Asia

Diana Gamage, Minister of State for Tourism, emphasised the critical role of nightlife in driving economic growth, citing it as the cornerstone of the night economy as it accounts for as much as 70% of revenue

The country will participate in the construction of the world's largest optical-infrared telescope together with six other countries, the National Science and Technology Council announced after signing a MoU with the Giant Magellan Telescope programme

Thai Airways reported a rebound in profits upon increased demand for air travel; a net profit of 28,1 billion baht (US$782 million) in 2023, shows a substantial recovery from the 272 million baht loss reported the previous year

The Department of Immigration has started issuing travel permits for domestic and foreign tourists travelling to restricted zones through an online system

Many strategic road projects will be prioritised this year, including those planned to provide connectivity to important and popular tourist areas - the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology stated

A total of 26.272 young men and women are members of the Kingdom's 33 licensed political parties according to the Independent Election Commission

The launch of Mr World Vietnam 2024 competition is planned for the first time in the form of a live TV programme; each episode presents a challenge corresponding to a typical competition criterion, such as physical challenge, modelling ability and talent

Mini home farms have a huge impact on psychological well-being and family unity, health and organic farming experts said, urging Emirati residents to grow one in their own home

Calligrapher and photojournalist Bilal Khaled left a 'message to the world' through a large mural he painted on a building in Rafah, entitled 'Buried Dreams'; since 7 October, over 12.400 Palestinian children are estimated to have been killed in strikes

The 4th Philippine International Dive Expo, to be held at the World Trade Centre in Pasay City, is aimed at facilitating new partnerships for the development of the country's diving industry

Singapore hotels and airlines report a surge of up to 30% in regional demand in anticipation of the arrival of American pop star Taylor Swift, who will stop in Singapore for six sold-out shows

9.000 trainee doctors have tendered their resignations and over 8.000 are on strike to protest a government plan to expand the intake of medical students; South Korea that has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios for a major economy