A silver Montblanc fountain pen owned by Singapore’s first prime minister Lee Kuan Yew has sold for S$461,500 (US$360,000), nearly 10 times its highest estimate, after drawing 111 bids at an auction.
Singapore auction house Hotlotz said the sterling silver Montblanc Meisterstuck No 146 fountain pen, engraved with “SM Lee Kuan Yew”, sold on Sunday at its “Interiors & Collectibles – August, Fine Art Focus” online auction.
The pen had a presale valuation of S$30,000 to S$50,000, with bidding…
In Malaysia, DAP’s vote to stay in Anwar’s alliance secures stability – but at what cost?
A crucial ally of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling alliance voted on Sunday to stay in government, giving him breathing room after months of uncertainty over whether the biggest party in the coalition would remain in cabinet.
But the Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) decision also raises the stakes for its own political survival. Analysts warn that the party risks further erosion of its credibility unless it can unless it makes sure to push through concrete reforms before the next…
India’s Modi woos youth with free coaching, AI training after Gen Z protests
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday his government would provide free online coaching lessons for competitive exams, weeks after massive youth-led protests forced the education minister to resign.
Modi said the initiative was aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of families caught up in the country’s fiercely competitive education system.
The 75-year-old leader made the announcement while speaking from the ramparts of New Delhi’s imposing 17th century Red Fort to…
Malaysia’s Anwar vows to boost anti-corruption drive after state poll defeats
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would speed up the pace of reforms and strengthen an anti-corruption drive as he sought to rebuild public support after a string of electoral defeats and party departures.
Anwar acknowledged shortcomings by his administration that had led to frustration among Malaysians. While the economy grew 6 per cent last quarter and unemployment was low, Anwar said he “won’t deny” that Malaysians faced higher living costs.
“The economic numbers are not winning…
Toxic gas leak kills 8 at Bangladesh ship-breaking yard
At least eight workers have died following a toxic gas leak at a ship-breaking yard in the southeastern Bangladeshi district of Chattogram, officials said on Friday.
The incident occurred at the Ferdaus Steel Shipbreaking Yard in Sitakund subdistrict, an area that hosts many ship-breaking yards where old vessels mostly imported from around the world are dismantled.
Soon after the leak, many workers lost consciousness and were rushed to a local hospital.
Six out of seven people taken to…
Philippines’ Marcos says China oil talks have ‘moved forward’ despite maritime row
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Friday said talks with China on joint oil and gas exploration had “moved forward” – signalling hopes of a deal before he leaves office in mid-2028, despite ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
Marcos also confirmed for the first time a “provisional understanding” with Beijing over resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal, although he insisted this did not mean Manila was seeking China’s permission or surrendering…
Construction companies get clarity on Scottish aggregates tax exemption
Construction companies that excavate rock, gravel or sand as a necessary part of laying foundations for houses or other building projects in Scotland do not need to pay Scottish aggregates tax on any subsequent commercial exploitation, Revenue Scotland has confirmed.
How brands can remain visible in the AI age
Retail and consumer brands – from luxury houses to sportswear labels, online fashion platforms and high street retailers – need to reconsider their online strategies to ensure they remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds in an age when those consumers are increasingly accessing information on products via AI-generated summaries online.
FCA puts spotlight on governance at fast-growing UK firms
High-growth asset management, wealth management and payments firms must scale their governance, risk management and control frameworks in line with their business’ expansion, experts have warned.
As floods devastate Mekong communities, economic strain, conflict compound crisis
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by surging waters across Myanmar and Laos, with Thai farming communities along the Mekong River bracing themselves for difficult days ahead as authorities warn persistent heavy rains may bring flash floods.
Each year monsoon rains bring extensive flooding across the region.
Environmental campaigners say the damage is exacerbated by changing weather patterns and deforestation, as well as the string of dams across arterial rivers – like the Mekong –…