Philippines

Pressure builds on Marcos as Philippine graft mess forces Cabinet reshuffle

MANILA: Rising anger in the Philippines over a huge corruption scandal has forced out two ministers from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's cabinet, testing his administration's efforts to restore public trust and investor confidence.

Nation

Anwar arrives in Ethiopia for three-day official visit

ADDIS ABABA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has arrived in the capital city of Ethiopia here for an official visit to strengthen ties and cooperation – not just with this country but also with the African continent.

Nation

Former and current bank officers fined RM63,000 over failure to report bribes

SHAH ALAM: Two former and one current bank officer were fined a total of RM63,000 by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (Nov 18) after pleading guilty to alternative charges of failing to report receiving bribes from a legal firm.

World

COP30 presidency draws up early draft of deal text

BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -Brazil's COP30 presidency has drawn up a draft of a possible deal.

World

Ukraine needs more drones and better tactics, senior commander says

KYIV (Reuters) -As winter looms and Russian forces adapt their tactics, Ukrainian troops need to double down on technological innovation and flood the front line with more drones to halt Moscow's territorial gains, a senior commander said.

World

Analysis-Hasina's death sentence sets stage for volatile Bangladesh vote

DHAKA (Reuters) -A Bangladeshi court's decision to sentence exiled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death has done little to heal a nation scarred by her long rule and last year's bloody crackdown against student-led, anti-government protests.

Nation

Proposal to raise civil service retirement age under consultation, says PSD

KOTA BHARU: The proposal to raise the retirement age for civil servants to 65 is under stakeholder consultation, says Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Nation

Bersatu expels two division leaders

KUALA LUMPUR: Bersatu has dismissed two of its division chiefs, Datuk Suhaimi Mohd Ghazali (Sepang) and Mohd Shukor Mustaffa (Puchong), with immediate effect.

Sabah & Sarawak

Mohamad Asfia reappointed for 10th term as Sarawak state assembly speaker

KUCHING: Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar has made history as the longest-serving State Legislative Assembly Speaker in Malaysia when he was reappointed to the position for the Sarawak Assembly on Tuesday (Nov 18).

Technology

Klarna strikes $6.5 billion loan deal with Elliott funds to boost US push

(Reuters) -Klarna said on Tuesday it will sell up to $6.5 billion of loans to funds managed by Elliott Investment Management over a two-year period, as part of efforts to expand its buy-now-pay-later business in the U.S.

Japan

Japan diplomat protests China travel warning in Beijing meeting

TOKYO: A senior Japanese diplomat protested China's travel warning in a Beijing meeting on Tuesday (Nov 18) with his counterpart, as a diplomatic row spirals over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

Nation

Health Ministry studying proposal to use Sara aid for private healthcare

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is studying a proposal to permit Sara aid recipients to channel their benefits towards treatment under the Madani Medical Scheme, says Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni.

Other Sports

Skateboarding-Tony Hawk lobbying for vertical exhibition at Los Angeles Olympics

(Refiles to stylize company name as Cancerguard in paragraph 11)

South Korea

South Korea says US$216mil payout in Lone Star dispute overturned

SEOUL: South Korea said Tuesday (Nov 18) it had overturned an order to pay hundreds of millions of dollars to US private equity firm Lone Star after a dispute panel ruled in its favour.

Entertainment

Namewee seeking part-time jobs amid Taiwanese influencer murder probe: 'I can make fried rice, curry'

The 42-year-old is also looking for sponsors for his upcoming Chinese New Year song after the previous sponsor withdrew, reportedly due to the rapper's arrest.

Vietnam

Vietnam emerges as a promising medical tourism market

HANOI: The global medical tourism market was estimated to reach US$100 billion in 2024 and is projected to maintain robust annual growth of 15–25 per cent. Several countries have successfully tapped into this lucrative industry.

Technology

Klarna Q3 revenue beats estimates in first earnings report after IPO

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -Swedish fintech Klarna on Monday reported a 26% jump in third-quarter revenue, beating expectations in its first report as a public company and forecast revenue to cross $1 billion in the current quarter, backed mainly by growth in U.S. markets.

Nation

Gaza ISF: Malaysia to study any invitation carefully, says Tok Mat

MEMBAKUT: Malaysia will give due consideration if it is invited to participate in the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Technology

AI accounting startup Maxima raises $41 million in Kleiner Perkins-backed round

(Reuters) -Artificial intelligence startup Maxima has raised about $41 million from investors including Redpoint Ventures and Kleiner Perkins as it looks to automate accounting for businesses, the company said on Tuesday.

Corporate News

MUI Bhd to take asset-light strategy with Corus KLCC hotel sale

KUALA LUMPUR: Malayan United Industries Bhd (MUI Bhd) will explore hotel management and other hospitality-related businesses or assets despite having sold Corus Hotel KLCC located along Jalan Ampang here.