On July 22, Malaysia-registered AirBorneo Airways made its international debut with encouraging passenger demand, reporting that its new service between Kuching and Singapore is already nearly 80% booked for next year’s Chinese New Year travel period in February 2027.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Culture and Society Correspondent, SEA Daily
DIFF and US Embassy to Launch Freedom 250 Film Programme
The Dili International Film Festival (DIFF) has partnered with the US Embassy in Dili to launch Freedom 250: The Spirit of America in Film, a cultural initiative that will bring a series of film screenings and educational workshops to Timor-Leste over the coming months.
Protected Cambodian Wetland Welcomes Early Return of Rare Greater Adjutant
On July 21, the endangered Greater Adjutant stork arrived earlier than expected at Cambodia’s Boeung Prek Lapov Landscape Protected Area, with conservationists describing the sighting as a positive sign for the species’ recovery.
Defending Maritime Rights Doesn’t Take a Warship, Just a Sheet of Paper
A single sheet of paper may seem insignificant against coast guard ships, offshore bases and competing territorial claims. Yet, for former Philippine Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, that sheet of paper could make all the difference in the South China Sea.
Hanoi Earns Global Recognition for Friendly Customer Service City
On July 19, Hanoi was recognised as one of the world’s leading cities for customer service, reinforcing Vietnam’s growing reputation as a destination known for its warm hospitality.
Indonesia’s Mount Semeru Remains on Alert After Spewing Hot Ash
On July 18, Mount Semeru, locatedin the province of Jawa Timur, Indonesia, erupted and released a hot pyroclastic flow that travelled approximately 3.5 kilometres down its slopes.
Laos Faces Australian Criticism Over Backpacker Poisoning Case
On July 17, the Australian government criticised Laos over its handling of the investigation into the deaths of six foreign backpackers, including two Australians, who died after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol in Vang Vieng in November 2024.
Over 500 Missing After Two Rohingya Boats Sink off Myanmar
On July 16, more than 500 people are feared to have died after two boats carrying mostly Rohingya refugees reportedly disappeared or sank off the coast of Myanmar, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
Bangkok Pub Fire Death Toll Reaches 32 as Investigation Continues
On July 15,The death toll from the deadly fire tore at a Bangkok pub has risen to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, as police continue investigating whether negligence played a role in the incident.
Manhunt Underway After US Marine Scientist Slain in Philippines
On July 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) established a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to probe the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist Kent Carpenter and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipina partner at their home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.