US stocks tank on tariff woes with S&P 500 suffering worst day since 2020

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been ousted from office by the Constitutional Court for violating the constitution and declaring martial law, becoming the second president to be impeached, with the court ruling his actions as an attempt to seize emergency power. The country remains in a political crisis, exacerbated by US President Trump's tariffs on South Korean exports, with efforts to address the economic impact and prepare for new elections in June to...

In March 2025, Southeast Asia's tech startup ecosystem saw a surge in funding, reaching US$99.5 million across 22 rounds, an 82.1% increase from the previous month but 10.31% lower than the same period last year. Iterative was the most active VC firm, with notable deals by Higala and Filum. The growth reflects renewed investor confidence, despite fundraising challenges highlighted by January Capital's report. Full Article

Authorities in South Korea are bracing for tens of thousands of protesters in central Seoul as the Constitutional Court deliberates President Yoon Suk Yeol's fate, with 14,000 police deployed, drones banned, and businesses closed. Protests are set to begin ahead of the court's decision on Yoon's removal from office, following his impeachment and detention on insurrection charges, raising fears of clashes between supporters and opponents. A fortresslike environment has been created around the court to...

In 2024, the ad industry faced financial challenges, with layoffs and budget cuts impacting agencies. Generative AI adoption was rapid but results were mixed, raising questions about its impact on creativity. The Agency Report Cards for APAC networks showed a concentration of B and C grades, with media agencies performing well and a focus on business growth and innovation. Despite accolades, creative performance was average due to economic factors and industry shifts towards AI. Full...

A protest in Kathmandu demanding the restoration of King Gyanendra Shah to the throne and declaring Nepal a Hindu state turned violent on March 28, 2025, leaving two dead, several injured, and causing arson and looting. The royalist movement, spearheaded by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, seeks to reinstate the Shah dynasty, which ruled Nepal for 240 years until the monarchy was abolished in 2008. The mainstream political parties and civil society organizations have strongly condemned...

China Ruyi Holdings, a streaming media firm supported by Tencent Holdings, plans to raise between US$300 million and US$500 million in convertible bonds next week for a potential acquisition. The offering could be launched as early as Monday, with Bank of America, CLSA, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Macquarie working on the deal. Discussions around the acquisition are in early stages and may not be successful, according to sources familiar with the matter. Full Article