LATEST PULSE

In the Philippines, rising hospital bills are pushing many people to seek assistance through Facebook groups. What began as informal support spaces has evolved into a whole new system for navigating medical aid. These online groups have become lifelines for families struggling to pay for treatment.   The groups focus on securing "guarantee letters," which are documents issued by government officials to help cover hospital expenses. Guarant...

 ASEAN economies are facing pressure as the unresolved Iran conflict raises oil and shipping costs, and inflation risk grows while trade slows.   Experts say the 2026 outlook is more uncertain as global energy markets tighten and investors watch Asia closely, affecting markets, jobs, and consumer confidence across the region.   Strait of Hormuz Oil Risk Drives Energy Cost Surge Risks in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing up oil ...

The conflict around Iran is exposing a clear reality about Russia’s relationship with Tehran. Despite years of closer ties, this was never a full alliance. It was a practical partnership shaped by shared pressure from the West, not a guarantee of support in times of crisis.   Now, as tensions rise, Russia faces a mixed situation. It risks looking like an unreliable partner, but it may still find ways to benefit from the instability. ...

 Governments across Southeast Asia are tightening control over vaping and social media as concerns rise over public health and online safety. What started as separate national policies is now becoming a wider regional shift.   Countries are watching each other more closely, adopting similar rules and reacting faster to new risks. Indonesia stands out as one of the most active players, rolling out measures that could influence how the ...

Tensions in the West Philippine Sea are entering a more serious phase. Reports that Chinese-linked boats used cyanide near a Philippine outpost come as Manila strengthens its presence on Pagasa Island with a new Coast Guard command center. These are not separate events. They show a clear shift. As pressure on Philippine forces becomes more constant and harder to ignore, Manila is moving from protest to a stronger, more permanent presence at sea....