Asian Economy Jul 10, 2026 Amid global slowdown, Vietnam is Southeast Asia's economic bright spot ADB maintained Vietnam's economic growth forecast at 7.2 per cent for 2026 and 7 per cent for 2027, among the highest rates in developing Asia. By Anna Maria Romero
Travel Jul 10, 2026 More Americans are turning to Asia for affordable healthcare A growing number of US citizens are traveling to Asia for healthcare By Anna Maria Romero
Asia Jul 10, 2026 From church bells to live-in arrangements: How the Filipino family formation is quietly shifting Registered marriages in the Philippines have dropped 13.5% over the last decade, with more Filipinos choosing cohabitation over formal unions amid rising costs and shifting social norms, according to new government data. By Merzsam Singkee
International Jul 10, 2026 'Little regard for smaller countries': US calls China's Pacific missile test 'provocative' as Philippines warns of threat to smaller nations The United States has condemned China's ballistic missile launch in the Pacific as "provocative," backing the Philippines' alarm over Beijing's nuclear weapons development and calling for meaningful arms control discussions. By Merzsam Singkee
Business Insights Jul 9, 2026 IMF: Global growth to ease to 3% as conflict and energy prices cloud outlook The International Monetary Fund warned on Wednesday, July 8, of inflation and global economic slowdown because of disrupted energy supply chains due to Middle East war By Anna Maria Romero
International Jul 9, 2026 Philippine National Police and Norway join forces against online child sexual abuse—Arrests already made on both sides The Philippine National Police has signed an intelligence-sharing agreement with Norway's police service to strengthen the fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, with Norwegian intelligence already having supported rescues and arrests on both sides. By Merzsam Singkee
Business Insights Jul 9, 2026 China's DeepSeek reportedly developing its own AI chip amid Chinese firms’ shift to local suppliers News of the startup's move came shortly after a Bloomberg Intelligence survey found that Chinese companies turning to domestic AI products instead of Nvidia's By Mary Alavanza
Asia Jul 9, 2026 Philippines enters final push to eliminate ozone-harming cooling chemicals by 2030 The Philippines has launched the final stage of its HCFC phase-out plan, targeting complete elimination of the ozone-depleting cooling chemical by 2030 after already achieving nearly 70% reduction ahead of schedule. By Merzsam Singkee
Philippines Jul 7, 2026 Gallup report: Philippines tops Southeast Asia stress rankings at 50%—Singapore at 43% is second highest in the region Half of Filipino workers reported daily workplace stress in 2025 — the highest in Southeast Asia — even as the region trends downward, according to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2026 Report. By Merzsam Singkee
Asia Jul 7, 2026 PH's Quezon City mayor urges calm as COVID-19 cases rise, says all infections mild and 'no need to panic' Quezon City's mayor has urged residents not to panic after COVID-19 cases rose to 84 between June 11 and July 1, up from 23 the previous period, stressing all infections have been mild and isolated. By Merzsam Singkee
Asia Jul 7, 2026 Philippine Navy launches third landing dock in Indonesia, fourth to follow before year's end The Philippine Navy has launched its third landing dock at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya, with the vessel expected to be named BRP Ilocos Norte and commissioned within the year as part of the AFP's modernisation programme. By Merzsam Singkee
Asia Jul 7, 2026 Philippines and Malaysia explore expanded jobs and skills cooperation—Halal and green jobs in focus The Philippines and Malaysia are exploring expanded cooperation on skills training, green jobs, halal certification, and workforce development, as labour ties between the two countries deepen. By Merzsam Singkee
Asia Jul 6, 2026 PH President reaffirms strong Philippines-US ties, says partnership 'as active as it has ever been' President Marcos has reaffirmed the strength of Philippines-US ties following his official visit to Canada on Saturday (Jul 4), saying bilateral relations continue to grow stronger and are expanding into new areas driven by emerging technologies. By Merzsam Singkee
Asian Economy Jul 6, 2026 PH President secures US$2.5 billion in investments from Canada visit, ushering in new strategic partnership President Marcos has wrapped up a four-day official visit to Canada with US$2.5 billion in investment commitments, a new strategic partnership, and fresh agreements covering mining, energy, IT-BPM, and the Luzon Economic Corridor. By Merzsam Singkee
Asia Jul 6, 2026 Dubai Customs explores JS-SEZ investment and trade opportunities in briefing with IRDA Dubai Customs has held a briefing session with IRDA on the JS-SEZ, showing a growth in international interest in the cross-border zone as a trade, logistics and investment hub By Merzsam Singkee