TOP NEWS Honda, Nissan struggle to fight back in China price war as BYD’s sales climb higherHonda, Nissan business integration fueled by concerns over outside influence, vulnerability to investorsMalaysian special Parliamentary committee draws up recommendations to ease rising cost of livingMORE HEADLINES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The NationBusinesses in Thailand warned not to use open AI to prevent data leaks China DailyHumanoid robots development thriving in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area The Japan NewsNobel Prize winner warns against rapid progress of AI DawnThe climate paradox: AI’s role in both saving and sabotaging the planet The Jakarta PostIs Southeast Asia the next frontier for AI? Viet Nam NewsSoutheast Asia poised to become global AI hub The Phnom Penh PostAI-powered report highlights Cambodia’s climate risks and economic impacts Viet Nam NewsNVIDIA to build AI research and data centres in VN China DailyChina-proposed group to boost AI cooperation China DailyChinese applications installed 15b times globally from Q1 2023 to Q3 2024 China DailyYoung Chinese form closer bonds with AI China DailyChina’s homegrown AI tools play key role in preserving cultural heritage The Phnom Penh PostExperts discuss AI’s role in preventing colour revolutions The Japan NewsWorld-renowned Japanese architect’s office utilises AI in design process The Phnom Penh PostAs AI integrates into Cambodian’s daily work life, ethical concerns arise Philippine Daily Inquirer46% of Filipinos embrace generative AI at work — surveyVIEW ALL COMBATING INFLATION The Straits TimesSingapore core inflation extends decline to 1.9% in November The StarMalaysian special Parliamentary committee draws up recommendations to ease rising cost of living Vientiane TimesLao government to increase allowances for civil servants amid rising cost of living The StarConcern over rising haj costs The Straits TimesHoliday cheer on a budget: Filipinos tighten belts for Christmas as costs rise The Daily StarInflation 7% by next June: Bangladesh Bank governor Philippine Daily InquirerPhilippine inflation quickens to 2.5% in November The Straits TimesIndonesia likely to delay start of VAT hike amid growing worries over living costs The Straits TimesSingapore core inflation drops to 2.1% in October, lowest in almost three years The Straits TimesGovernment doing its best to help with cost of living, says Singapore PM Wong The StarVeggie prices soar in Malaysia amid bad weather The Daily StarPolicies that could help break the inflation cycle The Daily StarGold price hiked again in Bangladesh The NationThai rice prices surge in 2024 as demand outstrips supply Philippine Daily InquirerEssential Christmas Eve dinner staples remain at 2023 prices in the Philippines The Straits TimesMiddle-class Indians tighten their purse strings amid spiralling inflationVIEW ALL TECHNOLOGY VIEW MORE The GBA has outstanding research and development capabilities and a solid industrial manufacturing foundation. BUSINESS, Corporate Buzz, Home Page, Special Report, Technology, Technology RightWill Apple quit the smart ring race with Samsung? ... BUSINESS, Home Page, Special Report, Technology, Technology Right, TransportationRobotaxis — arriving at a future near you ... BUSINESS, Technology, Technology RightBlack Myth: Wukong, China’s first blockbuster video game, marks turnaround for its gaming industry ...ECONOMIC AFFAIRS VIEW MORE 5 top banks have set aside over 154 billion baht in reserves for festive spending, while the central bank will also earmark 80 billion baht to meet higher demand for cash. The termination of the employment of Singapore Post’s group chief executive, Vincent Phang, could delay ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term commercial viability of the postal service business, given that he had been instrumental in leading its restructuring.CORPORATE BUZZ VIEW MORE The JFTC believes that Google’s actions have restricted smartphone makers’ business activities and constitute “trading on restrictive terms,” a practice prohibited under the Antimonopoly Law. The watchdog has already notified Google of its plan to issue the cease-and-desist order. It is set to make a formal decision after hearing Google’s opinion. The two Japanese carmakers are experiencing a severe decline in sales in the country, down about 50% from five years ago. SPECIAL REPORTSVIEW ALL MORE HEADLINESBangladesh Chief Adviser press wing debunks media reports on communal violence ...Malaysian commission unveils new code of conduct allowing parents to have control over kids’ screen time ...Malaysia will strengthen territorial defence while keeping diplomatic channels open in South China Sea ...Vietnam launches handbook for child safety in cyberspace ...Japan’s foreign visitor count from Jan.-Nov. 2024 breaks 2023 record ...House OKs bill that lets foreigners lease land in Philippines for 99 years ...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 The cyber criminals have mainly targeted foreign banks and financial institutions, a senior official said. Government debt in these countries, which are home to around 40 percent of the world's population, now stands at an average of 72 percent of GDP.POLICY MATTERSVIEW MORE A series of year-end stimulus solutions is expected to spur Vietnam's economy to achieve the GDP growth target of over 7 per cent this year. The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill that would extend up to 99 years, from the current 50, the period in which private land can be leased to a foreign investor, who would be allowed to sub-let the property.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 DawnHow Pakistan’s climate crisis is fueling violence against women The Jakarta PostResponders evacuate tourists from flood-hit hotels, villas in Bali DawnCitizens suffer as Karachi hit by severe gas crisis amid cold weather The Jakarta PostFloods, landslides hit various regions of Indonesia ahead of year-end holidays China DailyChina’s Yellow River Basin sees improved ecological environment The NationPlastic shopping bags turned into giant bear doll in Chiang Mai The Japan NewsJapan to oblige companies to set CO2 reduction targets Viet Nam NewsVietnam may face severe heat waves in 2025, meteorological centre warns KuenselMid-Latitude Region Network in Bhutan to address climate crisis DawnTime to start weaving benchmarks for climate resilience, sustainability The StatesmanWill Kolkata become the next New Delhi in the coming five years? The NationThailand bans imports of plastic waste from January 1 The Kathmandu PostEverest helicopter flights face stronger headwind Philippine Daily InquirerRainy Christmas seen in most of Philippines due to northeast monsoon Viet Nam NewsSevere cold spells in Vietnam forecast for January and February The Korea HeraldCold snap to hit South Korea from WednesdayVIEW ALL AGRICULTUREVIEW MORE Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations president Lim called for the government to break from the status quo, advocating for revolutionary measures to ensure the nation’s food security is anchored on homegrown produce rather than imports. Use of high-tech methods reduce environmental impact, boost incomes.TRANSPORTATIONVIEW MORE With an investment of $1.72 billion, it spans 19.7km and includes 14 stations, three of which are underground in the city center. The two Japanese carmakers are experiencing a severe decline in sales in the country, down about 50% from five years ago.ENERGYVIEW MORE Sources in the gas utility told Dawn that the dilapidated gas distribution infrastructure across the city was also one of the major reasons behind the crisis and the low pressure was mainly caused by leakages in the distribution network. Regarding nuclear energy, the phrase “reducing dependence on nuclear power as much as possible” was deleted from the draft. Instead, it states that the nation would use as much renewable and nuclear energy as possible.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 HeraldNot just moms, wives: Korean women’s daily struggle for identity China DailyColleges for elderly increasingly popular as seniors’ thirst for knowledge grows The Straits Times‘I am not an alien any longer’: Stateless 25-year-old becomes Singapore PR KuenselBartsham’s community museum in Bhutan opens to preserve heritage and culture The StatesmanWill Kolkata become the next New Delhi in the coming five years? Viet Nam News‘Non-professional doctors’ work tirelessly to save Vietnam’s wild animals The Phnom Penh PostCambodian grandmaster fostering martial arts prodigies, nurturing better citizens The StarAll ASEAN wants for Christmas is Mariah’s festive hit DawnBrain rot – Have you got it? The Japan NewsTokyo’s female rickshaw pullers draw attention The Kathmandu PostExploring Nepal’s remote corners The Straits TimesFlight of the common rose: How are Singapore’s butterflies impacted by climate change? The Korea HeraldSatire on the streets: Koreans turn crisis into festival of resistance Viet Nam NewsDisabled Vietnamese photographer shows art is for everyone Kuensel90-year-old Bhutanese master weaver honoured as living legend The Straits TimesTherapeutic garden opens at Punggol Park with Singapore’s first outdoor boccia courtVIEW ALL GO DEEPER WITH ANNComing SoonANN NewsletterSign up hereFollow us: