain price stability and food security for both countries, while reinforcing trade ties amid broader geopolitical and climate-related challenges.

Flights to and from Bali and other Indonesian destinations have been canceled following the violent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, which sent ash clouds soaring into commercial air corridors.

Airlines across Australia and Southeast Asia have grounded routes, stranding hundreds of travelers and forcing carriers to coordinate last-minute contingency plans.

Indonesian emergency teams have begun evacuating villages threatened by lava flows and heavy ashfall from Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki’s latest eruption.

Officials warn that conditions remain unstable, with volcanic tremors continuing to rattle the region, as authorities prioritize resident safety and the delivery of emergency aid supplies.

Indonesia is sending its top trade negotiator to Washington in an urgent bid to avoid the looming 32% U.S. tariff on its exports.

Officials say they hope to present new concessions, including increased American agricultural imports, to secure a more favorable outcome and protect Indonesia’s crucial manufacturing and commodities sectors.

Thick volcanic ash from Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi eruption has blanketed surrounding villages, forcing thousands of residents to wear masks and shelter indoors.

Authorities have issued urgent health advisories warning of respiratory risks, while emergency teams monitor conditions for potential evacuations if volcanic activity continues.

Thailand has formally submitted a new trade proposal to the United States that offers zero tariffs on a wide range of American goods in exchange for reduced tariffs on Thai exports.

The government hopes the offer will avert the impending 36% levy, preserve critical trade flows, and stabilize the country’s export-dependent economy.

Former President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 36% tariff on all Thai exports to the United States, warning Thailand against retaliatory measures.

The move is part of a broader strategy targeting multiple trading partners and is expected to hit Thailand’s electronics, automotive, and food industries particularly hard.

Thailand’s finance minister says he remains confident that ongoing negotiations will succeed in reducing the newly announced 36% U.S. tariff before the August 1 deadline.

The government has offered trade concessions and is engaging in intensive diplomacy to preserve vital export markets and avoid disruptions to economic growth.

Thailand has submitted a new trade proposal to the United States offering zero tariffs on many American goods in a bid to avoid the newly announced 36% tariff on its exports.

Officials say they remain hopeful that concessions will lead to a reduced tariff rate before the U.S. deadline, aiming to protect jobs and critical supply chains.

The United States is reportedly preparing to restrict exports of advanced AI chips to Thailand and Malaysia in a move designed to curb China's access to critical technologies.

Industry analysts warn the proposed measures could hamper Thailand's efforts to build its semiconductor sector and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

The United States and Thailand have begun the 2025 iteration of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, or CARAT, exercises aimed at enhancing maritime security, interoperability, and regional stability.

The joint drills underscore the longstanding defense partnership between the two countries amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Chinese battery maker SVOLT has celebrated the production of its 10,000th electric vehicle battery pack at its factory in Thailand, underscoring the country’s emergence as a regional EV manufacturing hub.

Officials say the milestone reflects surging demand and Thailand’s strategy to position itself at the forefront of clean automotive technology.

Thailand’s meteorological department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall as tropical storm Danas intensifies the annual monsoon.

Officials advise residents to brace for potential flooding and landslides, with emergency services on alert and travel disruptions expected across affected regions.

In a bid to avoid the full brunt of a 36% tariff on exports to the United States, Thailand has offered further trade concessions aimed at satisfying American demands for improved market access.

Government officials stress the need to safeguard critical industries and jobs that rely on robust trade ties with Washington.

Malaysia has passed tougher laws to curb the import of plastic waste, drawing praise from environmental groups that say the country has long been a dumping ground for foreign trash.

Officials argue the stricter regulations will reduce pollution, support recycling industries, and promote a more sustainable waste management system.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Malaysia for ASEAN meetings this week, marking his first official visit to Asia.

The trip comes as new American tariffs on Malaysian exports fuel diplomatic tensions, with both sides expected to address trade frictions and regional security challenges during high-level talks.

Malaysia’s trade ministry has pledged to continue engagement with the United States despite the announcement of 25% tariffs on Malaysian goods.

Officials say they remain committed to finding a balanced solution that preserves vital trade flows while addressing American concerns over market access and supply chain security.

Malaysia Aviation Group has confirmed a major order for 20 additional Airbus A330neo jets, signaling long-term confidence in aviation growth despite looming trade tensions.

The move reflects the airline’s strategy to modernize its fleet, expand regional routes, and compete more effectively in Asia’s fast-recovering travel market.

Malaysia’s central bank is weighing its first interest rate cut in five years as economists warn that new U.S. tariffs could dampen exports and slow growth.

Analysts say policymakers face a delicate balancing act to support domestic demand while guarding against inflation risks and financial market volatility.

Malaysia’s digital sector attracted more than $6.19 billion in new investment in the second quarter of 2025, a 125% increase from the previous quarter.

Officials say the surge underscores the country’s ambitions to position itself as a Southeast Asian technology hub while diversifying its economy and creating high-skilled jobs.

Malaysia’s government has requested urgent trade talks with the United States after Washington announced a 25% tariff on Malaysian goods.

Trade officials say they are committed to a fair, balanced deal and hope to avert lasting damage to economic ties that support billions in annual commerce between the two countries.

Reports indicate the United States is preparing to restrict exports of advanced AI chips to Malaysia and Thailand as part of broader efforts to curb China’s tech ambitions.

Industry leaders warn the move could hurt Malaysia’s growing semiconductor sector, which plays a critical role in global electronics supply chains.

Former President Donald Trump has imposed new 25% tariffs on all Malaysian exports to the United States as part of a sweeping trade crackdown affecting 14 countries.

The administration argues the move will protect American industry, but critics warn it risks inflaming diplomatic relations and disrupting global supply chains.

Former President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 40% duty on imports from Myanmar and Laos, as part of a broader plan hitting 14 countries with punitive rates.

The move is intended to counter what Trump describes as unfair trade practices, but critics warn it could strain diplomatic ties and raise consumer prices.

Myanmar’s military junta has released 93 child soldiers following sustained international pressure and condemnation from the United Nations.

Human rights groups have welcomed the move but continue to call for stronger protections and accountability to end the long-standing practice of recruiting minors into armed conflict.

Intensifying clashes in Myanmar’s Chin State have forced thousands of civilians to flee across the border into India’s northeast, straining resources in border states like Mizoram.

Officials report ongoing efforts to shelter and support the displaced as humanitarian agencies warn of growing needs amid continued violence.

One hundred days after a powerful earthquake struck Myanmar, thousands of survivors remain in precarious conditions with limited access to adequate housing, healthcare, and clean water.

Aid organizations report that rebuilding efforts have been hampered by funding shortfalls and ongoing political instability, leaving many communities vulnerable.

Escalating clashes between Myanmar’s military and Kachin Independence Army rebels threaten China’s crucial supply of heavy rare earths, raising alarm in global technology markets.

The conflict has disrupted mining operations in northern Myanmar, forcing Chinese buyers to weigh alternative sourcing as geopolitical risks mount.

Insurance industry analysts estimate claims could exceed $1.5 billion after the recent earthquake that struck border regions of Myanmar and Thailand.

The quake caused widespread damage to buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture, highlighting gaps in preparedness and spurring calls for stronger disaster mitigation measures across the region.

Health officials in Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar have sounded the alarm over dangerous levels of arsenic contamination detected in stretches of the Mekong River.

Experts warn that prolonged exposure poses severe health risks to millions who depend on the river for drinking water, irrigation, and fishing, prompting calls for urgent mitigation efforts.

Heavy fighting between Myanmar’s military junta and ethnic resistance forces has triggered a fresh wave of refugees crossing into India’s Mizoram state, with officials confirming over 4,000 new arrivals.

Local authorities and aid groups are scrambling to provide shelter and relief as the humanitarian crisis along the border deepens.

ASEAN foreign ministers gathering in Kuala Lumpur face mounting pressure to address the worsening crisis in Myanmar alongside rising trade tensions sparked by new U.S. tariffs.

Analysts say the bloc must balance calls for stronger action on human rights with maintaining regional economic stability and diplomatic ties.

Myanmar’s military rulers are under renewed scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where Rohingya and other minority groups are calling for stronger international pressure to hold the junta accountable for abuses.

Advocates argue that meaningful action is essential to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for victims.