Asia Cambodia 150 ancient Khmer bronze antiquities will be lent to a travelling exhibition in Henan, China, where they’ll be shown at multiple venues to showcase Khmer artistic heritage; The loans aim to deepen ties with China and highlight Cambodia’s civilisation
Asia Pakistan Hospital staff in Punjab has been ordered to wear body cameras to improve patient care and curb negligence; The move aims to boost accountability in public hospitals, monitor staff conduct and address complaints about poor treatment and corruption
Asia Singapore Sea-borne robbery cases in the Straits of Malacca and around Singapore have reached their highest level since 2007, raising concerns over maritime security; Authorities warn that more organized gangs and rising ship traffic are often responsible
Asia South Korea 2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption
Asia Georgia Georgian citizens who remain abroad for over six months will benefit from the Universal Healthcare Program at the same conditions they were previously entitled to and will receive healthcare services without any changes, an official clarification reads
Asia Syria A Syrian tycoon linked to former regime has reportedly signed an agreement with the new government; al-Hal news outlet writes that the accord is a key test for the narrative of a "new phase"
Asia Indonesia At least 22 villages in Indonesia’s Aceh province were wiped out after Cyclone Senyar triggered floods and landslides; Dozens of communities remain isolated as authorities race to restore access, assess damage and deliver aid amid disrupted communications
Asia Kazakhstan Amendments to legislation on the protection of medical workers introduce separate criminal liability for violence against medical staff and ambulance drivers during performing their duties and enhance professional liability insurance for medical personnel
Asia Malaysia Fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left are left in the country, prompting the Consumers’ Association of Penang to urge decisive action to avoid extinction: stronger anti-poaching enforcement, wildlife crime courts, habitat protection and a national task force
Asia Kyrgyzstan 23 tons of dried apricots were shipped to China for the first time in 2025; consolidation of export is a key focus of Kyrgyzstan both in terms of range of agro-industrial products sold and in terms of geographical expansion of the market
Asia China Rules regulating competition among e-commerce operators have been tightened starting 7 January 7; a series of measures enhance rigor for sales platforms following the use of practices deemed excessive to attract sellers in a context of intense competition
Asia Bhutan Royal Civil Service Commission has updated its leadership model under the Diamond Strategy, moving away from seniority-based authority toward accountability, adaptability and performance, as part of broader efforts to modernize public administration
Asia Laos Funding to restore degraded forests in Xe Bang Nouan National Protected Area was approved by ADB; The project will reforest damaged land, improve watershed management and support local communities with sustainable forestry, climate-resilient activities