DHAKA -- The effects of the Iran war on energy costs are threatening to exacerbate Bangladesh's inflation, which has already hit a 10-month high and risen for four straight months, complicating the new government's economic recovery efforts and plans by the new central bank governor to cut interest rates.
Editor's Choice: Japan's tsunami 15 years on and Fukushima's comeback
Hello from Tokyo. For those who had family or friends living in Japan 15 years ago, or who lived here around that time, the memory of March 11, 2011, should be vivid. On that day, northeastern Japan was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami, claiming countless lives. Distant Tokyo and surrounding cities were also affected by strong tremors, paralyzing vast transportation networks.
That day, I was on a reporting trip in Silicon Valley, and my family was traveling in Singapore.
COSCO's Hong Kong shipping arm wary of Mideast after stormy year of tariffs
TOKYO -- Orient Overseas (International), the Hong Kong-headquartered subsidiary of state-owned China COSCO Shipping, took a more than 40% hit to its bottom line last year as U.S. President Donald Trump's up-and-down tariff policies rocked the global maritime industry.
Australia's AirTrunk doubles down on Japan with $8bn data center bet
SYDNEY -- Australian data center operator AirTrunk plans to invest $8 billion in Japan through 2030 as the country relies more on artificial intelligence to offset a shrinking labor pool.
Panasonic's AI tech helps drones inspect Singapore buildings
TOKYO -- Panasonic Holdings said Friday that it has partnered with a Singapore drone services company to deploy an artificial intelligence platform for inspecting building exteriors, as the Japanese electronics giant pushes deeper into software and data businesses.
Hong Kong's pivot to Middle East threatened by Iran war spillover
HONG KONG -- When the U.S. and Israel began launching their strikes on Iran, Hong Kong entrepreneur Anina Ho was on her way to a museum in Abu Dhabi. Hearing reports of imminent Iranian retaliation, she rushed back to her hotel on Dubai's famous artificial island, The Palm. From her room, Ho said she could hear explosions in the distance.
Pakistan separatist group welcomes US-Israeli strikes on Iran
ISLAMABAD -- A separatist group advocating for the independence of a western Pakistani province and allegedly linked to a militant group has publicly backed the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, across the border, a move seen as an attempt to draw international attention.
ASEAN economic ministers look to deepen integration as Iran war toll mounts
MANILA -- ASEAN economic ministers will look for ways to deepen regional resilience and integration during a day of meetings on Friday as the impact of the widening conflict in the Middle East threatens growth and livelihoods, the Philippines said.
Vietnam National Assembly election: 5 things to know
HO CHI MINH CITY -- Digital billboards are flashing and loudspeakers are blaring this week, as Vietnamese officials try to persuade voters to participate in Sunday's election for the roughly 500-delegate National Assembly.
In Focus: Divers in northeast Japan work to revive 2011 tsunami-hit sea
In Focus: Divers in northeast Japan work to revive 2011 tsunami-hit sea