Firms operating in the UAE’s financial services market should welcome plans for the development of a single rulebook governing a range of regulated financial services, experts have said.
Chinese drone discovery sharpens focus on Asia’s undersea security race
A suspected Chinese underwater drone hauled out of Indonesian waters this month has sharpened global focus on a security race that analysts say has been years in the making across South and Southeast Asia: undersea surveillance.
The torpedo-shaped device was found near the Lombok Strait, one of the few deepwater channels through which submarines can transit submerged between the Pacific and Indian oceans and a passage closely watched by the United States and Australia.
Beijing said it did not…
Legal advice privilege covers intra-client communications, High Court confirms
Communications between members of a ‘client team’ can be covered by legal advice privilege even if they do not involve lawyers or evidence the substance of legal advice, a UK court ruling has confirmed.
How the Philippines became Japan’s closest security partner in Southeast Asia
The Philippines has emerged as the clearest example of what observers say is Japan’s shift towards a more active defence role abroad, with both countries deepening their military cooperation in areas ranging from joint drills to technological partnerships.
Japanese forces are taking part for the first time in this year’s Balikatan military exercises hosted by the Philippines, while bilateral cooperation is set to expand after Tokyo eased its defence export rules on Tuesday.
These activities…
University free speech complaints system to come into force in 2026
A new freedom of speech complaints system could result in England’s universities receiving significant fines if they fail to protect freedom of speech, an expert has said.
Malaysia’s durian growers in ‘survival mode’ as early glut and Iran war hit export trade
Malaysia’s durian growers say they are in “survival mode” as an early bumper harvest collides with a surge in fuel and freight costs, squeezing an export trade built around getting premium fruit into China fast.
Hot weather has brought harvests forward, swelling supply just as exporters face higher packaging, energy and transport costs, with the Iran war disrupting fuel supplies and making cargo more expensive.
The strain is exposing the vulnerability of Malaysia’s durian industry, which has…
World IP Day: How to maximise intellectual property on the global sporting stage
Major sporting events offer an unparalleled platform for companies to connect with audiences on a global scale – but the scale, speed and visibility of sport also amplify IP risk.
Nepal minister quits amid financial scrutiny after just weeks in office
Nepal’s home minister stepped down on Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances after less than a month in office he won on an anti-corruption platform.
Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests last September that toppled Nepal’s previous government, said he was stepping down to ensure a “fair investigation”.
“I have resigned from the position of Home Minister with effect from today,” the 38-year-old posted on his social media accounts.
“For me, morality is greater than a position…
Hong Kong, Malaysia stock exchanges to team up on ETFs, listings, Islamic finance
The bourse operators of Hong Kong and Malaysia are exploring a range of collaborations, from dual listings and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to Islamic finance, to forge closer ties between the city and the Southeast Asian country.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) CEO Bonnie Chan Yiting and Boursa Malaysia CEO Dato Fad’l Mohamed unveiled their joint development plans in a media briefing in Hong Kong on Wednesday as HKEX hosted the 40th Asian and Oceanian Stock Exchanges Federation (AOSEF)…
Land rights challenges under South Africa’s ITIPP framework
South Africa’s independent transmission programme marks a major step forward for the country’s transmission network, but land rights continue to pose an often underestimated challenge for developers and funders.