ReelShort is pushing its reach across Southeast Asia by teaming up with Globe, a major Philippine telecom firm. This follows an earlier partnership with Thailand’s AIS just two months ago. The goal is to make the company’s library of vertical dramas available to millions of Filipino mobile users, a
A deal bringing together two companies from different ends of Asia’s entertainment and tech worlds could change how brands reach young viewers in places like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. One side, COL Group, started small in China and now runs one of the biggest global platforms for micr
So, there is a huge political shift happening in Kazakhstan right now. The country is making big changes under its current leadership. This is all part of preparing for future leaders. The long-time ruling party, Amanat, has made an unexpected decision. It is folding itself into a different organiz
A recent survey in New Zealand shows that more people now see the United States as a threat than China. The study, carried out by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, asked 2, 300 residents in January and February about their feelings toward major global powers. Only 39% described the U. S. as a friend,
The National Hospital of the Kyrgyz Republic records a striking number of stroke patients who do not survive their hospital stay. In Central Asia, where health resources are tight, the toll from strokes is one of the highest in the world. Researchers looked back at past patient records to find wh
Asia is no longer the “latecomer” in digital money. The region’s governments are turning crypto from a speculative fad into everyday finance, using stablecoins for payments, remittances and treasury work. In 2025, Asia moved $12. 5 trillion in stablecoin transactions—more than any other part of th
The term Wasian—mixing white and Asian heritage—has popped up everywhere lately, mostly because a bunch of well-known faces have started using it. Think Olympic skaters, actors and musicians who suddenly feel seen in a way they didn’t growing up. For some, the label is helpful. It’s a quick way to s
Indonesia has taken a firm stand against online prediction markets, specifically targeting Polymarket, which lets users bet on events like elections and sports using cryptocurrency. The government argues that these platforms operate like online gambling, which is illegal in the country. Instead of f
Finding out what LGBTQ+ life is really like in Southeast Asia isn’t easy. Researchers who try often run into problems that most people never see. From Indonesia to Vietnam, these academics face more than just data collection—they deal with social stigma, unclear rules, and sometimes personal danger.
Central Asia’s underground holds some of the world’s most valuable metals. Five countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—sit on vast deposits of rare earths, the minerals needed for phones, wind turbines, and fighter jets. For years, China has been the main supplier
