Business trends
McDonald's, Starbucks, others hit by Indonesia, Malaysia boycotts
Muslims protest Western brands over perceived pro-Israel stance on Gaza
Southeast Asia
International relations
Australia upgrades relations with Vietnam to 'strategic partnership'
Hanoi's ties on par with those for U.S., China, India, South Korea, Japan and Russia
South China Sea
Australia and ASEAN call for South China Sea restraint, Gaza ceasefire
Statement calls for 'rules-based' order in region as Beijing looks to increase presence
International relations
Amid cyberscam threats, ASEAN-Australia pledge to tackle human trafficking
Expert says Australia must do more to fight transnational crime in Southeast Asia
The Nikkei View
Myanmar's conscription measure is unacceptable
Military must not force citizens to fight each other in a civil war
Transportation
Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles
China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest
Indonesia election
Lawmakers from Indonesia's top party urge probe into presidential vote
Prabowo's likely victory clouded by allegations of abuse of power, coercion
Companies
Bicycle parts maker Shimano seeks growth with new Singapore plant
Chairman expects Southeast Asia to become major market for sports bikes
Retail
Myanmar's City Mart ramps up expansion of convenience stores
Retail group goes on the offensive with minimarts to capture young customers
Food & Beverage
Vietnam's baby food market draws Japanese brand for another bite
Asahi Group Foods to emphasize health in Southeast Asian country
Tea Leaves
What running has taught me about life in Yangon under military rule
Touring the city on foot past barricades reveals soldiers, beggars and sex workers
The Big Story
Asia's menopause challenge: The economic case for better female health
Aging societies from Japan to Singapore rush to safeguard mature women's wellness
Finance
Japan's Daiwa takes stake in Singapore cryptocurrency startup
Financial group weighs expanding digital asset-related offerings via Penguin
Media & Entertainment
Taylor Swift deal not a jab at neighbors, Singapore PM says
Exclusive stop in city-state draws criticism from other Southeast Asian countries
Business deals
ANZ selling 9% stake in Malaysia's AmBank, term sheet shows
Australia's fourth-largest lender letting go of shares worth worth up to $242m
Myanmar Crisis
ASEAN considers including Europe in defense talks to enhance ties
Move comes as China's clout grows, global tensions spill into Southeast Asia
South China Sea
Philippines blames China Coast Guard for South China Sea collisions
Manila says Chinese vessel's 'dangerous maneuvers' caused incident in waterway
Inflation
Thailand's consumer prices fall for fifth consecutive month
Negative inflation adds to PM Srettha's pressure on central bank
Trade
Australia unveils $1.3bn fund for investment with ASEAN
Albanese pledges to support companies taking larger role in fast-developing region
International relations
ASEAN and Australia move closer on climate and economic security
Canberra sees alliance as bulwark against China's rise
Technology
Singapore's Sea expects to stay in black after posting 1st annual profit
NYSE-listed tech group sees Shopee gaining ground despite 'intensified competition'
Opinion
Indo-Pacific nations need to put more focus on cybersecurity
AI is magnifying threats but can also help fortify defenses
Retail
Japan furniture seller Nitori to open first Philippines store in Manila
Retailer aims for 50 shops in country by 2032 amid Asia-focused overseas push
Work
Singapore sets higher salary requirement for work visa from 2025
Expats now must earn $4,200 a month as city-state tightens foreign labor rules
Automobiles
Tesla in talks for Thailand production facility, official says
Government has offered Tesla 100% green energy to run the factory