Apollo Global Management has won the bid to manage Singapore’s new $1 billion private credit fund, reinforcing the city-state’s role as a regional financial hub.

The fund is expected to support mid-sized enterprises across Southeast Asia, with Apollo leveraging its experience to expand private lending across emerging markets.

Singapore has launched its first autonomous RoboBus on Sentosa Island, offering a glimpse into the future of smart tourism and public transport.

The pilot service is part of the country’s larger strategy to integrate AI and robotics into urban mobility, aiming to enhance visitor experience and reduce carbon emissions.

Singapore’s exports rose 13 percent year-on-year in June, surpassing analyst expectations and signaling resilience in the face of global trade headwinds.

The growth was led by electronics and biomedical shipments, bolstering confidence in the country’s diversified economic recovery.

Singapore’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka has welcomed over one million visitors, showcasing the city-state’s innovation and cultural heritage on a global stage.

The achievement is seen as a major diplomatic and tourism win, reinforcing Singapore’s soft power in the international arena.

Singapore is hosting the World Aquatics Championships, drawing elite swimmers and divers from around the globe.

The event has placed the city at the center of international sports, with high-profile races and breakout performances reinforcing Singapore’s growing presence in global athletic competitions.

Singaporean authorities have fined and investigated multiple law firms linked to a billion-dollar money laundering ring, intensifying scrutiny on the role of professional service providers in financial crimes.

The crackdown highlights Singapore’s ongoing efforts to maintain its reputation as a clean, trusted global financial center.

Singapore’s Prime Minister has lauded the country’s early decisions to legalize integrated resorts, calling them visionary as Marina Bay Sands enters its next phase of expansion.

The remarks come amid renewed debate over gaming’s role in tourism, investment, and economic competitiveness in Asia.

Las Vegas Sands has officially launched construction on its ambitious $8 billion expansion project at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

The development will include a new ultra-luxury hotel tower, state-of-the-art entertainment arena, and expanded convention facilities, marking one of the largest private investments in Singapore’s tourism infrastructure.

Singapore has charged five foreign nationals for deliberately getting arrested as part of a scheme to distribute illicit sexual enhancement drugs from behind bars.

The case has shocked the public and underscored the evolving tactics of underground pharmaceutical syndicates operating in Southeast Asia.

Indonesian authorities have reduced the scale of their search and rescue efforts following a tragic ferry incident off Bali, citing deteriorating weather and hazardous conditions.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions from families of the missing, as the government pledges continued support for recovery and investigation efforts.

As part of its newly concluded trade deal with the United States, Indonesia has agreed to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft, signaling strengthened economic ties and an emphasis on infrastructure modernization.

The deal not only supports U.S. manufacturing jobs but also advances Indonesia’s ambitions to enhance its aviation capacity and global connectivity.

The Indonesian government has announced plans to revise its sea sand export policy after a court ruling deemed previous regulations inadequate.

The policy update will focus on sustainability and tighter oversight as the country weighs the economic benefits of exports against environmental and maritime protection concerns.

Indonesia has finalized a high-stakes trade agreement with the United States, accepting a 19% tariff on its goods in exchange for continued market access and investment commitments.

While U.S. officials, including former President Donald Trump, have praised the deal as a strategic success, Indonesian leaders described the negotiations as an extraordinary struggle, emphasizing the economic necessity of securing terms amid rising protectionism.

Google Cloud has partnered with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council to launch the DATAI cybersecurity program in Indonesia, aiming to strengthen digital defenses across banking, energy, and public services.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to protect Southeast Asia’s growing digital economies from cyber threats and operational disruptions.

Indonesia has committed to significant investments in U.S. aviation through aircraft purchases benefiting Boeing and Bahrain-linked partners.

The move is part of a broader shift toward modernizing Indonesia’s air fleet and infrastructure while solidifying economic ties with key allies amid global trade realignments.

Indonesia has unveiled a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy dubbed the ‘Golden Vision,’ aimed at transforming critical sectors including healthcare, security, and logistics.

The initiative features collaboration with major tech firms and emphasizes the ethical development of AI to fuel sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Indonesian police have dismantled a criminal network trafficking babies from Indonesia to Singapore, arresting twelve individuals and rescuing multiple infants.

Authorities say the operation involved falsified documents and coordinated cross-border movements, raising urgent calls for stronger child protection laws and international cooperation.

Indonesia’s national narcotics agency has identified Bali as a key transit point in a growing regional drug trafficking network, citing increased smuggling activity and foreign involvement.

The revelation comes amid broader efforts to strengthen border control and implement harsher penalties against organized crime.

Indonesia’s legal system scored a major win after a local court ruled against enforcing a multi-million dollar international arbitration award in a long-running telecom dispute.

Legal analysts say the decision reinforces national jurisdiction over foreign contracts and could reshape how global firms approach risk in Indonesian markets.

Indonesia is grappling with a growing youth employment crisis, with more than 44 million young people facing limited job prospects due to economic constraints and sluggish labor market reforms.

The government is under increasing pressure to fast-track vocational training, digital literacy programs, and labor-friendly policies to avoid long-term socio-economic fallout.

American solar panel manufacturers have filed a formal petition seeking anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imports from Indonesia, India, and Laos, claiming unfair pricing practices and government subsidies.

The complaint could spark a new phase in global trade tensions over clean energy, with implications for Asia’s solar exports and U.S. renewable energy policy.

Thailand’s famous hippopotamus, Moo Deng, marked her first birthday with a festive celebration that drew large crowds at the local zoo.

The popular attraction has become a viral sensation on social media, symbolizing both public affection and efforts to boost family tourism through wildlife engagement.

In a bid to avert sweeping new tariffs, Thailand has offered to eliminate import duties on 90 percent of American goods, according to senior government advisers.

The proposal comes amid escalating trade tensions, with Thai officials warning that the proposed 36% tariff on Thai exports by former President Donald Trump could severely disrupt key economic sectors.

Thailand has passed a new law extending maternity leave entitlements, marking a major milestone in labor rights reform.

The legislation enhances social protections for working mothers and aligns with global standards, reflecting the government’s commitment to gender equity and family welfare.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is spearheading a bold economic initiative combining a new Golden Visa scheme with higher travel fees to attract high-net-worth tourists.

The plan seeks to diversify Thailand’s tourism market while injecting fresh capital into the economy amid sluggish recovery signs.

Thailand’s newly established Monk Misconduct Complaint Centre has received 69 formal complaints in its initial days, underscoring the widening scandal engulfing the country’s Buddhist clergy.

Authorities are calling for comprehensive reforms as public confidence in religious institutions faces growing erosion.

Artificial intelligence firm Appier has launched its AdCreative.ai platform in Thailand, marking a major step toward AI-driven marketing in Southeast Asia.

The generative AI tool is designed to help brands rapidly produce and optimize creative assets, promising faster turnaround times and improved campaign effectiveness across digital channels.

Thai cannabis farmers are facing mounting uncertainty as the government considers tightening its regulatory stance on marijuana use and cultivation.

Once heralded as an economic lifeline, the industry now contends with fears of re-criminalization, threatening rural livelihoods and investor confidence in the fledgling sector.

Thailand’s Senate Committee Chairman has urged the government to resist making further trade concessions to the United States and instead accept the 36% tariffs proposed by Donald Trump.

The call underscores growing political rifts over how to respond to the escalating tariff standoff and protect national economic sovereignty.

Thailand has introduced a national crypto sandbox enabling foreign tourists to convert cryptocurrencies into baht for local spending through licensed exchanges and regulated e‑wallet services, expanding a previous pilot model and aligning with efforts to modernize payment systems :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Exercise Keris Strike 2025 has commenced in Perak, featuring Malaysian, United States and Australian military units training side‑by‑side in a 14‑day drill aimed at enhancing regional interoperability and defence readiness, with officials urging local residents to remain calm amid increased military activity.

Malaysia’s economy expanded by 4.5 percent year‑on‑year in the second quarter, keeping pace with the previous quarter as strong domestic consumption and manufacturing growth offset weak exports, official advance estimates show.

A rebel army operating along Myanmar’s border with China has reportedly established control over significant rare-earth mineral deposits, creating a valuable economic base that could reshape local power dynamics and fund ongoing insurgent activities.

Myanmar’s military-led government has intensified its digital crackdown, expanding censorship and monitoring measures across social media and telecommunications platforms, a move that international observers say is silencing dissent and undermining digital freedoms.

Bishops from regions devastated by conflict in Myanmar have issued a heartfelt appeal to their congregations, urging those affected by war to maintain their faith and resilience despite the widespread suffering and social upheaval.

Government forces have successfully recaptured the strategically important town of Nawnghkio after approximately a year under rebel control, marking a significant victory for the military amid ongoing internal conflict and efforts to consolidate territorial authority.

Vietnam has unveiled a new missile system during parade rehearsals, signaling its continued investment in modernizing national defense.

The system was showcased in advance of the country’s upcoming National Day celebrations and highlights growing technological sophistication within the Vietnamese military.

Analysts say the move reflects a strategic effort to enhance deterrence amid rising regional tensions.

Vietnam has begun military and police rehearsals for its upcoming 80th National Day celebration.

The extensive preparations involve personnel from across the country and include both ceremonial and tactical components.

Organizers aim to showcase national unity, historical legacy, and modern capabilities during the highly anticipated national holiday.

Former President Donald Trump has announced a new trade agreement with Vietnam that will allow U.S. goods to enter the Southeast Asian country duty-free.

The deal, hailed by Trump as a breakthrough for American exports, comes amid broader efforts to rebalance trade in the region and reduce dependency on Chinese markets.

Vietnamese officials, however, have noted that negotiations are ongoing and the final details are yet to be confirmed.

Chagee, the popular bubble tea brand, has announced its strategic re-entry into the Vietnamese market with a new focus on consumer sentiment and long-term brand resilience.

After weathering a boycott earlier this year, the company aims to rebuild trust through quality offerings and community engagement, while also exploring electric vehicle investments as part of its sustainability roadmap in Vietnam.

Vietnam is experiencing a tourism boom, reporting over six million international arrivals so far this year.

The surge is attributed to relaxed visa policies, aggressive marketing campaigns, and increased connectivity with major markets.

Officials say the growth reflects the success of Vietnam's strategy to reposition itself as a leading destination in Southeast Asia.

The popular tea brand Chagee has been fined approximately $2,300 by Vietnamese authorities for displaying marketing materials that included a map featuring China’s contentious multi-dash line.

The map, which implies sovereignty over disputed South China Sea territories, sparked public backlash and led to regulatory action.

The company has since removed the material and issued a public apology.

Vietnamese authorities are re-evaluating restrictions that currently prevent local citizens from gambling at Phu Quoc's Corona Resort Casino.

The move is part of a broader discussion on economic liberalization and potential revenue generation through regulated gaming.

If approved, it would mark a significant policy shift in a country where gambling remains heavily restricted for its citizens.

A traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and its accompanying education center is now open to the public in Antioch through Sunday.

Known as 'The Wall That Heals,' the installation provides an opportunity for communities to honor Vietnam veterans and reflect on the sacrifices made during the war.

Visitors can explore exhibits and find the names of fallen service members, making the experience both educational and deeply moving.

A collection of wax figures at a museum in Vietnam has drawn widespread ridicule online after visitors shared images highlighting their distorted likenesses.

The statues, intended to honor prominent historical and cultural figures, have become the subject of viral mockery, with many calling for improved standards in public exhibitions.

The museum has yet to respond to the growing criticism.

Laos is set to introduce criminal prosecutions for violations of its natural resource protection laws, in an effort to curb illegal logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking.

The move follows growing domestic and international pressure to combat environmental degradation and strengthen conservation efforts.

Unverified reports have emerged suggesting that Laos has deployed troops to support Russia in its ongoing military operations, marking a rare foreign engagement for the Southeast Asian nation.

The Lao government has yet to confirm the allegations, which, if substantiated, would signify a dramatic shift in the country's traditional foreign policy of neutrality.