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Malaysia said it is close to finalising an agreement with Singapore to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) that the two countries agreed to develop in January this year. The Southeast Asian neighbours hope that the SEZ will bring in new investment and stimulate economic growth. Read more here.
Taiwan is focusing on attracting tourists from Southeast Asia due to a drop in Chinese visitors. Visitor numbers from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia have increased, boosting hotel revenues. Find out more here.
A viral photo of football legend Lionel Messi with baby Lamine Yamal from 2007 has resurfaced, highlighting Yamal’s rise to football stardom. Yamal, now 16, is making waves at Euro 2024, becoming the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history. His goal against France helped Spain advance to the finals where they will meet England. More on the viral photo here.
A Pew Research Centre poll shows a global split in perceptions of China, with high-income nations holding unfavourable views, particularly in the Indo-Pacific due to territorial disputes, while middle-income countries view China more positively. Know more here.
When can you tell that you’ve drank more coffee than you should? Here are the signs to look out for.
If you’re planning for some tropical holiday, you don’t have to travel far as 5 Asian islands were chosen by travellers as among the best. Check them out here.
A man was caught attempting to smuggle 104 live snakes into mainland China by hiding them in his pants. It is unclear where the snakes are headed. More on the bizarre story here.
Samsung unveiled the AI-powered Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Ring, aiming to enhance health monitoring through advanced biometric analysis and personalised recommendations. Find out more here.
Vietnam tops affordability for expats, with high financial satisfaction and work-life balance, according to a recent survey of 12,500 expats. Read more here.
Actor George Clooney penned a damning op-ed in the New York Times calling for US President Joe Biden to drop out of the race due to concerns about his age and performance. Find out what exactly the celebrity said here.
Ng Siak Hai, 87, a founding shareholder of Singapore’s Jumbo seafood chain, faces charges for a fatal car accident. Expected to plead guilty in August, he faces possible jail time and fines. More on the case here.
Miss Universe Singapore pageant has expanded its criteria to all women over 18, regardless of marital status. Read more here.
A mural that depicts a “Samsui” woman, representing Chinese immigrants known for their labour-intensive work in early 20th-century Singapore and Malaysia, has has sparked debate over its potential to normalise smoking. Can we put Samsui-gate to rest now?
A Bishan HDB flat sold for $1.568 million, setting a record for the area and becoming Singapore’s fourth most expensive. Find out more here.
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Bishan’s most expensive HDB flat sold for $1.568 million
A Bishan HDB flat sold for $1.568M, setting a record for the area and becoming Singapore’s fourth most expensive HDB. (Photo: EdgeProp) A Bishan HDB flat sold for $1.568 million, marking the highest price for the area and the fourth most expensive in Singapore.
Located in the high floors of Natura Loft, this 13-year-old block offers excellent amenities and proximity to top schools, making it highly desirable.
This follows a recent $1.538 million sale in the same block, highlighting the area’s growing value.
The highest HDB sales in Singapore are two units on Boon Tiong Road and Henderson Road, each at $1.588 million.
Find out more about the record-breaking sale here.
Singapore retains mural of smoking ‘Samsui’ woman amid controversy
This mural of a “Samsui” woman in Singapore drew criticism for depicting smoking. (Source: Sean Dunston/Instagram) The mural of a “Samsui” woman holding a cigarette in Singapore has caused controversy.
Despite criticism and the lack of a permit, authorities decided to retain the mural while addressing concerns.
The mural, created by artist Sean Dunston, represents early 20th-century Chinese immigrants known for their labor-intensive work.
The building owner was fined S$2,000 for not complying with conservation regulations.
Read more here.
Malaysia, Singapore finalising special economic zone deal
The geographic makeup of the Singapore-Malaysia special economic zone (SEZ) in Johor is almost finalised, according to officials. (Photo: Aparna Nori/Bloomberg) Malaysia said it is close to finalising an agreement with Singapore to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) between the two countries.
Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said the Southeast Asian neighbours “should be able to sign a deal” and unveil the zone in September.
Singapore and Malaysia signed a memorandum to develop the SEZ in January this year. The neighbours hope that the zone will bring in new investment and stimulate economic growth.
Singapore and Malaysia share the world’s busiest land border via the Causeway link, where thousands of Malaysians residents in Johor travel daily to the city-state for work.
Read more here.
Vietnam offer affordable living and high job satisfaction for expats in 2024
Vietnam tops the list as the most affordable expat destination for 2024, thanks to low living costs and high financial satisfaction, according to InterNations. (Photo: Getty Images) Vietnam remains the most affordable expat destination, excelling in financial satisfaction, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.
Vietnam also ranks high in overall expat happiness and job satisfaction.
The top 10 affordable countries include several Southeast Asian nations, with expats praising their cost of living and housing.
Here’s why Vietnam is rated highly by expats.
Taiwan targets Southeast Asia as China tourists decline
Taiwan is pivoting towards Southeast Asian tourists, with visitors from Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia on the rise, as Chinese arrivals dwindle. (Photo: Lam Yik Fei/Bloomberg) Taiwan is shifting its tourism focus towards Southeast Asia as Chinese tourist arrivals decrease.
Despite strained relations across the Taiwan Strait, visitors from Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, are increasing.
Data show that Thai visitors are up by 12%, Singaporeans by 10%, and Malaysians have returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Hotel revenues have also surpassed pre-pandemic figures, indicating a positive trend despite the continued low numbers of Chinese tourists.
Southeast Asian tourists, particularly from Singapore and Malaysia, are contributing to Taiwan’s tourism recovery by choosing unique and high-priced accommodations, significantly boosting hotel revenues.
Read more here.
Old photo of football icon Lionel Messi with future star Lamine Yamal goes viral
A resurfaced 2007 photo of Lionel Messi and baby Lamine Yamal has gone viral, showcasing the unexpected early connection between the two football stars. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort) An old photo of Lionel Messi with baby Lamine Yamal has recently gone viral, showcasing an unexpected connection between the two football stars.
Captured in 2007 by freelance photographer Joan Monfort for a charity calendar, the image was recently shared on social media by Yamal’s father with the caption: “The beginning of two legends.”
At the time, Messi was already on his path to stardom, while Yamal was just a few months old.
Monfort had predicted Messi’s success but had no idea the baby in the photo would also become a football sensation.
Fast forward to 2024, Lamine Yamal is making headlines at the Euro 2024 tournament, having become the youngest scorer at a Euro or World Cup tournament at just 16.
His goal against France helped Spain advance to the finals where they will meet England.
More on the Messi-Yamal viral photo here.
Put a ring on it if you want to improve your health, Samsung says
The Galaxy Smart Ring is Samsung Electronics’ latest AI innovation. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Ring, integrating AI to enhance health monitoring.
Both devices utilise AI to analyse biometric data and provide personalied health assessments and recommendations.
These wearables emphasise health features, with the watch capable of detecting sleep apnea and the ring having longer battery life.
Find out more here.
How much coffee is too much?
Listen to your body and put down your cup if you start feeling some physicals symptoms. (Photo: Getty Images) Morning coffee is a common ritual for some people to wake up to. They see coffee as an important part of their routine, whether to boost their energy or a way to mingle with other people.
But when can you tell that you’ve consumed more coffee than you should?
Find out the signs that you’ve drank too much coffee here.
Survey highlights divide in global opinion on China
How do you see China and Chinese President Xi Jinping? Your perceptions on the Asian giant and its leader may depend on where you are in the world currently. REUTERS/Marko Djurica A Pew Research Centre poll reveals divergent views towards China between high-income and middle-income countries.
Among high-income nations, 15 out of 18 expressed unfavourable opinions of China, with Japan and Australia leading with over 80% negative views.
In contrast, 14 out of 17 middle-income countries, particularly Thailand, held favourable views, with 80% of Thais viewing China positively.
This survey highlights the stark difference in perceptions, especially pronounced in the Indo-Pacific region where concerns about China’s territorial ambitions are prevalent.
Nations like the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea showed significant concern over China’s territorial disputes.
Around 90% of Filipinos, a similar percentage of South Koreans and Japanese, and about 80% of Australians expressed apprehensions.
Conversely, Thailand showed minimal concern, with only 40% worried about territorial issues and 80% viewing China as a contributor to global peace.
The survey also highlighted contrasting views on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s role in global affairs.
Japan had the least confidence in Xi, with 90% expressing little to no confidence, while Thailand and Singapore showed higher confidence, with about 60% trusting him to do the right thing.
More on the contrasting China perceptions here.
Miss Universe Singapore pageant just got more inclusive
The Miss Universe Singapore pageant is now open to all women over 18, regardless of marital status. The winner will receive $10,000 and represent Singapore at Miss Universe 2024. (Photo: Getty Images) Now, all women over 18, regardless of marital status, can participate.
Ladies, are you ready to represent Singapore on the global stage?
Find out more here.
Jumbo founder charged in fatal car crash
Ng Siak Hai, 87, a founding shareholder of Singapore’s Jumbo seafood restaurant chain, was charged with driving offences related to a fatal accident on 1 November 2022, which resulted in one death and one serious injury. (Photo: Getty Images) Ng Siak Hai, 87, a founding shareholder of Singapore’s Jumbo seafood chain, was charged for a fatal accident in November 2022 that resulted in one death and one serious injury.
He is expected to plead guilty in August, with potential penalties including jail time and fines.
Ng was granted bail at $15,000.
Read more about the case here.
George Clooney calls on Joe Biden to quit the US presidential race
“The dam has broken”, actor George Clooney writes in a New York Times op-ed urging the party to select a new nominee. (Joe Biden via X) George Clooney calls on US President Joe Biden to step aside in the 2024 race for the White House due to concerns about his age and performance.
Clooney, a prominent Democratic donor, believes Biden’s deteriorating condition will prevent him from defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election.
Other high-profile Hollywood donors have also expressed the opinion that Biden should not continue as the Democratic nominee.
Prominent Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, express doubts about Biden’s ability to win against Donald Trump in November.
Despite growing dissent within the Democratic party, Biden remains determined to continue his candidacy and beat Trump in the election.
What did Clooney say, exactly? Read here.
Man caught trying to smuggle 104 live snakes in pants at China customs
Some of the snakes caught by China customs officials. China has strict biosecurity laws against bringing in non-native species without permission. (HANDOUT/Shenzhen Customs Release/AFP via Getty Images) A man was caught attempting to smuggle over 100 live snakes into mainland China by hiding them in his pants.
The snakes were discovered by customs officers in Shenzhen.
Six drawstring canvas bags filled with various species of snakes where inside the man’s pants.
It’s illegal to bring non-native species into China without permission.
Read more here.
REVEALED: The 5 favourite islands in Asia of 2024
Have you visited any of these Asian islands that were chosen by travellers as the best? (Photo: Getty Images) When it comes to relaxation, Asian islands deliver, according to readers of Travel + Leisure.
From Indian Ocean atolls to lesser-known Pacific Ocean idylls, they acclaimed powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and slow-and-satisfying travel across the region, according to this year’s survey.
Find out why travellers love these islands more than others here.
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