Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Tourism becomes Thailand’s staging ground for controlled crypto integration
crypto.news
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August 18, 2025
Can Thailand’s $60 billion tourism industry become the proving ground for crypto payments, turning digital assets from speculative tools into something travelers actually use? Summary Thailand introduced TouristDigiPay on Aug. 18, 2025, allowing...
Indonesia at 80: Prabowo celebrates progress, but many remain sceptical
Asia News
·
August 18, 2025
In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But...
bbno$, the Beaches warn approaching TikTok Canada closure will hurt homegrown artists
Lethbridge Herald
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August 20, 2025
By Canadian Press on August 20, 2025. In 2021, a TikTok of Canadian rapper bbno$ raising his eyebrows to the beat of his single “Edamame” started gaining traction — and eventually changed the course of his career. The platform’s Canadian team...
Indonesia and China Begin Trials for Cross-Border QRIS Payments
Fintech Hong Kong
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August 18, 2025
Free Newsletter Get the hottest Fintech Hong Kong News once a month in your Inbox Bank Indonesia (BI) and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) have begun a series of trials for cross-border QR code payments, linking the QR Code Indonesia Standard...
Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business Council holds 2nd Annual General Meeting
Daily FT
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Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business Council Committee 2025/2026 Sri Lanka–Indonesia Business Council holds 2nd Annual General Meeting THE Sri Lanka-Indonesia Business Council of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM)...
Is Chinese finance enough to feed Indonesia’s clean energy push?
Eco-Business
·
August 20, 2025
Following the US exit from the Just Energy Transition Partnerships in March, China will likely become Indonesia’s strongest financing partner as the country accelerates towards its renewables targets. But China has its own domestic issues, and...
Indonesia repatriates 73 deported migrant workers from Malaysia
Antara
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August 18, 2025
Dumai, Riau (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government, through the Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP3MI) of Riau Province, has repatriated 73 Indonesian nationals who had been working in Malaysia without proper procedures. They were brought by sea...
Thailand bets on crypto conversions to reignite tourism
The Times of India
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Thailand is set to roll out an ambitious pilot project that will allow foreign visitors to convert cryptocurrencies into Thai baht for local spending, an initiative the government hopes will help revive the country’s struggling tourism sector. It...
Budget airline AirAsia cuts popular tourist route out of Australia
ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
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August 20, 2025
Pressure is mounting on the federal government to strengthen consumer protections in the aviation sector after a budget airline left travellers stranded and out of pocket when it abruptly cancelled services to a popular holiday destination....
Over 10m tourists from Singapore arrived in Malaysia in first half of 2025, says minister
The Straits Times
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August 20, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR - Tourists from Singapore, Indonesia, China and Thailand made up the highest number of tourists who visited Malaysia from January to June 2025, said Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing. He said a total of...
Indonesia: QRIS Strengthening Digital Payments Globally
OpenGov Asia
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August 17, 2025
Indonesia is advancing the international reach of its digital payment system, the QR Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS), through strategic initiatives in Japan and China. Bank Indonesia officially launched the use of QRIS for the Japanese market on...
28pc of global travellers use AI for trip planning: survey
Travel & Tourism News Middle East
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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality August 2025 221 A survey by Kaspersky revealed that while 28 per cent of global respondents trust AI to plan trips, 96 per cent are satisfied with the experience and 84 per cent plan to use it in the future,...
Galaxy A07 launched with Helio G99 and a free 25W adapter
Gizmochina
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August 23, 2025
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy A07 in Indonesia, adding a new option to its entry-level A-series lineup. The phone aims to balance affordability with features like a high-refresh display, long-term software support, and a durable...
Bank Indonesia pilots QRIS payment in China
VietnamPlus
·
August 19, 2025
Jakarta (VNA) – Bank Indonesia (BI) and the People’s Bank of China have launched a series of trials for cross-border QR code payments, linking QR Code Indonesia Standard (QRIS) with China’s payment system for seamless interoperability. BI Governor...
Hong Kong Tourism Board launches Muslim-friendly campaign with Klook
TravelDailyNews Asia-Pacific
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August 19, 2025
Hong Kong Tourism Board and Klook launch “Jelajah Hong Kong” campaign, enhancing Muslim-friendly travel experiences across key Southeast Asian markets. SINGAPORE – Muslim leisure travelers have the same motivations as others: explore new cultures,...
Authorities Close Christian Prayer House in Indonesia, Evict Evangelist
International Christian Concern
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August 19, 2025
8/19/2025 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — On Aug. 2, local authorities in Purbayani Village, Caringin District, Garut Regency, Indonesia, permanently closed the Immanuel Prayer House, a part of Bethel Tabernacle Church (GBT)....
How to Get to Pink Beach: A Tourist Guide to Visit Indonesia's 'Most Beautiful' Spot
Tempo.co
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August 19, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The pink sandy beach known as Pink Beach on Padar Island, in the Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has caught the world's attention after being recognized as the most beautiful beach in the world by travel...
Indonesia's QRIS Transactions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand Reach Rp1.66tn
Tempo.co
·
August 17, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Governor of Bank Indonesia (BI), Perry Warjiyo, announced that cross-border Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) transactions with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand reached a total of Rp1.66 trillion by June 2025....
Indonesian expats in UAE mark I-Day, farewell to envoy
Gulf News
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In his address, Bagis highlighted key collaborations, including the upcoming inauguration of the Emirati-Indonesian Cardiology Hospital in Solo, and the planned MBZ College for Future Studies in Yogyakarta. He also expressed hope for a visa-free...
Scottish Tourist Caught Stealing Stones from Pompeii, Faces Hefty Fine
Tempo.co
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August 19, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A tourist from Scotland was caught stealing stones from Pompeii, an ancient Roman city in Italy that has been designated as a World Heritage Site since 1997. The tourist faces potential penalties of up to six years in prison...