USA Aug 13, 2026 US economy loses 23,000 jobs in July as wage growth hits five-year low and hiring stalls outside healthcare The US unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, but the decline was partly driven by people leaving the workforce. By Merzsam Singkee
Philippines Aug 13, 2026 Philippines and US sign 2027 joint military activities plan as regional tensions remain elevated The Philippines and US will continue their longstanding military partnership with a new plan focused on training, maritime security and defence capabilities. By Merzsam Singkee
Jobs Aug 13, 2026 ‘Even when you win, you lose’: Workers debate the risks of escaping a broken job market A currently employed worker’s “Monday rant” about building side income and pursuing entrepreneurship has raised questions about whether self-employment can really offer an escape from an increasingly unstable job market. By Merzsam Singkee
China Aug 13, 2026 Beyond the Algorithm: China’s Bid to Prepare Students for an AI-Powered Future At one Shanghai university, students can earn higher marks by writing questions that advanced AI models struggle to answer. The experiment reflects a wider shift in how Chinese educators see learning in the AI era. By Zheng Yamin
International Aug 13, 2026 Passport rankings reveal shifting global mobility as Singapore takes top spot The latest Henley Passport Index puts Singapore first, Canada seventh and the US 10th. Bangladesh ranks 95th, raising questions about how diplomatic relationships affect international mobility. By Sangram Datta
China Aug 13, 2026 China beyond the landmarks: Travellers embrace local culture, traditions and village life A British traveller visiting a Shanghai park was invited to sing with a group of locals he had stopped to watch. Similar encounters are taking place in historic cities and villages across China, where overseas visitors are spending more time taking part in local traditions rather than simply visiting the usual tourist spots. By Chen Ziqi
Jobs Aug 13, 2026 ‘Been out of work for 7 months’: Jobless product manager asks how many are in the same boat, Reddit’s answer is sobering A product manager in telecoms who has been out of work for seven months is asking Reddit how many others are in the same boat. The responses from workers in their 40s suggest the answer is: more than anyone wants to admit. By Merzsam Singkee
International Aug 12, 2026 Canada’s immigration crackdown is sending a warning far beyond its borders Nearly 20,000 Bangladesh-related refugee claims were still pending in Canada as of March 31. By Sangram Datta
Jobs Aug 12, 2026 ‘Rejection email after rejection email’: Exhausted job seeker throws in the towel, Reddit understands why A job seeker who has been praised in every interview and rejected by every employer has declared they are "throwing in the towel" By Merzsam Singkee
Jobs Aug 12, 2026 Junior colleague fired after failing probation asks senior coworker for reference: Reddit says ‘of course’ A senior team member asked to be a reference for a junior colleague who didn't pass probation is wondering if they're the right person for the job. Reddit's answer is a fairly unanimous yes. By Merzsam Singkee
Singapore News Aug 11, 2026 Puri’s Jagannath Temple Is More Than a Monument. It Is a Living Centre of Faith Puri’s Jagannath Temple Is More Than a Monument. It Is a Living Centre of Faith Sangram Datta: On India’s eastern seaboard, where the Bay of Bengal meets the ancient cultural landscape of Odisha, l... By Sangram Datta
Singapore News Aug 11, 2026 Balishira Hill Uprising: Bangladesh’s Forgotten Peasant Struggle for Land, Dignity, and Justice Balishira Hill Uprising: Bangladesh’s Forgotten Peasant Struggle for Land, Dignity and Justice Sangram Datta: On February 19, 1963, long before Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, thousands... By Sangram Datta
Singapore News Aug 11, 2026 Why Are Bangladeshi-Born Billionaires Investing Abroad, Not at Home? Why Are Bangladeshi-Born Billionaires Investing Abroad, Not at Home. Sangram Datta: The recent announcement that Bangladeshi-born Australian billionaire Robin Khuda, founder of AirTrunk, plans to i... By Sangram Datta
Jobs Aug 10, 2026 '108 applications isn't a lot' — Reddit debates how many applications it takes to land a job in 2026 A viral tweet showing 108 applications yielding one interview captioned "the youth just don't want to work" has sparked a debate on Reddit about whether volume or targeting is the right job search strategy, and whether 108 is even a meaningful number anymore. By Merzsam Singkee
Singapore News Aug 10, 2026 Can Kolkata Reclaim Its Place as India’s Next Economic Powerhouse? Can Kolkata Reclaim Its Place as India’s Next Economic Powerhouse. Sangram Datta: Kolkata was once at the heart of India’s commercial, intellectual and industrial life By Sangram Datta