Author: Sam Allcock

AEON Co (M) Bhd is redefining Malaysia’s retail landscape with an innovative expansion strategy that integrates commercial property management, retail operations, and community development. As a key player in the retail sector, AEON is leveraging data-driven strategies and curated tenant mixes to cater to evolving consumer needs while fostering economic growth in local communities. With a commitment to sustainability and regional development, AEON seamlessly blends retail and property management, positioning itself as both an anchor tenant and a community builder. This unique approach has established AEON’s shopping malls as vibrant commercial and social hubs across the country. AEON’s Retail Evolution…

On Saturday, the Ministry of Defense announced that South Korea has officially become a partner country of the NATO Science and Technology Organization (STO). This significant move marks a milestone in South Korea’s growing partnership with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and underscores the country’s commitment to advancing defense innovation on the global stage. South Korea’s entry into the NATO Science and Technology Organization will allow it to collaborate with NATO member nations in joint research and development projects. These efforts will be directed under the guidance of NATO’s Science and Technology Committee, further deepening South Korea’s involvement in…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Washington took an unexpected turn, leaving US-Ukraine relations strained. The diplomatic fallout stemmed from a tense Oval Office meeting, where US Vice President JD Vance engaged Zelenskyy in a heated exchange. The result? The Ukrainian leader left empty-handed, while former Trump strategist Steve Bannon called it a “perfect outcome,” signaling a shift in US support for Ukraine. With Ukraine still suffering from Russia’s aggression, the debacle has sparked widespread concern among Ukrainian officials. Many fear that the deteriorating relationship could impact future military aid and security guarantees. The critical question now is: Can…

Nepal, long celebrated as a trekking paradise, is rapidly changing. New roads are making once-remote regions accessible, shifting the landscape for adventurers seeking solitude. Yet, hidden away in the Himalayan foothills, there are still places untouched by the hustle of tourism. Last night, I camped outside the farmhouse of Shanti Punn, nestled 9,000 feet high in the Gandaki province. A member of Nepal’s Magar community, Punn embodies resilience and a deep connection to nature. As the starlight faded, she stood silently on her terrace, absorbing the beauty of the towering peaks of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. This morning, I sip…

The Philippines has been granted an exemption from the global freeze on U.S. foreign security aid, reaffirming its strategic importance in Washington’s Indo-Pacific agenda. Analysts suggest this decision underscores Manila’s status as the “first-in-line” partner for the United States in the region, particularly concerning security and anti-narcotics efforts. The exemption comes with an allocation of US$5.3 billion from the Trump administration, aimed at bolstering the Philippine military and its counter-narcotics programs. U.S. Aid Exemption Reflects Strategic Partnership The Philippine government’s Foreign Affairs Department confirmed earlier this week that Washington had issued a “waiver” for a portion of U.S. military financing…

Lahore – Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign has taken a hit as opener Matt Short is set to miss the semi-final after sustaining a quad injury during Friday’s Group B match against Afghanistan. The match, which was abandoned due to rain, saw Short struggling with his movement after picking up the injury in the field. Despite his discomfort, he managed a quick 20 off 15 balls before his condition worsened. Steve Smith Confirms Short’s Absence Australia’s skipper, Steve Smith, confirmed that Short is unlikely to recover in time for the crucial semi-final clash. “I think he’ll be struggling,” Smith stated. “We…

LONDON – British pop sensation Charli XCX is set to continue her Brat era dominance at the Brit Awards on Saturday, entering the ceremony as the most-nominated artist. Fresh off her Grammy victories, the singer is poised for another major milestone in her career. Earlier this month, the 32-year-old secured her first three Grammy wins, including Best Dance/Electronic Album for her groundbreaking sixth studio album Brat and Best Dance Pop Recording for the hit single Von Dutch. Now, with five Brit nominations, Charli XCX is in the spotlight once again. A Big Night for Charli XCX Charli XCX is nominated…

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong disapproval of the United Kingdom’s request for Apple to grant access to user data, likening it to China’s surveillance practices. In an interview with The Spectator published on Friday, Trump stated that he had personally warned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer against such measures, calling them an overreach of government power. Speaking to The Spectator’s editor-at-large, Ben Domenech, Trump said, “We actually told him (Starmer) … that’s incredible. That’s something, you know, that you hear about with China.” The comments mark Trump’s first magazine interview of his second term in office. A…

ZEISS Medical Technology has received approval from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for its latest laser vision correction system, the VISUMAX® 800 with SMILE® pro software. This next-generation femtosecond laser enables faster, more precise treatments for nearsightedness and astigmatism. With over 10 million eyes treated globally using ZEISS SMILE and SMILE pro technology, the approval marks a significant milestone, reinforcing its growing adoption in Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The launch of the VISUMAX 800 in China aims to meet the increasing demand for advanced laser vision correction, offering ophthalmologists cutting-edge tools to improve surgical precision, efficiency, and patient…