China’s backing for new telecoms towers in the Solomon Islands, followed by Honiara’s ban on foreign naval visits, is likely to reignite Western fears about Beijing’s influence in the South Pacific.
Stable US-China ties key to belt and road success, Singapore’s Heng Swee Keat says
Singapore’s deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat says tensions in region – including in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea – must be better managed for belt and road project to boost growth and innovation.
Oil firm Rockhopper wins payout from Italian government after drilling ban
The oil firm Rockhopper has won €190 million in compensation after being banned from drilling in the Ombrina Mare oil field following a change in policy by the Italian government.
Singapore’s Olympic golden boy Joseph Schooling banned from competitions after ‘confessing’ to cannabis usage
Admitting to consuming cannabis earlier this year means the Olympic medallist is banned from competitions for the rest of his time as a conscript.
‘Too early’: Chinese nationals in Singapore criticise decision to ease indoor mask mandate
Some Chinese immigrants in Singapore say the government is sacrificing ‘people’s health for money’ as the city state winds down its pandemic rules.
UK crackdown on raw sewage dumps a ‘significant shift’ in water sector
The UK government’s new plans to reduce the amount of untreated sewage dumped in England’s rivers and coastal areas “represent a significant shift in the sector”, according to one legal expert.
Will Paramount’s Bali theme park, the biggest in Southeast Asia, ever be built? Don’t hold your breath
Hollywood movie company Paramount recently teamed up with an Indonesian firm to build the biggest theme park in Southeast Asia, but its construction is far from a sure thing.
Singapore rolls out new visa for top global talent from tech to sport and arts sectors
The Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, which requires a minimum monthly salary of S$30,000, will begin in 2023 to draw top talent across sectors, as the island state seeks to attract professionals in a post-pandemic world experiencing a tech labour crunch.
International climate agreements prompt increase in green arbitrations
The number of climate change arbitrations has increased rapidly over recent years, as both states and companies prioritise pressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and the climate crisis.
Japan’s Suzuki drives deeper into India with global R&D unit
Suzuki Motor Corp will in 2025 start producing electric vehicles at its factory in Gujarat