Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Philippines frontrunner in Asean nuclear race — BMI
Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star October 18, 2025 | 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is taking the lead in Southeast Asia’s nuclear energy push, driven by its strong policy commitment and growing technical expertise, according to...

Philippines, European Union to hold FTA talks next week
Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star October 18, 2025 | 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are set to hold the next round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations next week. Speaking at the...

‘Philippine economy hit by internal woes, US tariffs’
Keisha Ta-Asan - The Philippine Star October 18, 2025 | 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — Former socioeconomic planning secretary Cielito Habito warned that the Philippine economy is being weighed down by both internal weaknesses and external shocks...

‘Philippine may hit low end of 2025 GDP target’
Louella Desiderio - The Philippine Star October 18, 2025 | 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The low end of the government’s growth target for the year remains within reach despite expectations of a slowdown in government spending amid the flood...

US call centre act threatens Philippines’ US$30 billion outsourcing boom
As dusk settles over Angeles City, Justin Cunanan prepares for another long night. While the rest of the Philippines sleeps, he joins millions of his compatriots powering a global industry that is now facing threats from both Washington and...

Asia Smart Innovation Awards 2025 Winners Announced Hong Kong Takes Silver and Bronze in Lifestyle and Culture Category Thailand Wins Inaugural Grand Award
HONG KONG, Oct. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (WTIA) held the Asia Smart Innovation Awards 2025 Presentation Ceremony at Cordis Hong Kong on 16 October 2025. Organized by WTIA and sponsored by the...

‘Second home’: Filipino perspectives on Thailand work, culture and community
BANGKOK, Thailand — “What started as a short plan turned into a long-term stay,” says AJ Salem, a Filipino content creator based in Bangkok. He is among more than 40,000 Filipinos who now call Thailand home. Beyond the familiar faces of tourists...

Marcos, Isko explore closer work on Manila projects
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday sat down with Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in Malacañang to explore closer coordination on infrastructure, urban renewal, and social service efforts in the capital. The meeting...

Business conference to tackle digital adoption
THE government and private sector will discuss actionable strategies for nationwide digital adoption at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on Oct. 20-21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and...

China Deploys Buoys, Security Officers to Scarborough Shoal Amid Philippine Drills
Chinese forces deployed maritime security officers, fighter jets and new buoys to Scarborough Shoal on Oct. 17, 2025. Philippine Coast Guard graphic Chinese forces deployed maritime security officers, fighter jets and new buoys to Scarborough...

"Did Darvin Ham pick the starting lineup?": Lakers fans outraged after JJ Redick picks $33,000,000 guard over Jarred Vanderbilt in starting lineup
JJ Redick has revealed the LA Lakers’ starting lineup for the regular season opener, with LeBron James sidelined due to right-side sciatica, an issue he has been dealing with since July that also kept him out of training camp. The Lakers announced...

Philippine tourism seeks quality over quantity, targets high-value travelers
MANILA—The Philippines is focusing on enhancing the quality of tourist experiences, particularly high-quality food and beverage (F&B) offerings, to boost tourism revenue, according to an Oxford Economics study launched on Thursday. The report...
Economic Watch: Airbus Helicopters deepens presence in China with new deal, long-term commitment
TIANJIN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China Southern Airlines General Aviation Company Limited (CSAGA) has ordered an Airbus H160 helicopter for offshore energy projects during the seventh China Helicopter Exposition, which opened on Thursday and will run...

6 out of 10 Filipino Adults Are at Risk of Osteoporosis Anlene Sounds the Alarm on the Silent Health Crisis
Manila, Philippines, October 2025—Alarming new data from bone scans conducted by Anlene between 2024 and 2025 reveal a silent health crisis among Filipinos. Out of more than 80,000 Filipinos who took part in the initiative, a shocking 6 out of 10...

Inside the Shell NSAC Journey That Transforms Young Filipino Artists
Shell NSAC remains a platform empowering young Filipinos to turn passion into progress through the power of art Manila, Philippines. October 2025 — Now in its 58th year, the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) has stood as one of the...
Philippine economy to slow in H2 amid corruption fallout: economist
MANILA, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine economy is expected to slow down in the second half of 2025, partly due to recent corruption scandals, the country's chief economist has said. "While we anticipate a temporary slowdown in the latter half...
Game changer: Philippines to accept Google & Apple Pay
In September, Aqwire announced it would support Google Pay and Apple Pay for cross-border payments — meaning a payer abroad can use those familiar digital wallets to pay invoices or send money through the Aqwire portal. The integration leans on...

Tabuena, Quiban lead Filipino charge vs. world-class rivals at Sta. Elena
Ten of the Philippines’ finest golfers are set to showcase their talent and national pride against a star-studded international field at the inaugural International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus, happening from October 23 to 26 at the...

Malaysia says multilateral power deal delayed by Thai politics, renewal expected next month
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand has delayed renewing a Southeast Asian multilateral power trade deal due to local political changes, Malaysia’s energy minister said on Friday (Oct 17). The Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (LTMS) Project to supply...

Biado powers Team Asia to 4–0 start in Reyes Cup
The Carlo Biado-led defending champion Team Asia stamped its dominance early, sweeping all four matches to take a commanding 4–0 lead over the newly formed Team Rest of the World on Thursday evening as the 2025 LiveSB.io Reyes Cup got underway at...