China approves first domestic mRNA vaccine for COVID-19

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In: Asia

BEIJING: China has approved its first locally developed messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine against COVID-19, its manufacturer said Wednesday (Mar 22), months after the relaxation of strict zero-COVID regulations sparked a surge in cases. The vaccine, developed by CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, has been approved for “emergency use” by Beijing’s healthContinue Reading

US protectionism eroding its allure in Asia

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In: Asia, Business

Protectionist trade policies and the lack of an economic agenda for East and Southeast Asia have become central themes in critiques of US policy towards the region and its approach to managing US-China “strategic competition.” According to these accounts, US protectionism undermines its economic draw in East Asia — and the political leverage stemming from it — at a time when it has […]Continue Reading

Will Widodo’s ‘city of tomorrow’ survive his rule?

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In: Asia

JAKARTA – Whether it is the crowning achievement of his already impressive legacy, or he genuinely believes it will re-balance economic development away from dominant Java, President Joko Widodo is clearly determined to do all he can to move the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan. In the end, however, it will depend on his successor, […]Continue Reading

Rapper Subhas Nair ‘twisting facts’ to suit own narrative, says prosecutor in racially charged trial

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In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Singaporean rapper Subhas Nair was accused by the prosecution of “twisting the facts” to suit his own narrative, in a racially charged trial on Wednesday (Mar 22). Nair, whose full name is Subhas Govin Prabhakar Nair, was cross-examined by Deputy Public Prosecutor Suhas Malhotra over four charges of attempting toContinue Reading

COE premiums hit record highs across car categories

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In: South-East Asia

SINGAPORE: Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums closed mostly higher in the latest bidding exercise on Wednesday (Mar 22), with Category A and B premiums reaching new record highs. For Category A cars, or those 1,600cc and below with horsepower not exceeding 130bhp, premiums closed at S$93,503, a record high, up from S$88,000 inContinue Reading