TOP NEWS Iran reopens airspace after temporary closure forced flights to rerouteMalaysians’ tax-free luxury car dream dashedIndonesia takes hard line against Elon Musk over deepfakesMORE HEADLINES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The Daily StarBangladesh launches first shared GPU cloud facility to boost AI, research The Korea HeraldSouth Korean creator, copyright groups oppose ‘use first, pay later’ stance in government AI plan The Jakarta PostIndonesia takes hard line against Elon Musk over deepfakes KuenselBhutan, Canada partner to strengthen AI policy and governance The Korea HeraldNearly all Seoul students use generative AI, teachers warn of over-reliance The Jakarta PostIndonesia blocks Elon Musk’s Grok over AI-generated sexualised images The Korea HeraldWhy South Korea is vying to be first to regulate AI The Yomiuri ShimbunNew AI service in Japan will keep ads away from inappropriate posts Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine national insurance eyes AI-powered system to detect fraud in health claims The Straits TimesWorld’s tallest indoor vertical farm, costing US$62 million, opens in Singapore The Korea HeraldSouth Korea brings AI into the physical world at CES 2026 China DailyChinese women seen at forefront of AI adoption The Korea HeraldAI is no longer optional in K-pop — it’s becoming the new normal Viet Nam NewsA look at Hanoi’s AI traffic camera system The Yomiuri ShimbunJapan Medical Safety Body to review all accidental death reports with AI The Yomiuri ShimbunJapan Fair Trade Commission to launch investigation into use of news articles by AI-powered search enginesVIEW ALL COMBATING INFLATION Vientiane TimesStandard of living improving in Laos amid signs of economic recovery The StarRetirement benchmark feels like distant goal for most Malaysians The StatesmanIndia’s retail inflation stays below central bank’s lower band for fourth straight month The Daily StarElectric cooker sales soar as Bangladesh’s gas crisis worsens KuenselBhutanese consumers foot the bill as double taxation bites during GST transition The Daily StarLPG prices in Bangladesh soar on artificial scarcity The StarMalaysians enjoy a holiday and tax relief at the same time Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine 2025 inflation slows to 1.7%, a 9-year low The StarRM100 government and school aid a timely relief for Malaysians The StatesmanIndian brokerage firms flag surge in illicit cigarette trade risks after sharp tobacco tax hike The Jakarta PostFood, gold push Indonesia’s inflation to highest level since 2022 The Kathmandu PostNepal’s wide wholesale-retail price gap keeps veggies out of common person’s reach Vientiane TimesLaos’ inflation eases to 5.6 percent in December as food prices fall KuenselPrice slump and early harvests in India hit Bhutan’s potato exports The StarMalaysians go on last-minute dash to use government cash aid The Daily StarBangladesh’s potato paradox: Just another curry on the rice plate? This will not solve the price problemVIEW ALL TECHNOLOGY VIEW MORE The move aims to accelerate higher education, research, and machine learning-based skills development. Artificial Intelligence, BUSINESS, Entertainment & the arts, Lifestyle, Technology, Technology RightSouth Korean creator, copyright groups oppose ‘use first, pay later’ stance in government AI plan ... Artificial Intelligence, Asia On Screen, BUSINESS, Technology, Technology Right, TransportationA look at Hanoi’s AI traffic camera system ... Around Asia, BUSINESS, Daily Digest, Home Page, SOCIETY, Technology, Technology RightHow IP cameras become South Korea’s quiet privacy risk ...ECONOMIC AFFAIRS VIEW MORE To support the investment drive, the government will implement a series of strategic measures. While cargo volume decreased by 1.4% to 614.34 million tonnes, bunker sales hit a new high of 56.77 million tonnes, driven by alternative fuels.CORPORATE BUZZ VIEW MORE The ten Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are expected to enter service in Cambodia starting in 2031. X has reassured the government that its AI chatbot, Grok, will not be used for pornographic purposes and will enforce accounts found to be misusing the platform for illicit purposes, according to the Communications and Digital Ministry. SPECIAL REPORTSVIEW ALL MORE HEADLINESLao government eyes large-scale investment to drive economic growth ...UAE grants royal pardon to 440 Bangladeshi prisoners ...Vietnam repositions older citizens as economic assets under long-term ageing strategy ...India, France reaffirm strategic partnership as PM Modi meets Macron’s envoy ahead of President’s visit ...Thai PM Anutin urges tighter security ahead of February 8 election after deep south blasts ...Out of 16 townships in Yangon Region, 15 townships were won by pro-military USDP candidates ...CHINA AND ASEAN DawnAI deepfakes: The latest weapon in Pakistan’s disinformation wars 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 talksVIEW ALL BIG PICTURE VIEW MORE The Employees Provident Fund’s revision of the benchmark of RM1.3mil to enjoy a comfortable retirement has raised concerns as to whether most Malaysians can achieve adequate savings. Toys offering emotional value for young people took centre stage at the 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair's new "Pop and Play" pavilion, which has brought together about 150 famous local and international IPs.POLICY MATTERSVIEW MORE Sweeping measures aim to empower businesses and boost consumption. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto is under pressure to respond to drivers' demands for better pay and conditions, particularly after their involvement in widespread student-led protests in August demonstrated the political clout of the sector's workforce.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 PostHeavy rain, coastal erosion compound flooding threats in Indonesia’s Java The NationSevere PM2.5 pollution hits Bangkok, with air quality in critical zones worsening The Jakarta PostJakarta sinks deeper as subsidence worsens flood risks The Straits TimesSingapore authorities considering sterilising otters for long-term population control measures DawnOver 29,000 trees removed in Islamabad; minister says more to be planted The Daily StarBrick kilns ravage land, waterbodies in Bangladesh’s Chattogram The Jakarta PostWaste crisis haunts Greater Jakarta The StarFloods and landslides shut schools in Malaysia’s Sabah, Sarawak DawnGas shortages trigger protests in Pakistan’s Quetta amid severe cold The StatesmanAir pollution in India silently fuelling rise in respiratory, cardiac, and neurological diseases The Kathmandu PostAs wetlands in Nepal’s Chitwan shrink, migratory birds are vanishing The StarSuperbug risk grows at Malaysian farms Viet Nam NewsLocalities across Vietnam step up cold-weather protection for livestock China DailyChina’s new burial rules promote eco-friendly rituals, curb high costs The Jakarta Post22 villages in Indonesia’s Aceh vanish after Cyclone Senyar, dozens remain isolated The Daily StarBangladeshi farmers urged to protect crops, livestock against ongoing cold waveVIEW ALL AGRICULTUREVIEW MORE During the meeting, Minister M.Badamsuren called for the full implementation of existing agreements regarding the steady supply of Mongolian exports, including wool, cashmere, leather, and meat products, to the Kazakh market. Bears, which should normally be hibernating at this time of year, have continued to be sighted even since the New Year began.TRANSPORTATIONVIEW MORE By combining advanced infrastructure, high-capacity corridors, and modern operational systems, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) network is ensuring efficient movement of goods across regions, reducing transit times and costs. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto is under pressure to respond to drivers' demands for better pay and conditions, particularly after their involvement in widespread student-led protests in August demonstrated the political clout of the sector's workforce.ENERGYVIEW MORE South-east Asia has accounted for 11 per cent of global energy demand growth since 2010, and this is projected to rise to more than 25 per cent of the growth by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency's 2024 report. Siberian winds continued to lash Quetta and other towns in northern and central parts of the province following rain and snowfall last week.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 China DailyVinyl exhibition puts fresh spin on China’s musical past DawnFrom reading rooms to commercial centres: The lost libraries of Pakistan’s Lyari The Yomiuri ShimbunJapanese woodcarving artist Makoto Nishi captivates with statues of adorable cats The StarKuala Lumpur theatre performance interrogates the effectiveness of the death penalty Vientiane Times105 Buddha images unearthed in Laos’ Champasak China DailyBeneath a modern Chinese metropolis, an ancient capital emerges The Daily StarOld Dhaka readies for kite-flying festival Sakrain as kites, lanterns, and memories take flight The Korea HeraldFrom living with mums to facing exes, Korean dating shows raise stakes The Yomiuri ShimbunOn Japan’s coming-of-age day, new adults in disaster-hit areas renew vow to revitalise hometowns Philippine Daily InquirerWhat is the most underrated hack to beat Manila traffic? Philippine Daily InquirerWhat food tells us about Filipino psychology Viet Nam NewsKeeping an ancient script alive in a modern world The Daily StarGlobal fame of Bangladesh’s Tangail saree and the weavers we forget Philippine Daily InquirerWhen faith moves millions: Inside the uniquely Philippine Catholic tradition of Traslacion The Daily StarBangladesh’s coldest season is also its most dramatic DawnWhat do airports reveal about the societies that build them?VIEW ALL GO DEEPER WITH ANNANN NewsletterSign up hereTHE ANN DISPATCHANN LIFETHE ANN DISPATCHANN LIFEFollow us: