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Horizon Vision

Rubio offers Cubans ‘a new path’

Rubio offers Cubans ‘a new path’

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed Cubans, offering a "new path." Speaking before expected charges against Raul Castro, Rubio accused the communist government of corruption and oppression. He suggested that citizens could choose their leaders for a better future.

Singapore stocks end lower amid downbeat regional showing; STI down 0.5%

Singapore stocks end lower amid downbeat regional showing; STI down 0.5%

Singapore's stock market declined on May 20th. The Straits Times Index fell 0.5%, with local banks and shipbuilding stocks leading losses. This downturn was mirrored by negative trends across key regional indexes in Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

COE premiums mainly rise, Category B crosses S$129,000 to hit six-month high

COE premiums mainly rise, Category B crosses S$129,000 to hit six-month high

COE premiums showed mixed trends in the latest bidding exercise. Category B rose sharply to a six-month high of S$129,501. Conversely, Category A prices fell for the first time after six consecutive increases. Commercial vehicle rates also climbed significantly, keeping overall COE costs elevated.

Indonesia's Prabowo announces 2027 fiscal deficit target of 1.8% to 2.4% of GDP

Indonesia's Prabowo announces 2027 fiscal deficit target of 1.8% to 2.4% of GDP

President Prabowo announced Indonesia's ambitious 2027 economic plan, setting the fiscal deficit target between 1.8% and 2.4% of GDP. He aims for high growth while stressing resource benefits for all citizens.

Singapore tops Indonesia as biggest South-east Asian stock market

Singapore tops Indonesia as biggest South-east Asian stock market

Singapore has surpassed Indonesia as Southeast Asia's largest stock market. Indonesian capital fell over 30% amid uncertainties. Conversely, Singapore’s stability and reforms attracted investment, cementing its status as a reliable defensive haven for global capital flows.

Singapore’s real startup problem is not funding

Singapore’s real startup problem is not funding

Singapore's startup challenge is not a lack of funding or research output. The core issue is a commercialization gap. Policy must shift focus from generating more research toward building infrastructure for global market access and operational support to scale businesses internationally.

From Anwar warning to US$250m claim - what’s behind Malaysia’s response to Norway’s scrapped missile deal?

From Anwar warning to US$250m claim - what’s behind Malaysia’s response to Norway’s scrapped missile deal?

Malaysia demands $250M from Norway after the cancellation of vital naval missile exports for its warships. Norway cites sovereign export controls on sensitive defense tech, leading to diplomatic tension and negotiation.

Trump's Gaza board reports funding 'gap', urges quicker disbursement

Trump's Gaza board reports funding 'gap', urges quicker disbursement

Trump's Board of Peace reported a critical funding gap for Gaza's $70 billion reconstruction plan. The board urgently calls on member states and international organizations to quickly disburse committed funds, emphasizing that pledges must become actionable aid on the ground.

Could biofuels be the antidote that Asia needs for oil shocks?

Could biofuels be the antidote that Asia needs for oil shocks?

Asian nations are boosting biofuels to cut oil import risks. While this offers energy security, experts warn of severe challenges regarding land use, food prices, and sustainability. Waste feedstock must be prioritized for sustainable growth.

Spanish ex-PM faces influence-peddling probe

Spanish ex-PM faces influence-peddling probe

Former Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero faces an influence peddling investigation concerning a €53 million bailout of the Plus Ultra airline. This probe adds significant pressure to current PM Pedro Sanchez, who is already dealing with corruption allegations involving his family and allies.

StanChart to cut more than 7,000 jobs, replacing 'lower-value human capital' with AI

StanChart to cut more than 7,000 jobs, replacing 'lower-value human capital' with AI

StanChart plans to cut over 7,000 jobs by 2030. This restructuring is driven by AI adoption and automation across its global back-office centers. The bank emphasizes that the move upgrades capital rather than cutting costs, aiming for a more efficient operation.

Campaigners warn Italy’s gutted rape bill could help assailants

Campaigners warn Italy’s gutted rape bill could help assailants

Campaigners warn that Italy's consent-based rape law faces political hurdles in the Senate. Opposition demands threaten to weaken the bill, risking a rollback of crucial protections. Experts argue these changes could undermine true consent standards and potentially help assailants.