Malaysia bans pop hit ‘Despacito,’ deeming it ‘wholly inappropriate’

The country’s state broadcaster, Radio Televisyen Malaysia, has said it will no longer air the most streamed song of all time due to its provocative Spanish-language lyrics A still from the music video of Luis Fonsi's Despacito
By Euan Black • Jul 21, 2017

Jokowi begins clampdown on critics in Indonesia, but will it backfire?

After his close ally lost the bitterly contested Jakarta election, president Joko Widodo is clearing the path for his re-election bid, starting by disbanding a prominent Islamic group Indonesia's President Joko Widodo waits for delegates at the Indian Ocean Rim Association summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, 07 March 2017. Photo: EPA/Mick Tsikas
By Euan Black • Jul 20, 2017

ABA Bank introduces PayWay service to boost online businesses in Cambodia

PRESS RELEASE: ABA Bank launches PayWay, its online payment service for businesses
By Southeast Asia Globe Editorial • Jul 19, 2017

Indonesia

Solving our plastic bag nightmare

The creator of Bali’s biodegradable cassava starch bags says they have had “enquiries from almost every country on earth”, but some question the viability of large-scale production
By Ana Salvá • Jul 19, 2017

Duterte says martial law must be extended to ensure ‘public safety’

The Philippines leader has requested an extension to martial law on the island of Mindanao as the conflict with Islamic State-linked rebels nears its end Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during the turnover ceremony of pistols at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, 18 July 2017. Duterte handed over 3,000 units of caliber .45 pistols to the military, stressing the need for soldiers to be equipped with more than service firearms during drugs operations. Photo: EPA/Mark R. Cristino
By Euan Black • Jul 19, 2017

Whatever happened to

The tyrant Than Shwe?

Six years after handing over control of Myanmar, the former dictator’s corrosive spirit still haunts the nation's politics
By Sean Gleeson • Jul 18, 2017

Indonesian woman working in Saudi Arabia paid for first time in 22 years

The case of Sukmi bint Sardi Umar has shone a light on the harsh conditions endured by Indonesians working abroad
By Euan Black • Jul 18, 2017

Philippines’ iconic jeepney drivers hit the road in nation-wide protest

Thousands of drivers take to streets to protest what they believe is the beginning of the end for so-called “jeepneys”, the country’s public transportation of choice A jeepney, a local mini-bus, goes past commuters waiting for other public transport vehicles at a terminal in Quezon City, east of Manila, Philippines 06 February 2017. Photo: EPA/Rolex Dela Pena
By Will Feuer • Jul 17, 2017