New Zealand’s defence force uses two Boeing 757-200s received in 2003 to carry the country’s leaders. But the ageing aircraft have become unreliable, causing delays and PMs to become stranded.
Australia unveils US$1.3 billion fund to hitch its future to Southeast Asia
‘Southeast Asia is where Australia’s future lies,’ Australian PM Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday as he announced the fund to focus on clean energy and infrastructure and provide loans, guarantees, equity and insurance.
What the draft AEMO plan means for Australia’s transmission network
The Australian energy market operator’s (AEMO) draft integrated systems plan for 2024 may not spell a major change from its 2022 plan in terms of actual transmission projects needed for the energy transition, but it does highlight the need to significantly speed up the timeline for the development of those projects.
India says train drivers watching cricket caused crash that killed 14 in Andhra Pradesh
The drivers of a train that missed a signal and ploughed into another train, killing 14 people, were distracted because they were watching cricket on a phone, India’s railways minister said on Monday.
In Philippines, falling English standards spark calls for film, TV dubbing ban
Philippine educators say more needs to be done as having strong English language skills is key to the country’s economic competitiveness.
Is chess India’s new cricket? Game’s popularity sees rise of young prodigies who could ‘go all the way’
Srihari Lakshminarasimhan is among a young crop of aspirants in India dominating the thriving chess landscape in recent years.
Taylor Swift fans make pricey Singapore pilgrimage to only Southeast Asian concert: ‘never spent big for someone else’
One fan from the Philippines spent at least US$6,000 on her flights, concert tickets and accommodation – slightly above the average annual household income in her home country to see Taylor Swift in Singapore.
Taiwanese YouTuber Chen Neng Chuan who faked his kidnapping put in Cambodia jail cell holding 150 inmates
The place was so cramped that Chen, also known as ‘Goodnight Chicken’, could only sleep in a seated position.
Singapore’s grant for Taylor Swift concerts ‘nowhere as high’ as speculated, minister says
Culture minister Edwin Tong, an ‘accidental Swiftie’, said the bottom line is that the government hustled a deal that works for the country and Singaporeans.
Holiday lets copyright risk for landlords arises from EU opinion
Landlords could be required to obtain copyright licences to account for the broadcasting of media via TVs they provide tenants under short-term let arrangements, according to a new opinion by an adviser to the EU’s highest court.