Thailand’s Minor International to 'explore' Hong Kong IPO
Thailand’s Minor International Public Company Limited, one of Asia’s largest hospitality groups, is considering a Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) for its restaurant business, people familiar with the matter said, at a time when Bangkok’s stock market tries to revive activity at home.

Vietnam, mainland China among top Lunar New Year destinations for Hong Kongers
South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and mainland China are emerging as popular Lunar New Year destinations for Hong Kongers this year, as residents take advantage of a calendar arrangement allowing them to enjoy nine consecutive days off by taking just two days of leave.

'Punk wellness': China's stressed youth mix traditional medicine and cocktails
SHANGHAI — In a softly lit Shanghai bar, graduate student Helen Zhao stretched out both wrists to have her pulse taken -- the first step to ordering the house special, a bespoke "health" cocktail based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Economic issues top public priorities for new government
Tackling economic problems topped the wish list of people for a new government to be formed by the Bhumjaithai Party, with measures to reduce the cost of living high on their expectations, according to a KPI poll on Friday.

Japan seizes Chinese fishing boat, arrests skipper
TOKYO — Japanese authorities ​have seized a Chinese ‌fishing boat and arrested its captain for allegedly fleeing inspection in its exclusive economic zone, an incident that could further inflame ​tensions ⁠between Asia's top two economies.

Strange 'inside-out' planetary system baffles astronomers
PARIS — Surprised astronomers said Thursday they have discovered a star with planets in a bizarre order that defies scientific expectations -- and suggests these faraway worlds formed in a manner never seen before.

Arsenal, Man City eye trophy haul, Macclesfield more FA Cup 'miracles'
MANCHESTER - Arsenal and Manchester City take a break from their battle at the top of the Premier League to try and remain on course for a quadruple this weekend as Wigan and Salford seek monumental FA Cup shocks.

Dreaming of glory at Rio's carnival, far from elite parades
RIO DE JANEIRO - In a faded rehearsal hall in the gritty concrete sprawl of northern Rio de Janeiro, samba dancers and drummers fine-tune their rhythms for a grassroots carnival parade few tourists have heard of.

Bangladesh's BNP heading for 'sweeping' election win
DHAKA - The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led by Tarique Rahman is heading for a thumping win in the first elections held since a deadly 2024 uprising, Bangladeshi TV stations projected Friday.

Easy Money raises borrowing for expansion
Amid sluggish loan demand as the economy sags, pawn shop operator Easy Money has increased borrowing to prepare for business expansion this year.