Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Pakistan passport rises to 100th; visa-free travel now possible to 32 countries
Daily Times
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June 30, 2025
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani passport holders can now travel visa-free or get visa on arrival in 32 countries, following a rise in Pakistan’s passport ranking in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. This marks a notable improvement from the 113th position...
No VEP, no exit: Malaysia to fine and hold Singapore vehicles without entry permit starting tomorrow
Malay Mail
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June 30, 2025
JOHOR BARU, June 30 — From tomorrow, Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will face an immediate RM300 compound, as full enforcement at the Malaysia-Singapore land border kicks in. The enforcement is in...
The invisible struggles of those with hidden conditions on Singapore’s public transport
The Straits Times
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June 29, 2025
SINGAPORE - For 34-year-old university administrative employee Vivien Shiw, getting off a train at the next stop just to rest on a bench on the platform is routine. Though she looks young and healthy, she lives with autoimmune diseases Sjogren’s...
World : Malaysia, Singapore Unveil First Driverless Train Set For RTS Link
Bernama
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June 30, 2025
By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz SINGAPORE, June 30 (Bernama) -- The first of eight train sets for the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was unveiled on Monday, marking a key milestone in the landmark Malaysia-Singapore cross-border...
Indians’ holiday compass shifts to short-haul spots
The Economic Times
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June 29, 2025
In contrast to long-haul travel, which has seen some softening amid geopolitical tensions since summer, short-haul, easy-to-access destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal have remained relatively...
FEDHASA welcomes minister Schreiber's landmark visa annoucement
Engineering News
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JOHANNESBURG, 10 July 2025 – The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) applauds the introduction of two new visa categories – the Screen Talent and Global Entertainment Scheme (STAGES) for the film sector and the Meetings,...
4 Arsenal stars to watch out for in preseason ahead of the 2025/26 season
Sporting News
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July 10, 2025
Arsenal are keen to build a roster that can contend for the Premier League title in the 2025/26 campaign. The Gunners finished in the second spot for three consecutive campaigns therefore, Mikel Arteta is desperate to build a roster that can help...
Tourist who used another person’s debit card to buy goods worth over $300k gets 4 years’ jail
The Straits Times
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June 24, 2025
SINGAPORE – A man had planned to travel to Singapore in 2024 for a holiday when he received instructions from a Telegram contact to use the latter’s debit card to buy gold bars and luxury watches here. Liao Nuoqian was back home in Hong Kong when...
Malaysia, Singapore celebrate delivery of first RTS Link train ahead of 2026 opening
Malay Mail
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June 30, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — The first driverless trains for the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link was unveiled today and will begin testing at a new S$800 million (RM2.6 billion) facility in Tuas starting July. The new four-car...
Good news for Indians traveling to UAE, Authorities announce expansion in Visa-on-Arrival facility, Indians in Australia, Canada, Japan will now...
India.com
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June 30, 2025
Home News Good news for Indians traveling to UAE, Authorities announce expansion in Visa-on-Arrival facility, Indians in Australia, Canada, Japan will now… As per the latest directive, Indian citizens holding valid residence permits from...
Singaporeans debate ‘attractiveness’ of SG accent
The Independent Singapore
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June 24, 2025
SINGAPORE: When a local Reddit user asked, “Do people not like the Singaporean accent?”, it sparked a lively debate. In a June 24 (Tuesday) post on r/askSingapore, u/ExpressionOk5435 wrote that they had recently been talking to a friend about the...
singapore Inside /r/SGExams: Meet the young volunteers behind 1 of Singapore's largest online forums for students
Asiaone
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June 24, 2025
SINGAPORE — It has more than 285,000 members and over a thousand posts and comments a day discussing everything about student life in Singapore — from O-level study tips and university admissions to suggestions on how best to ask your classroom...
eSIM platform Airalo raises US$220 million in new funding round, lifts valuation past US$1 billion
The Business Times Singapore
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July 10, 2025
Company says this makes it the industry’s first unicorn; latest financing includes new investor CVC [SINGAPORE] eSIM platform Airalo has raised US$220 million in a financing round, valuing the company at more than US$1 billion. This makes the...
Macau emerges as the top tourist destination for Chinese mainland travelers
Macau Daily Times
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June 30, 2025
Macau has secured the top spot for outbound travel satisfaction among Chinese tourists in 2024, ahead of Singapore, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Spain, Hong Kong, France, Australia, Malaysia, and Argentina, according to the China Tourism...
How Hong Kong is wooing Muslim tourists with halal menus
Bangkok Post
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June 30, 2025
At Chinesology restaurant in Hong Kong, culinary director Saito Chau creates char siu with Wagyu beef instead of pork, and uses "a secret sauce" to replace the rose cooking wine in the glaze. For him, the dish is not just another modern spin on a...
General : Rimba Raid Brings Major Boost To Tourism, Supports Visit Malaysia 2026 - Shamsul Anuar
Bernama
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June 30, 2025
LENGGONG, June 30 (Bernama) -- Hosting an international sporting event such as Rimba Raid X Lenggong significantly boosts the country’s tourism industry and helps stimulate local economic growth, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul...
Singapore man jailed seven months for sexual act with 14-year-old girl arranged by teens
Malay Mail
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June 24, 2025
SINGAPORE, June 24 — A 29-year-old man was sentenced to seven months’ jail today for engaging in a sexual act with a 14-year-old girl arranged by two teenage boys. Terrance Teo Jian Xiang pleaded guilty to one charge of sexual activity with a...
Singapore: Advancing Smart Security with High-Tech Tools
OpenGov Asia
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June 23, 2025
Singapore is stepping up its smart public security response with a new fleet of off-road vehicles and advanced drone technology for a specialist police unit. The move is aimed at ensuring faster and more effective deployments during emergencies,...
Rising demand for short-haul travel: Indian tourists flock to Southeast Asia amid geopolitical tensions
The Economic Times
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June 29, 2025
New Delhi: Short-haul destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Nepal continue to see steady demand Indian travellers even as long-haul travel has slowed amid geopolitical tensions, travel companies said....
Travel chaos starts to ease as Gulf states reopen airspace
The Business Times Singapore
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June 24, 2025
[DUBAI] Air-travel disruptions started to ease in the Middle East after a ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Iran and several Persian Gulf states reopened their airspace. National carriers in the Gulf resumed flights during the night,...