Alibaba has launched its first Global AI Competency Center in Singapore, positioning the city-state as a key hub for enterprise innovation and research as the Chinese tech giant expands its artificial intelligence capabilities to serve international markets.

A caterer in Singapore has pleaded guilty over a mass food poisoning incident that left more than 200 people ill at multiple events, with authorities promising stricter oversight of food safety standards to prevent future outbreaks.

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for Singapore’s first Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints temple, marking a significant milestone for the local faith community and signaling the church's growing presence in Southeast Asia.

Singapore police report that victims have lost more than $48,000 since mid-June to food advertisement scams on social media platforms, prompting renewed warnings for consumers to remain vigilant against fraudulent sellers and online payment requests.

Singapore has introduced tighter regulations for cryptocurrency exchanges to bolster consumer protections and maintain its reputation as a secure financial hub, requiring exchanges to implement stricter due diligence and compliance measures.

Singapore-based investment group Makara Capital has announced plans to mobilize up to $7 billion for projects in Vietnam, reflecting the city-state’s growing role as a launchpad for Southeast Asian investment and development initiatives.

A ground power unit attached to a Singapore Airlines A380 aircraft caught fire at Frankfurt Airport, prompting an immediate emergency response and a safety investigation as the airline works with German authorities to determine the cause.

The deadly ferry sinking near Bali has renewed concerns over Indonesia’s maritime safety standards, with critics pointing to overcrowding, lax enforcement, and aging vessels as persistent issues in a nation of thousands of islands heavily dependent on sea travel.

A ferry carrying at least 65 people has sunk off Indonesia’s Bali coast, leaving at least four confirmed dead and dozens missing as search and rescue teams battle rough seas to locate survivors.

Officials say more than 20 people have been rescued so far, while emergency crews continue combing the area under challenging conditions.

Indonesian authorities have launched a full-scale search and rescue operation after a passenger ferry sank in the Bali Strait, mobilizing navy ships, helicopters, and local fishing boats to find the dozens still missing amid strong winds and heavy seas.

Conflicting casualty reports have emerged following the ferry disaster near Bali, with local agencies citing between two and four confirmed fatalities and estimates of the missing ranging from 38 to 61 as authorities race to verify numbers and locate survivors.

Thailand’s proposed casino legalization bill faces renewed uncertainty following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with political instability threatening to derail legislative progress and broader efforts to boost tourism revenue.

China and Thailand have marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with a formal reception in Bangkok, reaffirming commitments to deepen economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation as both nations seek to strengthen their longstanding partnership.

Australia has issued a travel warning advising caution in Thailand after authorities foiled an explosives plot in Phuket and other popular destinations, prompting heightened security measures and renewed focus on traveler safety in the region.

Thailand is reversing its landmark decriminalization of cannabis, with the government preparing stricter regulations that have left businesses scrambling to adapt and raised questions about the future of the country’s fledgling cannabis industry.

Energy and telecoms magnate Sarath Ratanavadi has climbed to become Thailand’s third-richest individual, driven by the rapid growth of Gulf Energy’s operations and its increasing influence in the country’s infrastructure and power sectors.

Thailand is building a new LNG terminal capable of handling 8 million tons annually as part of its energy diversification strategy, aiming to secure long-term supply and bolster its role in the regional natural gas market.

Thailand’s telecom leaders True Corp and AIS have secured $1.3 billion worth of spectrum in a competitive auction, strengthening their 5G capabilities and supporting the government’s push to expand high-speed digital connectivity nationwide.

Thailand will host the renowned electronic music festival Tomorrowland in 2026, highlighting the country’s commitment to attracting international visitors and showcasing its cultural appeal as a leading destination for world-class events.

Thailand’s central bank has emphasized the need for flexible monetary policy to navigate rising economic headwinds, with officials signaling a cautious approach to maintain stability and support growth amid global uncertainties and domestic challenges.

Thailand’s Prime Minister has been suspended pending an ethics investigation into a leaked phone call, deepening political turmoil as Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai assumes leadership, while calls grow for stability and transparency in governance.

Malaysia has announced it will no longer accept shipments of plastic waste from the United States, closing its ports to imported trash in an effort to reduce environmental damage and crack down on illegal recycling operations that have strained local communities.

Malaysia and Indonesia have signed an agreement to resolve their long-standing maritime boundary dispute in the Ambalat region, demonstrating effective diplomacy and setting an example for peaceful conflict resolution within ASEAN to bolster regional stability.

Malaysia has introduced new power tariffs for data centers to manage rising electricity demand and encourage more sustainable energy use, reflecting a commitment to balancing rapid digital growth with environmental responsibility.

Alibaba Cloud is expanding its presence in Southeast Asia by launching new data centers in Malaysia and the Philippines, a strategic move aimed at strengthening AI capabilities, enhancing data security, and meeting growing demand for local cloud services in the region.

Malaysia has announced upgrades to its net metering scheme for rooftop solar installations, aiming to make renewable energy more accessible to households and businesses while advancing national sustainability goals and reducing carbon emissions.

Malaysia is moving to overhaul its cryptocurrency exchange regulations, proposing streamlined rules to enhance investor protection, improve compliance, and position the country as a secure and well-regulated hub for digital asset trading in the region.

As it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia is prioritizing digital trade integration, pledging to harmonize e-commerce regulations and promote secure, seamless cross-border transactions to drive regional economic growth and strengthen the digital economy.

Malaysia's MMC Port Holdings is preparing for what could be the country's largest initial public offering in over 13 years, seeking to raise up to $2 billion to fund major port infrastructure projects and reinforce Malaysia's position as a regional trade hub.

Malaysia is advancing plans to introduce visa-free travel for Sri Lankan visitors, part of a broader strategy to strengthen bilateral tourism ties, support its Visit Year 2026 goals, and encourage sustainable growth in the nation's travel and hospitality sectors.

Malaysia Aviation Group is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to purchase Airbus A330neo jets as part of its strategy to modernize its fleet, improve fuel efficiency, and strengthen its competitive position on long-haul international routes.

Myanmar’s junta has blacklisted 200 companies for allegedly circumventing its hard currency regulations, in a move seen as an attempt to shore up dwindling foreign reserves and tighten control over economic activity amid ongoing instability.

Bangladesh's women's national football team secured a historic place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup finals after defeating Myanmar, marking a milestone for the country's sporting ambitions and delivering a boost to the development of women's football in the region.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned of an escalating crisis in Myanmar, with displacement surpassing 110,000 people across Bago, Magway, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and southern Shan State as fighting continues to uproot communities.

Resistance forces in Myanmar have closed major roads in and around Moebye as the military launches operations to regain control of the area, underscoring the intensifying civil conflict between pro-democracy fighters and the ruling junta.

A Myanmar junta airstrike has killed one woman and destroyed several homes in Singu Township, Mandalay Region, further highlighting the human cost of ongoing military operations against resistance-held areas in the country.

Health authorities in Myanmar are warning of rising malaria cases in the country's western regions, calling for urgent preventative measures and expanded treatment access as public health systems struggle under the dual pressures of conflict and disease outbreaks.

Indonesia has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure the release of an Indonesian influencer sentenced to seven years in prison on terrorism charges in Myanmar, raising questions about the legal process and appealing for a fair review of the case.

More than 12,000 people have fled Myanmar’s quake-hit regions amid renewed military offensives, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis and straining efforts to deliver aid in areas devastated by both conflict and natural disaster.

The Indian state of Mizoram has started biometric enrollment for over 32,000 refugees from Myanmar, aiming to improve monitoring and aid distribution as conflict across the border drives continued displacement into northeast India.

Myanmar’s military government has voiced opposition to Timor-Leste’s bid to join ASEAN, adding to tensions within the regional bloc as it struggles to address both Myanmar’s own political crisis and broader questions of membership expansion.

American farmers are set to benefit from the new trade agreement with Vietnam, which eliminates tariffs on US agricultural exports.

Industry leaders say the move will improve competitiveness for grains, livestock, and specialty crops in the growing Southeast Asian market, offering a welcome boost amid global trade challenges.

Industry groups across agriculture and manufacturing have praised the US-Vietnam trade deal for opening new export opportunities.

By eliminating tariffs on American goods and clarifying trade rules, the agreement is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, supporting jobs and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

US stock markets rallied sharply following the announcement of the US-Vietnam trade deal, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at new record highs.

Investors responded positively to expectations of increased market access for American goods and reduced trade tensions in Asia, driving strong gains in retail and technology stocks.

Apple and other leading technology companies saw share prices climb following the US-Vietnam trade deal, which is expected to reduce supply-chain uncertainties.

By clarifying tariff rates and improving market access, the agreement reassures investors about the stability of production hubs in Vietnam that are critical to the global tech sector.

The newly announced US-Vietnam trade deal is being viewed by many analysts as a strategic effort to counter China's influence in the region.

By strengthening economic ties with Vietnam, the United States aims to diversify its supply chains, secure critical manufacturing capacity, and deepen its engagement in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing markets.

Shares of Nike and other major retailers rose on news of the US-Vietnam trade deal, which is expected to reduce tariff-related costs for companies sourcing goods from Vietnam.

Analysts say the agreement will help stabilize supply chains and ease pressure on retail margins that had been threatened by escalating trade barriers.