Report: Despite significant tech funding decline in 2024, Singapore emerges as standout performer

After the 1962 coup in Myanmar, General Ne Win revamped the military intelligence apparatus, creating the powerful Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence (DDSI/MIS) which expanded beyond gathering information to spying on civilians. While it is believed that Ne Win received intelligence training from the Japanese Kempeitai, evidence suggests he actually studied at the Nakano School under the Imperial Japanese Army's Second Bureau, leading to confusion about the origins of Myanmar's intelligence organization. Despite claims linking...

Myanmar’s ruling military faces challenges in defending a northern town against ethnic minority insurgents, with heavy airstrikes and civilian casualties reported. China, a key ally, is working to broker a truce between the junta and rebels in efforts to stop the violence. In the west, Arakan Army insurgents surround a military base in Rakhine state, while in the east, the Karen National Union recaptures their headquarters at Manerplaw after 30 years. Full Article

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Japan's JMSDF destroyer Sazanami transited the Taiwan Strait for joint exercises, marking the first such occurrence and following orders from then Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. China opposes foreign military vessels in the Taiwan Strait, which has a wide corridor outside of Chinese and Taiwanese territorial waters. China uses straight baselines to establish its territorial sea, but military vessels have the right to transit non-territorial waters corridors like the one in...

Actress Phyllis Quek chose to halt her career to focus on her health due to gastric problems and sensitive skin, leading to her departure from Mediacorp in 2001. Despite wondering about her potential accomplishments if she continued in showbiz, she is now happily married to Australian businessman David Cox and enjoying a stable life. Quek, known for iconic roles in Mediacorp dramas, still receives recognition from fans and can be seen in Uniquely Ours on...

Israeli officials believe a ceasefire in Gaza is now more likely than in the past year, with a possible deal to free hostages and provide aid to the territory nearing. A working group from Israel is in Doha to engage with mediators, showing optimism for progress in negotiations with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu's cabinet members have expressed confidence in reaching a truce, while Hamas has indicated willingness if Israel refrains from imposing new conditions. Full...

Mark Penn, CEO of Stagwell, with experience in presidential campaigns and global corporations, predicts major industry transformation with the impending Omnicom-IPG merger, citing regulatory reviews and reorganization ahead. Despite exploring a merger with S4 Capital, Penn believes in Stagwell's independent growth, emphasizing human cost amidst potential layoffs and disruption to traditional pitch dynamics. Stagwell's focus on balancing AI efficiency with human creativity reflects Penn's optimism in the industry's resilience and the enduring value of creativity,...