Semiconductor manufacturers in Southeast Asia must shift production to the US or face punitive tariffs, Washington’s top trade official warned on Thursday, saying tariffs “are the solution” if trade talks with regional governments fail to deliver results.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer delivered the message in Kuala Lumpur, where he met with ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Greer’s comments came as members of the regional bloc raced to secure better…
Jersey provisional liquidation ruling ‘boost’ for creditors
A ruling by the High Court in England to recognise the provisional liquidation of a Jersey-incorporated company for the first time will provide reassurance to creditors, an expert has said.
4 killed in India’s Ladakh as statehood protests turn violent near China border
At least four people were killed and dozens injured in India’s Himalayan region of Ladakh on Wednesday as protesters demanding statehood for the federal territory and job quotas for local residents clashed with police, two sources said.
The Buddhist-Muslim enclave lost its autonomy in 2019 when it was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir state by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and placed under the direct administration of New Delhi. Protesters, led by activist Sonam Wangchuk, also want…
China is now Southeast Asia’s leading partner as US influence wanes, report says
With China’s economic clout still its “strongest card” in Southeast Asia, Beijing is continuing to gain prominence in all corners of the region as its leading external partner, according to a study released on Wednesday.
According to the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia Influence Index, China has an overall score of 65 out of 100, a one-point lead over its nearest rival, the United States, making it the “most influential power” in six of the region’s 11 countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia,…
How tightened immigration rules could impact UK companies in 2026
Changes to UK immigration rules aimed at tightening visa requirements and reducing UK net migration will have a significant impact over the coming year for both employers recruiting workers and education providers recruiting international students.
India’s tech sector fears impact of Trump’s US$100,000 H-1B on US market
US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an up to fifty-fold increase in the cost of skilled worker permits under the H-1B visa programme has rattled India’s tech industry, which has provided highly qualified manpower and services to American enterprises for decades.
On Friday, Washington announced that the H-1B fee would be raised to US$100,000, from a range of US$2,000 to US$5,000 previously, based on the manpower strength of the company applying for the visa.
The H-1B is a three-year…
Will China or the US shape Indonesia’s energy future?
The race to replace coal in Indonesia, the world’s largest coal exporter, has become a contest between the US and China. At stake is not only Indonesia’s climate future, but also which superpower sets the terms for the next generation of energy in the developing world.
Like much of the developing world, Indonesia faces a choice between two stark energy futures.
Chinese companies signed more than US$54 billion in agreements in 2023 with Indonesian state utility PLN, while Indonesian President…
Philippine protests: voices mark moral outrage in ‘dangerous, hopeful’ period
Mass protests swept across the Philippines as Super Typhoon Ragasa approached, with citizens from all walks of life venting outrage at deepening corruption, particularly over the alleged plunder of funds from flood control projects meant to shield communities from disasters.
The demonstrations in cities across the country that took place on Sunday – loosely organised through social media, university groups, churches and word of mouth – marked perhaps the country’s largest protests in years…
New Hillsborough law laid before UK parliament
The UK’s new ‘Hillsborough Law’ could have significant implications for private bodies who are responsible for delivering public services and functions, an expert has warned.
‘Zero disruptions’ unrealistic, but Singapore vows stronger rail reliability
Singapore’s acting transport minister Jeffrey Siow has told parliament that while “zero disruptions” across the city state’s rail network is an unrealistic expectation, the government is boosting efforts to strengthen rail reliability and provide better support for commuters when incidents occur.
“Train delays happen in every system, in every city,” Siow said during a parliamentary sitting on Monday.
“Our phones, our computers have to be restarted every now and then. Cars will break down too. So…