The recent Australia-Asean summit in Melbourne was illuminating in areas of economic cooperation as well as hot-button geopolitical issues. Agreeing on greater trade and investment was easy, but the South China Sea and Israel’s war in Gaza showed the wide diversity in opinion among attendees.
Singapore charges Chinese tourist who staged own kidnapping to cheat relatives, recoup gambling debts
Liu Changjian, 33, a Chinese national, allegedly staged his own kidnapping while in Singapore to cheat his relatives of roughly US$4,200.
The dark side of Japanese nightlife, Taiwan’s forgotten disco era, beach clubs in Bali: 6 weekend reads you may have missed
From the Japanese vice clubs tricking women into sex work to why 2024 could be Southeast Asia’s year for tourism, here are stories you may have missed over the weekend.
In Singapore, some small businesses lament muted impact of Swiftonomics: ‘not the right audience’
Some small businesses say the Swift effect was muted as fans were younger than their usual clientele, while others such as craft and bead stores saw a boom.
Indonesia sends 150 rescuers to find missing as flash floods and landslides kill 19 in Sumatra
Tons of mud, rocks and uprooted trees rolled down a mountain late on Friday, reaching a river that burst its banks and tore through villages in West Sumatra
Japan braces for major quake amid moderate tremors ahead of 2011 Tohoku earthquake anniversary
Researchers warn of a more catastrophic quake, after 28 quakes were recorded since the start of March this year, with 30 similar tremors last month.
Chinese man accused of helping to steal diamond ring from Singapore pawn shop
Luo Yi told a judge that he is ‘a law-abiding citizen in China and got foolishly dragged into this matter’.
New legislation simplifies UK Construction Industry Scheme scope
New rules outlined today are designed to simplify a UK tax regime that applies when tenants carry out certain construction works and where payment is made by landlords.
Irish Supreme Court ruling provides clarity over assignment of interest in litigation
A recent Irish Supreme Court ruling provides clarity on the validity of assigning interest in legal claims as well as underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to facilitating fair and efficient access to justice, an expert has said.
Apple’s €1.8bn penalty highlights ongoing EU antitrust focus in digital sector
The European Commission’s decision to fine Apple €1.8 billion for competition law breaches could raise concerns over the EU’s calculation of penalties and how non-monetary harm should be quantified.