TOP NEWS South Korea left in limbo as US delays crucial ‘2+2’ trade meetingNepali farmers say ‘betrayed’ as government cuts sugarcane subsidy by halfLayoffs surge in manufacturing, retail in Indonesia, government data suggestMORE HEADLINES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The Straits TimesFrom aviation to healthcare, workers have taken small steps to be early adopters of AI in Singapore The Straits TimesWas it illegal? University of Hong Kong’s AI deepfake porn scandal ignites debate China DailyWhen AI spices up classic Chinese dishes The Straits TimesSingapore-developed AI-powered app accurately identifies pre-dementia seniors The Jakarta PostAs users surge, Indonesia falls short on AI talent KuenselPrivate sector shares their role in Bhutan’s Al future at development workshop Philippine Daily InquirerASEAN CEOs seen to pour more investments in AI China DailyChinese foreign language majors face uncertain future as AI replaces basic skills China DailyAI tops the agenda in ASEAN media workshop The StarMalaysia tightens export controls on US-origin AI chips The Korea HeraldIn test-obsessed Korea, AI boom arrives in exams, ahead of the technology itself The Straits TimesTough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles The Straits TimesAI cannot supplant learning; it must enable it: Singapore education minister The Korea HeraldAI takes centre stage as Bucheon Film Festival explores cinema’s future The Straits TimesElderly duo travel across Malaysia for cable car ride seen in clip – only to find out it was all AI China DailyAI-powered virtual idols raise ethical hazardsVIEW ALL COMBATING INFLATION The Korea HeraldLunch costs surge in Seoul’s business districts Vientiane TimesLao government to renegotiate power purchase deals in bid to cut bills for home-owners KuenselEgg prices in Bhutan soar as shortage hits local markets The NationThai food prices surge 106.5% in 13 years, cost of living soars amid rising rent and inflation The Daily StarMiddlemen, extortion push up vegetable prices in Bangladesh: report DawnAnalysis: The bitter reality driving Pakistan’s sugar prices higher The StatesmanHome-cooked vegetarian, non-vegetarian thali prices in India fall 8% and 6% YoY in June: Report The NationThailand concerned over rising costs as Vietnam secures 20% US import tariff deal Philippine Daily InquirerInflation, job security temper Filipinos’ optimism about 2026 The StarBrace for price hikes across the board, Malaysian consumers told The Kathmandu PostRains, rice planting send vegetable prices soaring in Nepal The Jakarta PostIndonesia’s June inflation ticks up as food prices climb The StarMany Malaysians using less electricity as new tariffs loom The Straits TimesSingapore electricity, gas prices to decrease from July to September due to lower energy and fuel costs Vientiane TimesLao government eyes measures to ease effects of electricity price hike Philippine Daily InquirerPrices of basic goods in the Philippines remain stable amid global risksVIEW ALL TECHNOLOGY VIEW MORE Driven by purpose and powered by partnerships, Vietnamese scientists are making their mark on global research and innovation. Around Asia, Artificial Intelligece, BUSINESS, Home Page, INDONESIA, Technology, Technology RightAs users surge, Indonesia falls short on AI talent ... Around Asia, BUSINESS, China, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, Technology, Technology RightChina vows to bolster support for scientific, technological innovation ... Around Asia, BUSINESS, Daily Digest, Home Page, India, Technology, Technology RightPresident, PM congratulate Shubhanshu Shukla for becoming first Indian to go to ISS ...ECONOMIC AFFAIRS VIEW MORE A statement from the Press Information Department said the MoU signing ceremony took place between the PNSC CEO and the chairman of Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation in Islamabad with Maritime Affairs Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry present. The government also said it ensured that the zero tariffs on US goods will not affect the country’s main agricultural products such as corn and rice.CORPORATE BUZZ VIEW MORE Seoul weighs $100 billion US investment from top chaebol groups to avert looming tariffs. Meanwhile, several international carriers, including Emirates, are also conducting similar checks on their Boeing aircraft as a precaution, even though the FAA has not issued any new airworthiness directive. SPECIAL REPORTSVIEW ALL MORE HEADLINESUS, Bangladesh to hold next tariff talks on July 29 ...India expels hundreds of Muslims unlawfully to Bangladesh: rights watchdog ...Only the guilty need immunity, says former Malaysian PM Mahathir on disputed island Batu Putih issue ...Warships from India to join Philippines in patrolling West Philippine Sea in August ...Nepal recorded 52 daily cybercrime cases last fiscal year ...Illegal fishing, overfishing push Philippine fish stocks to historic lows: advocacy group ...CHINA AND ASEAN The Phnom Penh PostCambodia, China planning sixth military drills The Straits TimesSingapore, Shanghai ink record 15 MOUs as bilateral trade grows The Japan NewsU.S., Australia to counter China’s ‘destabilizing military activities’ China DailyAsean-Plus defence ministers agree to improve defence collaboration The Jakarta PostChina and Asean join hands to bring the ‘Asian moment’ in global governance China DailyRCEP shows strength and resilience of regional trade liberalization The NationThailand and China ink 5 agreements to boost trade, regional security The Jakarta PostIndonesia, China to resume joint-military training exercises, strengthen military cooperation China DailyXi, Widodo vow to take ties to new level The Jakarta PostIndonesia-China ink $2.6 billion crude palm oil, fishery trade deals The Straits TimesOutcome of China’s application to join CPTPP trade pact not yet known: S’pore PM The Phnom Penh PostCambodia, China sign $1.6 billion deal for second expressway The Jakarta PostAs Xi visit draws near, delays haunt Jakarta-Bandung rail project The Jakarta PostWhat does the 20th CCP National Congress mean for Indonesia? Viet Nam NewsVietnamese, Chinese Party leaders stress peace at sea, resumption of flights in talks Viet Nam NewsVietnam, China sign 13 cooperation documents in Party leader’s visitVIEW ALL BIG PICTURE VIEW MORE President Prabowo Subianto’s Red and White Cooperatives program is deemed a new chapter in the country’s long history of the economic institution that has roots in the Indonesian social value of "gotong royong" (mutual support). Offshore capital sets tone for Kospi, as trading volume and influence eclipse muted domestic voices.POLICY MATTERSVIEW MORE A Kathmandu-based non-profit organization is equipping them with essential skills, and grants, to help them grow their enterprises. The current high tax burden discourages investors, especially large shareholders, many of whom are also company insiders or top executives, from accepting dividend payouts. This contributes to the persistent low dividend payout ratios that leave Korea’s stock market undervalued relative to global peers.MORE HEADLINESNepal’s federalism on a bumpy road ...40 litterbugs caught in Brunei ...Indonesia should be more active in foreign policy, former ministers say President Moon meets BTS, officially appoints them as special diplomatic envoy Russia’s Putin, PM Imran discuss Afghanistan, bilateral ties in 2nd call in a month Asean is China’s largest trading partner with US$685b trade CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT The Jakarta PostJakarta’s coastal neighborhoods struggle as clean water access dwindles The Kathmandu PostUnregulated quarrying fuels fear in flood-ravaged Nepali municipality Viet Nam NewsOver 420 homes damaged, reservoirs overwhelmed amid Typhoon Wipha’s aftermath in Vietnam Philippine Daily InquirerOver 3,000 classrooms in the Philippines damaged by southwest monsoon DawnWhy China’s neighbours are worried about its new mega-dam project DawnOver 200 stranded tourists rescued amid Pakistan floods: officials KuenselSolar power to transform farm irrigation in Bhutan Philippine Daily InquirerIllegal fishing, overfishing push Philippine fish stocks to historic lows: advocacy group Philippine Daily InquirerStorm Wipha, southwest monsoon death toll now 6; over 1 million affected in the Philippines Viet Nam NewsHanoi accelerates green transition as air pollution crisis intensifies The Korea HeraldGovernment forms united relief front as South Korea counts cost of floods The Jakarta PostBali to ban production of plastic sachet in 2026 The Kathmandu Post93 killed and 22 missing in three months of disasters across Nepal The Korea HeraldHeavy rain batters South Korea’s midsection KuenselSheep farming in Bhutan’s Phobjikha declines as youth seek cities, farmers shift crops The NationLow-cost Myanmar rare earths feed China as border mines pollute ThailandVIEW ALL AGRICULTUREVIEW MORE Amid fiscal strain, the Cabinet cuts per-quintal subsidy to Rs35, prompting backlash from growers who say rising costs and unpaid dues have pushed sugarcane farming to the brink. With unpredictable monsoon patterns challenging traditional farming, a new report suggests Bhutan must fundamentally rethink its irrigation methods, advocating for solar-powered solutions to sustainably water the fields.TRANSPORTATIONVIEW MORE There are currently no provisions under current delivery license guidelines for a minimum fare or floor price mechanism for e-hailing drivers. According to the Deputy Transport Minister, the study will be based on findings and recommendations of the Land Public Transport Strategic Plan for the Klang Valley. The development comes after a team from the UK Department for Transport concluded an aviation security inspection at Islamabad International Airport on Thursday, declaring Pakistan’s security arrangements “satisfactory and in line with international standards."ENERGYVIEW MORE For Beijing, the project promises clean power, jobs and a jolt of stimulus for a slowing economy. For neighbours downstream, it stirs old anxieties about water security: the Yarlung Zangbo becomes the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh, a lifeline for millions. The dramatic rise in electricity bills has sparked public complaints, with this concern dominating debate during the recent 9th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly.MORE HEADLINESJapan to establish ¥500 billion fund to reinforce economic security ...China to include sex education in primary school text books ...Indonesian migrant worker’s ‘7 conditions’ for job search sparks debate ...Livelihoods hinge on green recovery ...Energy minister tells petroleum dealers ‘legitimate’ demands will be met, urges them to reconsider strike ...Japan cultural agency to earmark ¥6.5 billion to preserve local festivals ...Marijuana legal in Thailand from Dec 9, but ‘doobies’ still not allowed ...Covid-19 shots alone don’t ensure 100 percent safety, continued caution needed, experts say ...SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA The Korea HeraldDemon boy band? These Korean ballet dancers had already cast their spell The NationBangkok’s epic name: The longest city name in the world The Japan NewsUnique temple frog-jumping festival takes a leap in the heat in Japan’s Nara The Daily StarFarewell to a heroic teacher who died while trying to save students in Dhaka jet crash Sin Chew DailyPassion keeps Malaysian veteran stitching star shining strong at 88 DawnMalala, the girl who needs no introduction, just reintroduced herself The Daily StarHorse riding in Dhaka: A sport, a therapy, a rebellion The StarTurning the tide in Malaysia’s Semporna The Straits TimesWhy some young Singaporean adults need a course on how to talk Viet Nam NewsThe rituals of the New Year Thunder Festival of central Vietnam province The Jakarta PostPaying for future vacations: Indulgence or investment? Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine food traditions as social affairs The StarMalaysian foundation has served two million meals…and counting The Kathmandu PostNepal’s Deuda festival celebrated China DailyFrom ink to sole: Chinese tradition woven into sneakers The Kathmandu PostNepal’s prized fungus collectors face mounting dangers and dwindling incomeVIEW ALL GO DEEPER WITH ANNANN NewsletterSign up hereTHE ANN DISPATCHANN LIFETHE ANN DISPATCHANN LIFEFollow us: