Trump announced a base tariff of 10 per cent across all countries, with higher rates for dozens of trading partners including China and Japan.

The trend among Chinese women of postponing or eschewing marriage will undermine Beijings efforts to boost falling birth rates, says Yi Fuxian of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone poses deep questions for nearby Batam, says an ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute senior fellow.

Even as international aid pours in, the backbone of relief efforts is still the people of Myanmar, who are helping in every way to hold their shattered communities together.

Some of those affected by the blast are still waiting to be given permission to return to their homes, and learn the extent of damage caused to their properties.

Singapore and Japan also share similar outlooks on many issues, such as the importance of upholding multilateral trade and a rules-based order, saidSenior Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Authorities have also begun safety inspections on homes that were affected by the towering blaze.

Chinas leaders are doubling down on winter tourism, debut markets and the silver economy to drive consumption and boost growth. Analysts say each area is promising but yet challenging.

The idea that Myanmars deadliest earthquake in a century could change the juntas mindset is, at best, wishful thinking, says political scientist NyiNyiKyaw.

In Mandalay, one of the worst-hit places near the epicentre of the quake, devastation is widespread and bodies have piled up at crematoriums.

The 72-hour golden window for finding survivors in quake-hit Myanmar may have passed, butSingapore's Operation Lionheart contingent is pushing on with rescue efforts.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Kanni Wignaraja said access into Myanmar,which is notoriously difficult even under normal circumstances, is critical for quake victims.

The flames reportedly reached up to 500m in length and were visible from several kilometres away. Sixty-three people have been hospitalised.

Some economies, including several in Asia, are expected to be hit harder than others.

In this CNA Lifestyle series, celebrities share their favourite cities to travel to for good eats, and their top foodie recommendations for places to dine and imbibe there.

With US President Donald Trumps reciprocal tariffs about to reshape global trade, a coordinated response is the best way forward, say Steven R Okun and Thurgood Marshall Jr.

By dismantling foreign aid, US President Donald Trump surrendered soft power in Southeast Asia and cleared the path for China, says Bryanna Entwistle of the Asia Society Policy Institute.