Southeast Asia
France returns to top of FIFA rankings, Indonesia stays at 122
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
FIFA released its latest world rankings on April 2, 2026, with France rising to first place after positive friendly results. Spain dropped to second and Argentina to third. Indonesia's national team held steady at 122nd with 1144.88 points despite competing in the FIFA Series 2026.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced on Tuesday a five-day trip to Indonesia and the Philippines starting Sunday. He described the move amid Japan's most severe postwar security environment. Koizumi is set to meet his Indonesian counterpart on Monday and Philippine counterpart on Tuesday.
Reported by AI
National Geographic's documentary Secrets of the Bees became available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu starting April 1. In a recent interview, entomologist Dr. Samuel Ramsey discussed his bee research at the University of Colorado Boulder and efforts to sequence honey bee genomes worldwide. The series highlights global bee health challenges and his work in Southeast Asia.
Cebu City is hosting the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat from January 25 to 29, 2026, and the ASEAN Tourism Forum from January 26 to 30, as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship for the year.
Reported by AI
Bluehole Inc.'s popular MMORPG Elyon is preparing for its release in Southeast Asia next month. The game features a conflict between Vulpin and Ontari factions in the land of Harth, with players choosing from seven classes. Pre-registrations are open for a closed beta test starting June 22.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled the FIFA ASEAN Cup, a new regional tournament involving all 11 Southeast Asian countries, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The announcement followed the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between FIFA and ASEAN to boost football development in the region. The competition will align with FIFA's International Match Calendar to feature top players and enhance the sport's growth among 700 million people.
Reported by AI
The Star published ASEAN news headlines at 10pm on September 14, 2025, covering key developments across Southeast Asian countries. The roundup included political, economic, and social updates from the region. This daily digest aims to keep readers informed on regional affairs.
China praises Myanmar's executions of 'four families' gang leaders amid vow to shield citizens abroad
March 08, 2026 21:19ASEAN nations implement new tourism taxes in 2026
February 28, 2026 12:33President Lee Jae Myung departs for Singapore on two-nation Southeast Asia swing
February 26, 2026 20:11President Lee to pay state visits to Singapore and Philippines next week
February 08, 2026 17:28China considers Xianggui Canal to link interior to Beibu Gulf
December 17, 2025 06:54Marites Vitug to discuss Putin's influence in Southeast Asia
December 08, 2025 23:24Robinhood enters Indonesia through brokerage and crypto acquisitions
December 01, 2025 08:26CJ Cheiljedang partners with Thai retailer CP Axtra for K-food expansion
November 30, 2025 10:37JAFF Market panels highlight Asian film market shifts
October 27, 2025 19:15Timor-Leste officially becomes 11th ASEAN member at 47th summit