Ryosuke Ellis

The Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollar are rising, outpacing other Asian currencies. The U.S. and China agreed on coordinated financial stability measures. Singapore plans to open an Islamic Studies college to promote harmony, counter extremism, and boost its regional influence.

Southeast Asia’s GDP growth and FDI now surpass China’s. China-Philippines tensions rose after a ship collision, Ukraine targeted Russian supply lines, Canada’s rail network faces a labor shutdown, and Libya’s central bank closed after a director's kidnapping.

Thailand named Thaksin’s daughter PM post-MFP’s dissolution; the U.S. redirected a carrier to the Middle East, raising Pacific security concerns. Harris outlined economic plans, gold hit records, and China-Taliban resumed an Afghan copper project amid environmental concerns.

Singapore charged three in a major money laundering case. Ukraine’s Russia incursion sees early wins but risks overextension. U.S. inflation dips, Japan’s economy grows, MPOX cases rise, Apple opens tap-to-pay, North Korea reopens to tourists, and Japan’s PM faces low public support.