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Asia Times
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- 1
Europe is preparing for intensified competition with Asia over liquefied natural gas supplies, according to a Financial Times report. As both regions vie for limited cargoes, buyers could be forced to bid up prices, with implications for Europe's energy security and household and industrial costs. The competition centres on securing winter supply and attracting flexible US and Qatari cargoes away from Asian buyers.
- 2Japan's Resonac develops wafers yielding four times more chips▼Japan's Resonac develops large wafers that can yield 4 times as many chips
Japanese chemical and semiconductor materials maker Resonac says it has developed larger wafers that can produce four times as many chips as conventional ones. The advance, reported by Nikkei Asia, could improve manufacturing efficiency and output for chipmakers at a time when the industry is racing to expand capacity and meet surging global demand for semiconductors.
- 3Asian Games 2026: Indian tennis players' scores and schedule▼Asian Games 2026 tennis: Scores, schedule, results of Indian players
Attention is turning to tennis at the 2026 Asian Games, with coverage tracking the scores, schedule and results of Indian players at the event. Indian fans are following the tournament closely to see how the country's tennis contingent fares against Asia's top competition in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- 4
Mercedes-Benz will assemble its electric GLC model in Thailand, adding local production of a battery-electric vehicle in Southeast Asia. The move points to growing investment in EV manufacturing capacity in the region, though details on timing, output or local partners have not yet been made clear.
- 5China and India urged to team up on open-source AI within BRICS▼In BRICS open-source AI, China and India will make a good team
An Asia Times commentary argues that China and India, the two largest economies in BRICS, should combine strengths to build open-source artificial intelligence. The piece suggests China's computing infrastructure and India's software talent could complement each other in developing AI models that bypass Western closed systems, giving the bloc a route to technological independence.
- 6China to build robot, car and pharmaceutical plants in Kazakhstan▼China to launch robot, car and pharmaceutical plants in Kazakhstan
China plans to open new manufacturing facilities in Kazakhstan, including plants producing robots, cars and pharmaceuticals. The projects deepen economic and industrial cooperation between the two neighbours and fit Kazakhstan's push to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy beyond raw materials. The announcement is drawing attention across regional media as a sign of expanding Chinese industrial presence in Central Asia.
- 7
Foreign Affairs argues that Japan is creating an opening for the United States to strengthen its position in Asia. The piece suggests Tokyo's diplomatic and strategic moves are giving Washington a renewed chance to deepen regional partnerships at a time of shifting power dynamics in the region, though the specific policy steps involved are not detailed in the headline.
- 8Luckin Coffee hits 100 stores in Singapore●China’s Luckin Coffee marks 100th store, 1.9m app members in Singapore
Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee has opened its 100th store in Singapore and reached 1.9 million app members in the city-state, the Straits Times reports. The milestone marks rapid growth for the brand, which has expanded aggressively overseas as it competes with global chains and local players in Southeast Asia's crowded coffee market.
- 9
Chang says Asean needs standard operating procedures for its space sector, arguing the region requires common guidelines as countries expand satellite launches and space activities. The call, reported by Malaysian media, points to growing interest in regional cooperation on space governance, though details of the proposed framework and which members back it have not been set out.
- 10
The Australian national football team, the Socceroos, are preparing to face Brazil again in a rematch in Brisbane after holding the five-time world champions to a draw in Townsville. The Australian squad says it expects a strong Brazilian reaction as the South Americans look to make amends for dropping points. The fixture is drawing widespread international attention, trending across Europe, Asia and North America.
- 11Bangladesh startup funding hits five-year low in first half▼Investor hurdles drag Bangladesh startup funding to 5-year low in Jan-Jun
Startup funding in Bangladesh fell to its lowest level in five years during January-June, according to The Business Standard, which attributes the decline to obstacles facing investors. The report suggests difficulties in raising and deploying capital are squeezing the country's early-stage ecosystem, leaving founders with fewer financing options at a time when startups elsewhere in South Asia are also competing for scarcer venture funding.
- 12Singapore hits joint-highest September temperature of 35.8°C●# Singapore Singapore Records Joint-Highest September Temperature After Woodlands Hits 35.8°C Singapore recorded its joi
Singapore recorded its joint-highest daily maximum temperature for September after the Woodlands Avenue 9 climate station reached 35.8°C at 3.27pm on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The reading ties the national September record and adds to ongoing concerns about rising heat in the city-state, with observers linking the milestone to broader climate change trends in Southeast Asia.
- 13Charles Trueheart, Writer on Vietnam Diplomacy, Dies at 75▼Charles Trueheart, Who Wrote of a Diplomatic ‘Betrayal’ in Vietnam, Dies at 75
Charles Trueheart, the American journalist and former diplomat known for writing about the diplomatic 'betrayal' surrounding the US experience in Vietnam, has died at the age of 75. The New York Times reported his death. Trueheart served in diplomatic roles and wrote extensively about American foreign policy, with his work on Vietnam drawing attention to contested chapters of US diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
- 14REVL Training Plans US Expansion After APAC Growth▼REVL Training, APAC’s Fastest-Growing Fitness Franchise, Sets Sights on US Expansion
REVL Training, described as the fastest-growing fitness franchise in the Asia-Pacific region, is preparing to enter the United States market. The announcement highlights the brand's rapid franchise growth across APAC and its ambition to compete in the crowded American boutique fitness sector. Details on timing, locations or investment partners have not yet been made public.
- 15Hong Kong Face Singapore in Cricket's 13th Match●Hong Kong vs Singapore 13th Match Match Details, Schedule, Summary | ESPN.com
Hong Kong and Singapore are set to meet in the 13th match of their cricket tournament, with schedules and match details listed on ESPN. The fixture features two of Asia's associate cricket nations competing in what appears to be a regional tournament. Fans are checking match times, team summaries, and venue information ahead of the game between the neighboring city-states.