Sign in Subscribe

Horizon Vision

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.

The AI work that will compound for Asean

The AI work that will compound for Asean

AI offers massive economic potential for ASEAN, mirroring past tech revolutions. However, realizing this gain requires more than just technology adoption. The region must collaborate across borders to solve complex constraints and effectively reorganize work processes.

Amazon's Singapore retreat: Why its US playbook failed in Southeast Asia

Amazon's Singapore retreat: Why its US playbook failed in Southeast Asia

Amazon is phasing out local fulfillment in Singapore because its US e-commerce playbook failed regionally. Local rivals, led by Chinese platforms like Shopee, dominate through content commerce and price wars, making the market too competitive for Amazon to sustain.

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Trump paused planned attacks against Iran after receiving pleas from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. These nations urged a delay due to ongoing negotiations for a peace deal. However, US forces remain prepared for a full-scale assault if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached.

Singapore stocks end higher amid mixed regional showing; STI up 0.2%

Singapore stocks end higher amid mixed regional showing; STI up 0.2%

Singapore stocks closed higher on May 18, pushing the Straits Times Index up 0.2%. This gain occurred amid mixed regional markets and rising oil prices. ST Engineering led gains, while Hongkong Land was the worst performer of the day.

Philippines to convene court for Sara Duterte's impeachment amid political turmoil

Philippines to convene court for Sara Duterte's impeachment amid political turmoil

The Philippine Senate will convene as an impeachment court for VP Sara Duterte on May 18, 2026. This high-stakes trial could either end her presidential ambitions or strengthen her political standing against rivals.

Earthquake hits south-west China; thousands evacuate, buildings collapse

Earthquake hits south-west China; thousands evacuate, buildings collapse

A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Guangxi in south China on May 18, killing two people and causing 13 buildings to collapse. Authorities evacuated over 7,000 residents from the area following the quake. Search efforts located a previously missing person.