Thai Opposition Party Files No-Confidence Motion Against PM Paetongtarn – The Diplomat

Meet Capital, a new early-stage VC firm affiliated with Meet Ventures, is deploying a US$10 million fund to back tech-enabled startups with cheques up to US$500,000. Led by General Partner John Lim, the firm focuses on startups with product-market fit and a billion-dollar market opportunity, primarily in Southeast Asia but open to global opportunities. Despite challenges in the VC industry in Southeast Asia, Meet Capital remains optimistic about the region's growth potential and aims to...

Thailand deported 40 Uyghur asylum seekers back to China, sparking criticism from U.N. officials and activists due to fears of torture and imprisonment. China's influence in the region is evident, with Thai officials complying with Beijing's request despite international law violations. The Uyghurs, detained in Thailand for over a decade, were part of a group fleeing China in 2014, facing harsh conditions and now likely returning to Xinjiang, where human rights abuses against Uyghurs are...

Japan's factory output in January decreased by 1.1 per cent, close to the expected 1.2 per cent decline. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's survey indicates a projected 5.0 per cent increase in February and a 2.0 per cent decrease in March for manufacturers. Full Article

In 2024, Edelman's global revenue dropped below $1 billion after a tough year of trading, with US, APAC, and UK markets all experiencing declines. Major losses in revenue were seen in the health, tech, and food and beverage sectors, although new business wins were noted in sustainability and healthcare accounts. The agency underwent restructuring, layoffs, and leadership changes, with revenue decreasing by 4.9%, leading to a workforce reduction of 5.3%. Full Article

Chinese experts have led the development of international standards for senior care robots under the IEC, with a focus on design, manufacturing, and certification for aging populations. The standards, created by a diverse group of experts including Chinese and Korean conveners, outline key requirements for health monitoring, emergency response, and mobility in eldercare robots. China's prominence in the humanoid robot industry is expected to grow, with mass production and commercialization predicted by 2025. Full Article

BW LPG, a VLGC owner and operator, has exercised a purchase option on the 2020-built gas carrier BW Yushi for $70m, with delivery expected in the second quarter of this year. This vessel, valued at $96.5m, is the sister ship of the BW Kizoku, also acquired from Grace Ocean Investment. With a fleet of over 50 ships in the VLGC segment, BW LPG continues to expand its owned fleet, recently selling one older vessel for...