As preparations for the opening ceremony of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games continue, GIICA completed the prequalification process for a delivery contractor for the National Aquatic Centre in Spring Hill on 25 February.
Death of Iran’s Khamenei sparks outrage and calls for restraint in Asia
The killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli air strikes has prompted governments across Muslim-majority South and Southeast Asia to reiterate calls for restraint as protests flared in several cities, with some religious and political movements hailing the cleric as a “martyr”.
Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death on Sunday and declared a 40-day mourning period, casting the assassination as a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic he had led since…
Malaysia has the music. Zamaera wants the world to hear it at SXSW
When Malaysian rapper Zamaera hit send on an email to South by Southwest’s (SXSW) music team in mid-December, she had already been told she was returning to Austin as a showcasing artist.
What she wanted was bigger: a stage for Malaysia, the kind Japan, Taiwan and Britain already had at the US music festival.
“They have a stage … for Japan. Taiwan already has a stage … even the UK and Germany,” the 31-year-old rapper, born Sharifah Zamaera, told This Week in Asia in an exclusive interview. She…
From EVs to steel, how China’s price-setting deals are easing trade tensions
China and South Korea have resolved a trade dispute over hot-rolled steel coils through a price-undertaking deal, mirroring the solution used in China’s electric vehicle (EV) stand-off with the European Union.
Analysts say the deal, which will see exporters raise export prices to avoid anti‑dumping duties, could avert punitive tariffs and safeguard market access for Chinese exports.
The China Iron and Steel Association said in a statement issued on Thursday night that it “welcomed and supported”…
Northern Ireland leads way with new miscarriage support legislation
With new laws supporting people who experience miscarriage coming into effect in Northern Ireland this spring and similar proposals in Scotland, England and Wales, and Ireland, this is an opportunity for employers across the UK and Ireland to examine their family friendly policies, an expert has advised.
Research shows how ERA zero hour protections could impact UK employers
The number of people on zero hour contracts in the UK has reached record levels, according to new research. The findings underscore the scale of the challenge that employers in Britain will face when new rights for those on zero- and low-hour contracts take effect in 2027, an employment law expert has said.
Malaysia considers high-powered commission to probe anti-corruption agency allegations
Malaysia’s government said on Friday it would consider calls for a royal commission to investigate alleged abuses of power within the country’s anti-corruption agency, as pressure grew for the immediate removal of its chief commissioner.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has faced growing pressure from critics and allies alike since news reports earlier this month alleged that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Azam Baki had bought corporate shares exceeding the limit permitted for…
Malaysian politician Fahmi Zainol charged with hurting wife in domestic dispute
Penang’s youngest executive councillor Fahmi Zainol has been charged at the Magistrate’s Court in the Malaysian state with voluntarily causing hurt to his wife.
The 35-year-old, who is the Pantai Jerejak assemblyman, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before Magistrate Chia Huey Ting.
Based on the charge sheet, he is charged with purposely causing injury to his wife, Nur Hidayah Abd Jabar, 35, at a house in Bayan Lepas at around 10pm on Sunday.
The charge was framed under…
Indonesia’s bid to execute 6 cargo ship crew in drug case sparks liability debate
When 22-year-old Fandi Ramadhan phoned home from detention last May, he told his mother he did not know there were drugs on the ship where he had recently started work as an engine-room oiler.
Indonesian prosecutors, however, allege he was aware of the illicit cargo and are now seeking the death penalty for him and five other crew members of the Thai-flagged vessel Sea Dragon, after authorities said they found nearly two tonnes of methamphetamines on board in what officials described as the…
Ofgem publishes heat networks enforcement guidelines and policy statements
New heat network enforcement powers must be applied proportionately to ensure that regulation of the sector in Britain helps support innovation and growth, experts have said.