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3 weeks ago | 
channelnewsasia.com | Leong Wai Kit |Darrelle Ng
MANDALAY: In Chanmyathazi township on the outskirts of Mandalay, residents form long lines in front of tuk-tuks that pull up with donated goods. Volunteers begin handing out bottles of water and fruits to outreached hands. Nearly a week after a powerful earthquake devastated central Myanmar, survivors are facing a shortage of water, food and medicine. “We struggle to get daily meals. We have to queue for food. Even basic needs, like finding a toilet, are becoming difficult.
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1 month ago | 
channelnewsasia.com | Chandni Vatvani |Darrelle Ng
JAKARTA: Japan is invested in deepening ties with ASEAN to the tune of more than US$250 million in funds for cultural exchanges over the next decade, its ambassador to the regional grouping said. Calling the bloc a “trusted partner”, Japan’s envoy to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Masahiko Kiya said the two-way relationship has blossomed since dialogue was formalised in 1977. “Japan and ASEAN have become trusted partners based on 50 years of friendship and cooperation.
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Jan 16, 2025 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
A ceasefire deal that will pause the 15-month war in Gaza and see the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners is a promising development, but the truce remains fragile and root problems persist, analysts said on Thursday (Jan 16). Still, they were positive the deal would outlast the only other ceasefire that had been held so far – for a single week in November 2023 – citing war fatigue and depleted ranks.
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Jan 15, 2025 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
World A Gaza truce seems to be in its final stages as warring parties try to negotiate a deal ahead of a change of power in the White House. New: You can now listen to articles. Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House is a major push factor behind a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which appears closer than ever to being signed, analysts said.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Leong Wai Kit |Darrelle Ng
SINGAPORE: The Philippines is willing to discuss and manage its maritime tensions with China via diplomatic means but will not compromise on its territorial sovereignty, said its foreign affairs chief. “We're committed to resolving any incidents or disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, and that has always been our position,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.
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Dec 9, 2024 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
As Syrians celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad after five decades of brutal dynastic rule, analysts cautioned the situation remains uncertain and precarious as a power vacuum emerges. Rebels, led by Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a lightning offensive that captured major cities in less than two weeks, and overthrew the former president after marching into capital Damascus on Sunday (Dec 8).
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Dec 6, 2024 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived bid to impose martial law has thrown the nation into political chaos. Analysts said the fallout is not just limited to domestic politics but has far-reaching consequences for South Korea’s allies. Yoon is clinging on to power despite facing pressure from parliament and the public to resign. Members of his own ruling People Power Party have urged him to leave the party.
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Dec 5, 2024 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's political fate is hanging in the balance as criticism and anger mount over his botched attempt to impose martial law. But even as thousands march along the streets of Seoul demanding his resignation, analysts have expressed scepticism that the embattled president will leave office on his own accord. Political science professor Yong-Chool Ha said that Yoon likely believed he abided by the book in his short-lived martial law declaration on Tuesday (Dec 3).
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
Australia’s landmark law banning minors from social media could ease school bullying and development issues, but could also push children to darker corners of the internet, experts told CNA on Friday (Nov 29). Their mixed reactions came a day after Australian lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the bill that will enforce some of the world's toughest controls on social media and set a benchmark for other countries.
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Nov 13, 2024 | 
channelnewsasia.com | Darrelle Ng
SINGAPORE: Students enrolled in the upcoming Singapore College of Islamic Studies (SCIS) will have the option to attain either or both degrees in religious studies and social sciences, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. Speaking to reporters at Parliament House on Wednesday (Nov 13), Mr Masagos said this gives graduates the prospect of moving between a religious career and the field of social work.
