Lower energy prices and cheaper Chinese goods are helping households in the region pull ahead of rising costs for the first time in years, Mastercard’s Asia Pacific chief economist David Mann told CNA.

A spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office rejected Taipei’s justification that the ban on the Chinese lifestyle app was needed to curb online fraud.

Border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia are intensifying, driven by political insecurity and economic pressures in both capitals. Analysts warn the fragile ceasefire is close to collapse.

This is Singapore’s fifth medal of the Games.

More than 400,000 people have been evacuated in Thailand, with another 100,000 displaced in Cambodia.

"This decision was not made lightly," says the secretary-general of the committee of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia.

With crucial state polls preceding Malaysia’s 16th General Election due by early 2028, Perikatan Nasional's path forward hinges on solving Bersatu’s leadership crisis and getting more non-Malay support, say party insiders and analysts.

Singapore is sending its largest contingent to the Games with 930 athletes set to compete in 48 sports. 

Six people remain unaccounted for.

Analysts say it is difficult to ascertain who triggered the latest hostilities amid conflicting claims, swirling speculation and limited transparency from both governments.

Many workers in the building, which was used as a sales and storage office for a drone company, were out for lunch when a battery started sparking in a storage and testing area. 

A reward of 200,000 yuan (US$28,280) is being offered for information or assistance leading to the arrest of each wanted individual.