Singapore works to mitigate threat from terrorists

The terrorism threat has grown more severe due to the returning foreign fighters from Syria or Iraq, a trend that could potentially continue into the next decades.
The terrorism threat has grown more severe due to the returning foreignfighters from Syria or Iraq, a trend that could potentially continueinto the next decades.

The statement was made by SingaporeanDeputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean at the East Asia Symposium onReligious Rehabilitation and Social Integration held in the city stateon April 16.

According to the Deputy PM, who is also Home AffairsMinister, the rise of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria hasexploited Islam, distorting religious tenets to serve a violentpolitical agenda.

The Deputy PM said the new generation offoreign fighters will pose an international security threat for decadesto come, able to carry out attacks on their own in their home countriesor form terrorist groups after leaving the civil war regions in theMiddle East.

Many individuals, especially the youth, have fallen prey to IS propaganda, he added.

TheDeputy PM stressed that a purely military response to such a threat isinsufficient and social integration is a crucial element in the overalleffort to neutralise terrorism in the long-term.

He also noted that a common characteristic among radicalised individuals is weak religious grounding.

Theevent on religious rehabilitation and social integration broughttogether experts and practitioners in terrorist rehabilitation from morethan 30 countries worldwide.-VNA

See more

 President Prabowo Subianto signs an inscription at the inauguration of PT VKTR Teknologi Mobilitas' electric commercial vehicle assembly plant in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday, April 9, 2026. (Photo: Antara)

Indonesia targets ending fuel imports within three years

In addition to electrifying power plants, the Indonesian government is promoting electric vehicles and the utilisation of other renewable energy sources. Solutions include processing palm oil and used cooking oil into aviation fuel to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Indonesia's first melamine project, invested by PT GEABH Joint Technology, is held in the Gresik Special Economic Zone, East Java Province, Indonesia, April 8 (Photo: Xinhua)

Indonesia develops strategic chemical industry

Indonesia's first melamine plant in the Gresik Special Economic Zone is seen as a strategic step to boost the development of the country’s chemical industry and enhance domestic value creation.

Illustrative image (Photo: thevibes.com)

Malaysia leads Southeast Asia in global investment appeal

The latest 2026 Global Opportunity Index (GOI) report by the Milken Institute ranked Malaysia 23rd globally, the highest among developing Southeast Asian economies, underpinned by strong institutional quality and solid economic fundamentals.

YouTube logo on a cellphone (Photo: ANTARA)

Indonesia warns Google over non-compliance with child protection rules

According to the results of an inspection conducted on April 7, YouTube has not fully fulfilled its obligations under Indonesian Government Regulation No. 17/2025 (PP Tunas), which took effect on March 28 and requires digital platforms to implement strict governance measures to protect underage users. The platform has also shown no indication of complying with the rules in the near future.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil transit choke-point. (Photo: Reuters)

Malaysia reliant on Hormuz Strait for oil supply

Data from the Malaysian Finance Ministry shows that domestic oil consumption stands at about 700,000 barrels per day, nearly double Malaysia’s crude oil production of around 350,000 barrels daily.

President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Mohamad Norza Zakaria speaks to media (Photo: Bernama)

Malaysia to tighten doping controls at 2027 SEA Games

The adoption of the World Anti-Doping Code aims to ensure that the 2027 SEA Games fully comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards, thereby enhancing the transparency and international standing of the Games.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN, GRULAC strengthen multilateral cooperation

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang emphasised the value of the dialogue mechanism in fostering coordination among developing countries, while highlighting the need to enhance transparency and improve the efficiency of resource allocation and utilisation across United Nations activities.

Senior officials from 11 ASEAN member states at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN senior officials meet ahead of 48th summit

At the meeting, participants reviewed the implementation of agreed commitments and cooperation priorities, preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit scheduled for this May, and discussed measures to strengthen unity and cooperation amid an increasingly complex and challenging global environment.