Movies

'Kpop Demon Hunters' is now Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time

Netflix Inc. said 'KPop Demon Hunters', an animated musical about a fictional female singing group, is now the streaming service's most-watched original film of all time.

Robotics

Cyborg roaches for disaster relief? Singapore team’s 68-second feat says yes

Fast automated system shows the way to mass-produce remote-controlled cyborg roaches for future disaster search missions.

Philippines

Streets of Mindanao city explode in colour, beats at ‘friendship feast’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: The streets of this capital city of Northern Mindanao exploded in colours and vibrant beats on Tuesday (Aug 26) as 10 contingents took part in a street dancing competition to mark the Higalaay (Friendship) Festival.

Japan

Tokyo logs record 10 days of 35 deg C or more: Weather agency

TOKYO: Tokyo experienced a record 10 consecutive days of temperatures 35 deg C or above, the weather office said on Wednesday (Aug 27).

China

China condemns Vietnam over island-building in South China Sea

BEIJING: China condemned Vietnam over a report it had sped up island-building in an area of the disputed South China Sea that Beijing claims as its own.

Nation

Cross-border e-hailing group urges government action on Singapore enforcement

KUALA LUMPUR: A memorandum has been submitted to the Transport Ministry by a cross-border e-hailing rental association operating between Johor and Singapore.

Sabah & Sarawak

Contraband worth RM2.3mil seized in Sibu

SIBU: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized smuggled goods worth RM2.3mil, inclusive of duties, in operations here late last month.

World

Taiwan to appoint Kung Ming-hsin as new economy minister, Central News Agency says

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan's government will announce the appointment of Kung Ming-hsin as the new economy minister after his predecessor resigned for health reasons, the island's official Central News Agency said on Wednesday.

Nation

Anwar, Sultan of Brunei hold talks at Seri Perdana

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, held discussions in conjunction with the 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders' Consultation (ALC). Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who arrived at Seri Perdana at 10.30 am on Wednesday (Aug 27), accompanied by Prince 'Abdul Mateen Bolkiah, was received by Anwar.

Nation

Minor 3.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Segamat, Johor

SEGAMAT: A 3.2-magnitude tremor was recorded in Segamat on Wednesday (Aug 27) morning.

Economy

Australia's inflation tops forecasts as electricity prices surge

SYDNEY: Australian consumer prices jumped by far more than forecast in July as electricity costs spiked due to the timing of government rebates, while core inflation also jumped in a blow to hopes of a rate cut as soon as next month.

Thailand

Thailand to spend US$62mil to host Tomorrowland festival

BANGKOK: Thailand will host the iconic Tomorrowland music festival from next year, aiming to lure high-spending travelers and bolster its tourism-reliant economy.

AseanPlus News

Police hunt Australian bush for gunman after two officers killed

SYDNEY: Police hunted the Australian bush on Wednesday for a heavily armed 56-year-old gunman still on the run a day after allegedly killing two officers and wounding a third.

Markets

Asia stocks steady ahead of Nvidia; investors wary over Fed independence

SINGAPORE: Asian stocks were steady on Wednesday ahead of an earnings report from AI leader Nvidia that will shape near-term risk sentiment, while the U.S. dollar was frail as investors remained nervous about attacks on Federal Reserve autonomy.

Singapore

Singapore environment agency launches probe after water in Yishun Close canal turns green

SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) is investigating after water in a canal in Yishun Close turned green.

Nation

Over 7,600 bullying cases in schools last year, up 17% from 2023, says Fadhlina

KUALA LUMPUR: The number of bullying cases in schools continues to climb with 7,681 cases last year compared to 6,528 in 2023, says Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

Thailand

Thailand to meet UN chief Aug 28 over Cambodian landmines

BANGKOK: The Foreign Ministry has reported progress on Thailand's actions regarding Cambodia's use of anti-personnel landmines, with its envoy set to meet the UN chief on Aug 28.

Nation

Upper court appointments guided by Federal Constitution, says Azalina

KUALA LUMPUR: The extension of services of Federal Court judges who are about to retire will be subject to Article 125(1) of the Federal Constitution, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

Nation

San Pedro Festival poised for National Heritage recognition in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic San Pedro Festival, a cultural celebration deeply rooted in the Portuguese community of Melaka, is set to be recommended for recognition as National Heritage under the National Heritage Act 2005, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

South Korea

K-pop idols halt, quit careers over health concerns while agencies post record revenues

SEOUL: With the number of K-pop concerts and music awards growing both at home and abroad, agencies are reporting record sales, yet more idols are stepping back due to mental and physical health concerns. Many work relentlessly until a serious injury forces them to stop.