Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Philippines declines a spot in economic freedom index
By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter THE Philippines slipped one spot in a global index on economic freedom, despite improvements in some areas, according to the Canada-based think tank Fraser Institute. The country ranked 62nd out of 165...

Deportation Of 192 Foreigners Convicted Of Cyber-Terrorism In Lagos Completed
The deportation of the remaining 51 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos has been completed. This brings the repatriation of the 192 foreigners involved in the crimes...

22,000 ka tawo gi-evacuate tungod sa bagyong Ramil
Dul-an sa 22,000 ka mga tawo ang gi-preemptively evacuate tungod sa epekto sa Bagyong Ramil (international name Fengshen). Sa usa ka situational report ning Domingo sa buntag, Oktubre 19, 2025, ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management...

Remembering 1965 against the politics of erasure
In the morning of 1 October 1965, 37-year-old Eneng (not her real name) woke up in Bandung, about 200km from Jakarta, to an unexpected news broadcast via Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI): a group of people had taken measures to protect President...

Timorese economy will grow on average 3.7% in 2025, 2026, and 2027
The World Bank report indicates that growth will be driven mainly by public investment in infrastructure, the expansion of the services sector, and improvements in digital connectivity and transportation. The document notes that the development of...

Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Sunday, 19th October, 2025
Good morning, Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Sunday, 19th October, 2025. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports that the parade for the 65th Independence Anniversary was...

ASEAN economic ministers stress commitment to free, fair trade
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – ASEAN is committed to maintaining a free, fair, comprehensive, and rules-based trading system without discrimination and basing on the WTO principles as the core. The commitment was made at the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’...

Violence wins, peace waits: Kurdistan and the politics of recognition
On September 25, 2017, the people of the Kurdistan Region, under Iraqi occupation, in a free and transparent referendum with broad participation and public oversight, voted “yes” to independence by more than 92 percent. This vote was not an...

Agri startups from Southeast Asia to pitch climate-smart solutions at SAFE Impact Showcase
Three early-stage enterprises from Laos, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines will present their community-driven, climate-smart agriculture solutions at the SAFE Impact Showcase on 3 October 2025. The event highlights how innovation at the grassroots...
ASEAN Remains Gallant And United, Deepens Economic Integration
By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) – Southeast Asian economies have sent a clear message that their markets are open for business, despite being confronted by tough protectionist measures and tariffs that threaten free trade...

ASEAN deepens economic integration amid global trade challenges
KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asian economies have sent a clear message that their markets are open for business, despite being confronted by tough protectionist measures and tariffs that threaten free trade and stoke immense global uncertainty. Credit...

Asia’s youngest nation nears the end of its years-long quest to belong
As the streets of Dili thrum with anticipation, East Timor is preparing for a diplomatic victory decades in the making. Next weekend, Asia’s youngest nation is set to take its place as the 11th member of Asean – concluding a campaign for...

PM Anwar: Stability and prudent financial management key to Malaysia’s growth
DILI (Timor-Leste), Sept 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s ability to maintain political stability and prudent financial management has enabled the country to carry out reforms and sustain economic growth. Speaking at...
USD 439 million recovered in global financial crime operation
SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 40 countries and territories has resulted in the recovery of USD 342 million in government-backed currencies, along with USD 97 million in physical and virtual assets. Operation HAECHI VI (April...
General : Stability And Prudent Financial Management Key To Malaysia’s Growth - PM Anwar
From V. Sankara DILI (TIMOR-LESTE), Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s ability to maintain political stability and prudent financial management has enabled the country to carry out reforms and sustain...

INTERPOL recovers hundreds of millions after coordinated assault on cyber financial crimes
INTERPOL has announced that it has conducted a coordinated operation across some 40 countries in territories which, in part, targeted money laundering associated with illegal online gambling. According to a Wednesday announcement, the global...
Anwar Accorded Ceremonial Welcome At Presidential Palace In Dili
From V. Sankara DILI (TIMOR-LESTE), Sept 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace here this evening, marking the start of his official engagements on the first day of a...

Ukraine cannot win against Russia, warns British Field Marshal
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Cheers Group looks to expand to Southeast Asia
The premiumization trend is accelerating in Southeast Asia due to growth in luxury hotels, curated events, and the tourism sector, which drives demand for both international and local spirits brands. Cheers Group, recently focused on expanding its...

Unlocking Asean’s full potential
LOCKDOWN. It’s not a word that Klang Valley folk ever want to hear again. It sends chills down the spine for many of us. The memories of not being able to leave the house, our movements controlled and limited, masking up for fear of Covid-19 all...