Oracle's AI gamble: US$700m restructuring, US$40b war chest, and a market still sceptical

Oil prices closed the week up 8% amid Middle East shipping attacks, with diesel hitting record highs. We break down the supply risks and what they mean for ASEAN economies.

Anthropic disrupts AI misuse campaigns by Chinese labs and Russian hackers, revealing how Claude models are being exploited for espionage and weapons development.

Oscar-winning filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor present new testimony from 24 Israeli military and intelligence figures about AI-enabled targeting systems in Gaza, as the Venice Film Festival screens their documentary NAZA.

A fact-check of the first night of the Republican midterm convention reveals significant gaps between political claims and legislative reality, particularly on immigration and Social Security taxation.

Singapore's Parliament passes a landmark Bill consolidating health regulation under HSA, creating a single touchpoint for patients, professionals, and AI innovators. The two-phase reform, effective through 2027, offers ASEAN a blueprint for integrated, future-ready governance.

Analyzing the top firewood racks for Southeast Asian consumers, from premium Solo Stove to budget-friendly options, with specifications and regional buying considerations.

The 1980s built worlds without green screens. What can Southeast Asia's creative economy learn from practical sets?

Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen's gritty US Open comeback against Iga Swiatek offers a case study in resilience, with implications for regional narratives on recovery and strategic discipline.

Sea otters are the keystone species that keep kelp forests alive. When they vanish, entire ecosystems collapse. Here is why their conservation matters for marine governance and what Southeast Asia can learn.

The 2026 Emmys' three-ceremony restructuring reflects strategic governance in creative media. Analysis of the Creative Arts winners and what the format shift means for regional broadcasters.

The Luria test, a 10-second hand sequence, is a reliable screening tool for dementia. Singapore's geriatric specialists use it alongside broader assessments to address the region's ageing population.

The Creative Arts Emmys 2026 split into three ceremonies has sparked industry debate. Here's what the category reshuffle means for Southeast Asian media stakeholders tracking the global entertainment economy.

Oatmeal is getting a data-driven upgrade in Southeast Asia, where health-conscious consumers are turning to nutrient-dense toppings like milk, seeds, and eggs to optimize their breakfast bowls.

A stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report has recalibrated global market expectations for Federal Reserve policy, with implications for capital flows, currency stability, and trade competitiveness across ASEAN.

Global markets hold steady as Fed's Waller signals possible pause on rate hikes. ASEAN investors watch US payrolls, yen strength and oil prices for regional cues.

Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist writer and activist, has died at 92. Her legacy of intersectional advocacy and media innovation offers lessons for Southeast Asia’s gender equality efforts.

President Prabowo Subianto pitched Indonesia as Russia's gateway to ASEAN at the Eastern Economic Forum, proposing deeper trade, connectivity, and energy ties while maintaining Jakarta's non-aligned foreign policy.

Colorado's record bear surge, driven by drought, offers ASEAN policymakers a data-rich model for managing human-wildlife conflict under climate stress.

Singapore's Punggol East Container Park closes by year-end as land reverts to SLA for housing. F&B and recreational tenants face relocation; some have secured new sites.

SingLand's Marina Square closure in 2027 raises questions about tenant compensation, lease management, and the future of Singapore's retail-REIT model.

Explore the investment potential of vintage salt and pepper shakers, from Noritake clowns to Parkcraft state sets, and learn what drives their market value.

A global fix-and-flip playbook, from gray floors to shiplap, is failing buyers in Southeast Asia. Here's why authentic design and governance matter in ASEAN's property markets.

Tibet draws China's censors,

New genomic research links genetics to sweet taste preferences, with implications for metabolic health and consumer behavior across ASEAN. A study of nearly 500,000 people found genetic predisposition adds 7 grams of daily sweet food intake, raising diabetes risk.

Dermatologists reveal 19 overrated beauty products, from toners to gel manicures, and explain why simpler routines save money without compromising skin health.

Online thrifting in Southeast Asia offers value and sustainability, but hidden costs, shipping fees, and spatial mismatches can turn bargains into liabilities. Here's how to shop smart.

The US-Venezuela oil deal could reshape global energy dynamics. Wei-Ling Tan analyzes implications for ASEAN markets, infrastructure challenges, and what it means for regional energy security.

The FDA has recalled 12 herbal supplements over labeling violations and undeclared allergens. For ASEAN's booming wellness market, this is a governance lesson in regulatory gaps and supply chain traceability.

As ASEAN incomes rise, the air hockey table market is booming. We analyze the top models and the regional trends driving home entertainment spending.