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Asia

Japan eyes bigger role in central Asia with first leaders’ summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev exchange partnership joint statements at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Dec 18, 2025.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) and Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev exchange partnership joint statements at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on Dec 18, 2025.

Birth rates are falling, but don’t blame dogs in strollers, Taiwan study suggests

These animals have become replacements for human children, contributing to plummeting birthrates.
These animals have become replacements for human children, contributing to plummeting birthrates.

Forbes ranks Japan PM Takaichi 3rd on list of world’s most powerful women

Forbes said women on the list, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, “represent a new chapter in global leadership".
Forbes said women on the list, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, “represent a new chapter in global leadership".

Mexico approves up to 50% tariffs on China and other Asian nations

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's embrace of the tariffs track with US concerns regarding so-called transshipment of Chinese exports through other countries.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's embrace of the tariffs track with US concerns regarding so-called transshipment of Chinese exports through other countries.

‘All being poisoned slowly’: Air purifiers offer only limited respite from India’s chronic pollution

A man jogs near the India Gate which is shrouded in a haze caused in part by air pollution in New Delhi on Nov 24.
A man jogs near the India Gate which is shrouded in a haze caused in part by air pollution in New Delhi on Nov 24.

Deadly floods’ $26 billion toll shows Asia’s rising climate risk

In Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar killed at least 700 people and triggered flooding and landslides in Sumatra, a major producer of coal, coffee and palm oil.
In Indonesia, Cyclone Senyar killed at least 700 people and triggered flooding and landslides in Sumatra, a major producer of coal, coffee and palm oil.

New AI outbreak intelligence tool could end era of tackling pandemics in the dark

Speaking at the PathGen preview, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said there is a one-in-three chance of another pandemic like Covid-19 occurring in the next two decades.
Speaking at the PathGen preview, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said there is a one-in-three chance of another pandemic like Covid-19 occurring in the next two decades.

Allies of Kyrgyzstan's president set to win snap parliamentary election

Members of a local electoral commission visit voters during home voting in the snap parliamentary elections in the village of Arashan, Kyrgyzstan November 29, 2025. REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogov
Members of a local electoral commission visit voters during home voting in the snap parliamentary elections in the village of Arashan, Kyrgyzstan November 29, 2025. REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogov

News analysis

Singapore’s growth will slow but broaden to non-electronics as tariff tensions ease

Analysts believe that US tariffs will continue to cap the growth upside for Singapore and most of its Asian trading partners.
Analysts believe that US tariffs will continue to cap the growth upside for Singapore and most of its Asian trading partners.

Court rebuke won’t end tariffs threat. Trump has fallbacks

US President Donald Trump still has other options even if the Supreme Court restrains his ability to impose reciprocal tariffs.
US President Donald Trump still has other options even if the Supreme Court restrains his ability to impose reciprocal tariffs.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2025 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.