An American diplomat was found dead in Myanmar’s largest city, the US State Department said, and members of the diplomatic community in Yangon say a Thai woman has been detained by police in connection with the investigation.
American officials in Thailand and the US embassy in Myanmar referred questions on the case to the State Department, which confirmed the “death of a US government employee” assigned to the embassy in Yangon but gave no other details.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the…
South Africa Supreme Court reinforces strict time limits on arbitral award challenges
A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa (SCA) has highlighted the importance of acting within the strict time limits for set aside relief after arbitration[AF1.1][TM1.2] by relying on the UNCITRAL [TM2.1]Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, which has been incorporated into South African domestic law and given force of law by the International Arbitration Act 15 of 2017.
What Australian employers need to know after the 2026 annual wage review
Australia’s Fair Work Commission has approved a 6% rise in the national minimum wage and 4.75% increase to all modern award rates in its annual review – at a time of transformation for the organisation.
Malaysia drops probe into ex-anti-corruption chief Azam Baki, says ‘no further action’
Malaysia’s prosecutors have closed a criminal intimidation investigation involving former anti-corruption chief Azam Baki, saying a complaint by businessman Albert Tei did not “meet the legal threshold” for further action.
The decision comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government facing pressure over prosecutorial independence. Anwar had campaigned on a reformist, anti-corruption platform that has since been tested by high-profile dropped cases and delayed…
DIFC court rejects non-compete injunction in energy sector dispute
A recent decision by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts offers important lessons for employers on the enforceability of non-compete clauses across the DIFC and onshore United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Ireland prepares to introduce ‘savings and investment accounts’
The Irish government is preparing to introduce tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts (SIAs), which are designed to channel some of the deposits of Irish savers into capital markets and indirectly into the EU economy.
HMRC confirms Construction Industry Scheme doesn’t apply to pure financing arrangements
Updated guidance issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on how the UK’s Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies to financing arrangements will provide welcome relief to the real estate development sector, an expert has said.
World Cup heightens UK compliance duties for online platforms
Online platforms should expect their compliance with UK online safety laws to be subject to enhanced scrutiny during the forthcoming men’s FIFA World Cup 2026, experts have said.
Commonwealth modern slavery regimes are evolving – what Australian employers need to know
For companies trading across the Commonwealth, understanding the variances in modern slavery legislation is essential to ensuring compliant and successful trade.
As Putin courts Southeast Asia, does ‘Russia need Asean more’?
A summit between Russia and Asean next week promises to ease Southeast Asia’s energy crisis and Moscow’s diplomatic isolation – but not all of the bloc’s leaders are expected to show up.
Analysts are also divided on whether Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, the current Asean chair, will travel to Kazan for the meeting, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 17–18.
The summit marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations…