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

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...

Business News | India's Innovation Reaches the Global Finals of the James Dyson Award for the First Time
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], October 16: Today, 20 student-led inventions from around the world have been shortlisted as finalists in the 2025 James Dyson Award, bringing them one step closer to the global prize. For the first time ever,...

The Philippines’ rollercoaster ride in Miss Grand International
Reigning Miss Grand International CJ Opiaza (right) with her national successor Emma Tiglao/ARMIN P. ADINA The first two years of the Miss Grand International pageant has set the tone for the Philippines in the competition, which would be marked...
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...
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...

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...

Philippines DoE unveils framework for carbon credits in energy sector
The Department of Energy (DoE) in the Philippines has introduced the nation’s initial set of regulations for carbon credits within the energy sector. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, draw investments in clean energy, and...

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...

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...

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...

Startek® Philippines recognized with dual honors at The Philippines Leadership Awards 2025
MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Startek®, a digital-first global customer experience (CX) solutions provider, has been honored with two prestigious awards at The Philippines Leadership Awards 2025 by the World HRD Congress. The...
Philippines’ richest man faces scrutiny over empty land’s mind-boggling value gain
Manila’s financial community perplexed after Manuel Villar says the site’s value had shot up to US$23.3b, from a mere US$93m [KUALA LUMPUR/MANILA] Nothing about the largely empty stretch of land on the outskirts of Manila hints at how it produced...

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...

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...
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...

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...