World

New Zealand parliament rejects controversial indigenous law

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand's parliament on Thursday comprehensively rejected a bill aimed at reinterpreting the principles of the country's founding agreement following months of protest and debate over the place of indigenous Maori in the Pacific nation.

Badminton

Justin crashes out in second round of Asian Championships

PETALING JAYA: Justin Hoh's spirited run at the Asian Championships came to an end after the young national shuttler fell to defending champion Jonatan Christie in the second round on Thursday (April 10).

Cambodia

Cambodian authorities warn against illegal immigration websites

PHNOM PENH: The General Department of Immigration (GDI) in Cambodia has warned of a fraudulent website that charges potential guests to Cambodia for entering online information for entry to the kingdom.

Nation

Next phase of Asean Infrastructure Fund Action Plan takes off

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Action Plan 2025-2028, which will serve as a guide for driving growth and sustainable infrastructure projects across the region over the course of the next four years, has been launched.

Thailand

Chiang Mai to break Guinness World Record with massive traditional dance display

BANGKOK: Preparations are underway for an extraordinary Guinness World Records attempt in Chiang Mai next Friday (April 19), as part of celebrations marking the ancient northern Thai city's 729th anniversary.

China

China reality show rapped for making actor who was Myanmar scam victim re-enact ordeal

BEIJING (SCMP): Chinese actor Wang Xing, who was rescued in January after being abducted from Thailand and taken to Myanmar, found himself in the spotlight again when a Chinese reality show asked him to re-enact his ordeal.

Indonesia

Indonesia to build 1,000 houses for journalists

JAKARTA: The Indonesian government plans to construct 1,000 houses for journalists, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the project expected next month, a minister said in a statement on Wednesday (April 9), reported Xinhua.

China

Australia rebuffs China's appeal to 'join hands' in trade

SYDNEY: Australia rebuffed China's appeal to "join hands" to defend trade on Thursday (April 10), as Beijing looks for partners to help it blunt US tariffs now ratcheted up to 125 per cent.

China

China and EU discuss trade in response to punitive US tariffs

BEIJING: China and the European Union have exchanged views on strengthening their economic and trade cooperation in response to US tariffs, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday (April 10).

Japan

Visitors flock to unopened Costco in Yamanashi for unique Mount Fuji view

MINAMI-ALPS, Yamanashi: Many people are coming to see a soon-to-open giant Costco in Minami-Alps city in Japan's Yamanashi prefecture, as from nearby, the view makes it look like Mount Fuji is perched on the building.

Markets

Bursa Malaysia stays higher at mid-morning

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia continued to trend higher at mid-morning today, supported by bargain hunting amid easing concerns over global trade war uncertainties.

Nation

Putra Heights inferno: 190 houses reoccupied

PETALING JAYA: A total of 190 homes that were affected by the gas pipeline explosion and fire incident in Putra Heights here have been reoccupied.

Thailand

Thailand says US tariff pause gives more time for response

BANGKOK: Thailand has prepared more economic stimulus focused on creating jobs, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Thursday (April 10), adding that a 90-day pause on US tariffs announced overnight would give officials more time to prepare a response.

Markets

US assets left behind in relief rally after Trump pauses tariffs

SINGAPORE: Asian shares climbed and a manic bond selloff stabilised on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would temporarily lower the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s expanded visa policy a boost for its tourism, investment

HANOI: Vietnam has expanded its visa exemption policy to citizens of 15 countries, marking a strategic move to strengthen the nation's competitiveness in global tourism and investment.

Entertainment

Director Syafiq Yusof explores mafia underworld with new action flick 'Blood Brothers: Bara Naga'

The hit filmmaker believes the movie, which boasts a star-studded cast, meets international standards.

Markets

China, HK stocks rise on hopes of trade negotiations as Trump ups tariffs

SHANGHAI: China and Hong Kong shares rose on Thursday, as investors downplayed the latest U.S. tariff increase on Chinese imports and pinned their hopes on talks between the world's two largest economies and market and policy support from state firms.

Philippines

Philippines to discuss united response to ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs with Asean members

MANILA: Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on Wednesday (April 8) said she is set to meet with her counterparts from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Thursday (April 10) to discuss a possible united front to respond to US President Donald Trump's punitive tariffs on dozens of countries that took effect on Wednesday.

Nation

Malaysia to lead Asean's energy initiatives in 2025, says Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia chairing Asean this year, the regional bloc is set to intensify efforts to bridge boundaries and accelerate coordinated energy initiatives, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Vietnam

Vietjet signs US$300mil finance deal, in talks to expand order with Boeing

HANOI: Vietnamese budget carrier Vietjet said on Thursday (April 10) it has signed an agreement worth US$300 million with AV AirFinance, a partner of investment fund KKR, to fund the expansion of its fleet.