Asian refiners are weighing cutbacks in run rates as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slows due to regional conflict, prompting cautious production planning. � The Business Times
Singapore has introduced a new work pass targeting high-earning professionals in artificial intelligence and advanced technology, alongside broader updates to foreign workforce policies. The move aims to attract top-tier global talent while maintaining balance within the local labor market. By refining eligibility criteria and salary thresholds, authorities seek to strengthen the nation’s position as a leading digital and innovation hub without expanding foreign workforce numbers indiscriminately. The policy reflects Singapore’s continued strategy of selective openness — prioritizing high-impact expertise in AI, machine learning, and advanced computing. Officials state that the changes are designed to support business competitiveness, sustain economic growth, and ensure fairness for local workers. The recalibration underscores Singapore’s ambition to remain agile in an increasingly competitive global talent landscape.
Poland’s army has banned Chinese‑made cars from entering military facilities over concerns that onboard sensors could collect sensitive data, aligning with allied security practices.
Flights between Europe and Asia are being rerouted through Azerbaijan amid regional security concerns, reshaping major air corridors and adding time to long-haul journeys.
Jacinta Allan says planned work-from-home laws would apply to all Victorian businesses, prompting debate over flexibility, regulation, and the future of work.
U.S.–Middle East tensions may create short-term grain market opportunities, as traders navigate price movements while fundamentals continue to guide longer-term planning.
U.S. markets rebounded by midday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq turning positive and the Dow trimming early losses, while oil prices eased off earlier highs amid renewed buying interest.
The S&P 500 rebounded from early losses tied to U.S.–Iran tensions, turning positive as investors bought the dip and reassessed economic fundamentals.
Oil prices surged amidst growing concerns over the potential expansion of the conflict involving Iran, while US stocks recovered from initial sharp losses during trading.
Pokémon Center Singapore will temporarily close from April 1 for renewal works, with pop-up stores operating and a revamped store reopening in Q3 2026.
Gold trimmed earlier gains as traders balanced safe-haven demand amid Middle East tensions with cautious expectations about future Fed interest rate decisions.
Singapore’s stock market eased under geopolitical uncertainty, with SIA down as travel disruptions and global risk sentiment weighed while MAS affirms markets function normally.
Months of U.S. intelligence tracking helped guide strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, setting off shifts in regional leadership and broader conflict dynamics.
Oil prices have held firm above $80 per barrel despite Iran-related strikes, as markets price in geopolitical risk and potential supply disruptions, with analysts watching further shifts.
Rising oil prices tied to the Iran conflict threaten to worsen U.S. affordability by lifting gasoline and energy costs, stoking inflation concerns and adding pressure on household budgets.
Oil prices surged sharply while global stocks fell as fears of prolonged conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran spurred concern about supply disruptions and inflation risks.
The UK has awarded Leonardo a £1 billion military helicopter contract, supporting fleet modernization and sustaining aerospace jobs at Yeovil while strengthening domestic defense manufacturing.
Airspace closures in parts of the Middle East have led Emirates and Qatar Airways to suspend certain South African flights until further notice.
ArcelorMittal South Africa, founded 134 years ago, faces possible liquidation. Government and stakeholders are exploring restructuring and support options to preserve jobs and capacity.
Blasts and missile debris from Iranian strikes have shaken Dubai’s long-held image as a safe, tax-free haven, causing damage and prompting emergency responses across the UAE.
Fighting in the Middle East has disrupted global shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz and caused widespread air travel cancellations and reroutes as airspace closures expand.
T‑Mobile and Ericsson have advanced portable AI‑RAN software on NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure, demonstrating how future wireless networks can integrate AI‑native functions across flexible compute platforms. This progress aligns with broader industry efforts toward AI‑driven 5G/6G connectivity.
In 2025, China’s carbon dioxide emissions per 10,000 yuan of GDP fell about 5 percent, reflecting gains in clean energy generation, energy efficiency and new energy vehicle adoption, even as environmental quality indicators improved.
Analysts say China is positioned to earn substantial economic gains from the global energy transition thanks to its massive clean‑energy manufacturing base, renewable capacity expansion, and leading role in supplying technologies like batteries and solar equipment worldwide.