Prudential Posts 8% Rise in H1 Profit, Expands Buyback

Prudential reported first-half new business profit of $1.38 billion, rising 8% on a constant exchange rate basis according to Reuters reporting by Sameer Manekar and Shruti Agarwal, driven by growth in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore while expanding its ongoing share repurchase program by $300 million. Prudential First-Half New Business Profit Rises 8% to $1.38 … Read more

Prabowo Faces High-Stakes Budget Test Amid Declining Support

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to present his 2027 budget proposals this Friday, a move viewed as a critical test of his administration’s economic credibility. The president faces significant investor skepticism and declining public support amid concerns over government overspending, the independence of the central bank, and the future of state-led commodity export policies. … Read more

Min Aung Hlaing Thailand Visit: Quest for Legitimacy

Myanmar junta chief and President Min Aung Hlaing received an official welcoming ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 6, 2026, as Thailand pursues calibrated re-engagement to restart stalled peace efforts in its neighbor’s ongoing civil war. According to Reuters reporting, the retired general walked a red carpet with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to inspect … Read more

Indonesia Closes Mount Bromo Due to Spreading Wildfires

Indonesia has closed Mount Bromo national park in East Java for all tourist activities, according to the park operator, as a wildfire burning since Monday expands within its caldera area. The closure took effect on Saturday evening for an undetermined duration, shutting down access to the active volcano known for its popular sand sea caldera. … Read more