A survey conducted last month found a majority of Koreans support an alternative to compulsory military service for BTS. Some opponents say it just highlights preferential treatment for the wealthy, powerful and connected.
Thailand’s Chinese submarine deal: why is it stuck in limbo, and will it go ahead?
Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s government has struggled to defend the US$1.05 billion deal for three Chinese submarines at a time of economic hardship.
EU court removes German barrier to preliminary patent injunctions
Businesses can obtain preliminary injunctions to enforce European patents against alleged infringers even if the validity of those patents has not been confirmed in legal proceedings, the EU’s highest court has ruled.
Philippine election: Is Leni Robredo allied with ‘communist terrorists’? No, former military spokesman says
The presidential candidate – and current vice-president – has been falsely accused of aiding and abetting the Philippines’ long-running communist insurgency, an accusation that can have deadly consequences.
Vietnam coffee farmers turn to avocados and durians as Ukraine war pushes up fertiliser costs
An official said despite the extra income from these additional crops, growers are still having to cut back investment in their coffee trees.
Digital firms should be mindful of UK regulators’ focus on algorithms
Digital firms should pay close attention to the UK Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum’s (DCRF) focus on algorithms, according to one legal expert, after the regulatory body published its work plan for the year ahead.
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte vows to ban online cockfighting known as ‘e-sabong’
There has been outcry over online cockfighting in the Philippines following the disappearance of dozens of workers and concerns about the social costs of gambling.
‘Lively and special’: Singapore’s Muslims cheer first Eid without Covid curbing festivities
The city state’s mosques are once again bustling with worshippers as Eid al-Fitr celebrations return at full scale, after last month’s lifting of capacity limits and social-distancing curbs.
Philippine election: Who is Bongbong Marcos, what’s his platform and China views, and why can’t he visit the US?
Philippine presidential frontrunner Marcos Jnr and his family face arrest in the US for defying a court order to pay US$353 million to human-rights victims.
Asia’s Muslims celebrate 1st Eid after Covid curbs eased: ‘Words can’t describe how happy I am’
Millions of Indonesians rejoiced at the return of the tradition of homecoming after two years of subdued festivities, as Muslims in Malaysia filled bazaars and shopping malls.