Batam News Asia

05/11/2025

Donald Trump is urging Indonesia to take a historic step—normalizing ties with Israel as the Gaza ceasefire holds. Can Prabowo balance diplomacy, faith, and national interest in a changing Middle East? Read full details in the article.

As tensions in Gaza ease, Trump urges Indonesia’s Prabowo to join his renewed Middle East peace drive

05/11/2025

Singapore has donated US$500,000 (S$652,000) to the World Food Programme to support emergency food operations in Gaza. The aid reinforces Singapore’s commitment to humanitarian relief and long-term capacity building for Palestine’s recovery. Read full details in the article.

The Republic pledges US$500,000 to support emergency food aid and future rebuilding efforts in Gaza.

05/11/2025

Microsoft Expands in Johor: Malaysia’s Second Cloud Region to Power AI Growth.

Unveiled on Nov 4, Southeast Asia 3 will deliver Microsoft’s most advanced cloud and AI services to date. The Johor Bahru region forms the next phase of Microsoft’s infrastructure strategy following Malaysia West, the company’s first cloud region launched in May 2024.

Laurence Si, managing director of Microsoft Malaysia, said the new cloud region will “support the next wave of AI-driven growth” across Southeast Asia, catering to public and private sectors seeking secure, scalable digital capacity. The project is part of Microsoft’s largest single investment in Malaysia to date — a US$2.2 billion, four-year plan announced in May 2024.

05/11/2025

Singapore’s Food Future: Revised ‘30 by 30’ Goal Targets Fibre and Protein by 2035.

Singapore’s original plan to produce 30 per cent of its nutritional needs locally by 2030 has been replaced with category-specific goals by 2035. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced the shift at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit on Nov 4, unveiling targets for 20 per cent of local fibre and 30 per cent of local protein production. Fibre includes leafy and fruited vegetables, bean sprouts, and mushrooms, while protein covers eggs and seafood.

In 2024, the Republic produced just 8 per cent of fibre and 26 per cent of protein consumed locally, according to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Fu noted that while the original goal inspired innovation, the nation’s land and cost constraints demanded a more focused approach.

05/11/2025

Singapore Extends Hope: $652,000 Donation to WFP for Gaza Relie.

The cheque handover ceremony took place at Singapore’s Representative Office in Ramallah, witnessed by Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who led the Republic’s delegation to the Palestinian Territories and Israel. The cheque was symbolically handed over by Hawazi Daipi, Singapore’s Representative to the Palestinian Authority (PA), to Jane Waite, Head of Programmes for WFP Palestine.

Dr Balakrishnan expressed Singapore’s “deep appreciation” to WFP staff for their “extraordinary courage and humanity” in delivering aid amid danger. He emphasized that Singapore’s support reflects not just a donation, but also a shared belief in restoring “dignity and hope” to Gazans.

04/11/2025

RM BTS APEC wasn’t just a performance—it was a power play.
Discover how one artist redefined global trade and turned culture into currency.

The controversial Nusa Penida elevator project, a Rp 200 billion (approximately SGD 16.6 million) glass lift at Kelingking Beach, was officially halted by Bali authorities in October 2025 after being found in serious violation of spatial planning regulations. The structure, led by PT Bangun Nusa Pro...

04/11/2025

Israel’s new death penalty bill for Palestinian prisoners — backed by Prime Minister Netanyahu — is fueling outrage and warnings of rising regional chaos. Rights groups call it discriminatory and dangerous to peace efforts. Read full details in the article.

Backed by Netanyahu, the new bill allowing ex*****on of Palestinian detainees ignites human rights concerns and regional tensions

04/11/2025

Starbucks Cedes Control in China: Boyu Capital Takes Majority Stake in $4 Billion Deal.

Under the terms of the agreement, Boyu Capital will acquire up to 60% ownership of Starbucks’ retail operations in China, forming a joint venture that will see Starbucks retain a 40% stake. The Seattle-based company will continue to own and license its brand and intellectual property, maintaining its presence while ceding operational control.

Starbucks expects the combined value of its retained interest, licensing fees, and sale proceeds to exceed US$13 billion, positioning the deal as a long-term revenue strategy rather than a full exit

04/11/2025

Riau Islands Province (Kepri) recorded a stunning 7.12% growth in Q2 2025 — the highest in Sumatra. Governor Ansar Ahmad and BPS Kepri now rally all sectors to support the 2026 Economic Census, paving the way for data-driven policies and sustainable development. Read full details in the article.

Riau Islands’ 7.12% growth makes it Sumatra’s fastest-growing province, boosting preparations for the 2026 Economic Census

04/11/2025

Johor Water Restored: Over 448,000 Accounts Back Online After Sungai Johor Pollution.

According to Ranhill SAJ, Johor’s water operator, the majority of affected accounts have been reconnected as of 7pm yesterday. Johor Bahru recorded the highest recovery with 296,650 accounts restored, followed by Kota Tinggi (123,373) and Kulai (121,906).

However, 7,442 accounts remain affected — 5,837 in Johor Bahru, 1,467 in Kulai, and 138 in Kota Tinggi. Ranhill SAJ said 43 water tankers are being deployed to provide interim supplies while cleanup operations continue.

04/11/2025

JB City Square Revamp: New Hotel Apartments, Adventure Park and 300 Shops by 2027.

The transformation of Johor Bahru City Square began in November 2025, as part of a landmark Asset Enhancement Initiative by its owner, Allgreen Properties, a company linked to Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok. The project will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027, shortly after the Singapore–Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link begins operations in December 2026.

Despite ongoing works, the mall will remain fully operational throughout the renovation period, ensuring that weekend shoppers and Singaporean visitors can still enjoy their JB trips uninterrupted.

03/11/2025

Toxic Foam in the Sky: Black Cloud Phenomenon Alarms Subang Residents.

Residents of Patokbeusi, Subang, West Java, were shocked when thick, black-grey foam-like clouds appeared in the sky before descending onto rice fields and homes on October 28, 2025. The unusual phenomenon, accompanied by a strong chemical odor, quickly went viral on social media — raising fears of toxic pollution.