Society
Philippine SIM registration drive 'on track' despite bumpy opening
Nearly 10% of 170m cards registered, but concerns over data privacy remain
Southeast Asia
Business Spotlight
Thailand's auto industry becomes a Japan-China battleground
'Detroit of Southeast Asia' courts investment from both of Asia's giants
Food & Beverage
Japan's Ikinari Steak debuts in Philippines after struggling in U.S.
Affordable eatery chain looks to rebound with first location in Southeast Asia
Economy
Marcos plans Philippine wealth fund 'soft launch' at Davos
President's Switzerland trip won't revive issue of ill-gotten riches, official says
DealStreetAsia
Singapore health tech startup Holmusk raises $45m
Plans to use funds to expand database for behavioral health industry
Climate Change
Thailand's SCG to test carbon capture tech for cement industry
Japanese partners to help country's building materials leader convert CO2 to methane fuel
Myanmar Crisis
Indonesia to set up office of ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar
Foreign minister to lead mission as Naypyitaw fails to move on 5-point consensus
Opinion
China will need more than promises to sway Marcos from U.S. turn
Philippine president's trip to Beijing yields no breakthroughs on key issues
South China Sea
Philippine court voids oil exploration pact involving China
Decision brings other proposed agreements into doubt
DealStreetAsia
Singapore parenting platform Welovesupermom bags $6m in funding
Company offers price comparisons and hosts parent communities
The Nikkei View
ASEAN chair Indonesia has big role in upholding regional order
Jakarta's most urgent task is to press Myanmar's military regime to conform
Commodities
Olam plans Singapore, Saudi Arabia dual IPO of agricultural arm
Temasek-backed commodity trader hopes to list subsidiary in first half of 2023
DealStreetAsia
Singapore robotics company LionsBot lands $17m in Series A round
Startup develops cleaning robots for commercial applications
Politics
Cannabis 'addictions' surge in Thailand after decriminalization
Number said to be addicted quadruples as politicians play the blame game
Opinion
Claiming Asia's fossil fuel assets will be worthless helps no one
Full use of existing systems will make new energy shift cheaper and easier
Natural disasters
7.6 quake damages buildings in Indonesia, felt in Australia
Indonesian authorities issue tsunami warning but no anomaly seen
Transportation
Tunnel digging begins for Japan-backed Manila subway line
Philippine's first subway aims to reduce capital's crippling traffic congestion
Technology
Grab adds pay feature from Vietnam tech unicorn VNG
ZaloPay used for rides, delivery in deal linking country's most popular apps
Coronavirus
Thailand U-turns on COVID vaccination rule for visitors
Global immunization high enough, so no restrictions needed: health minister
Opinion
Sustainable infrastructure critical for protecting biodiversity
Development banks have to align support for economic growth with preserving nature
