Thailand shortens visa-free stays for dozens of nations, including Singapore, from Sep 15 - CNA

• British Columbia invested nearly $27 million through its Clean Industry Fund to support 17 industrial decarbonization and efficiency projects across the province. • The funding supports 13 specific feasibility studies that examine carbon capture, electrification, biomass energy, fuel switching, and operational efficiency.

• Palantir Technologies secured a $48.1 million software contract from the U.S. Army to develop an ammunition tracking and management platform. • The company's stock rose 2.49% to trade at $181.92 following the contract win and an expansion of its alliance with PwC.

• Shopify shares rose 5.46% to $135.44 today following strong legal expansion and positive technical momentum. • The stock is currently approaching a resistance level of $138.12, which is a price point where selling pressure often increases.

• Canada introduced Bill C-39 to accelerate federal project approvals and update national labour protections. • The legislation links project development to supply chain security, investor certainty, and mandatory Indigenous consultation.

• AirAsia Group Berhad issued a press statement on September 22, 2026, reaffirming its confidence in its long-term business strategy. • The company is utilizing a "focused and prudent approach" to manage operations while global airlines face widespread geopolitical uncertainty.

• Chevron stock fell 1.48% to $206.31 today amid cautious market sentiment and updates regarding the company's liquefied natural gas strategy. • The price drop followed comments from the CEO at an energy conference regarding current oil prices and macroeconomic conditions.

• Bitcoin's price against the US dollar rose as investors increased their holdings through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and closed out short positions. • The price increase was driven by a combination of renewed ETF inflows and short covering, which occurs when traders buy back assets to close losing bets.

• India's democratic system is currently facing converging pressures from economic inequality, frustrated youth, and institutional decline. • The country's political landscape is being reshaped by regional tensions and Hindutva politics, which refers to the ideology of Hindu nationalism.

• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) released a factsheet in July 2026 detailing expected El Niño impacts across the Asia Pacific region through 2027. • The report warns that the current El Niño event in the tropical Pacific will cause unusual rainfall and temperature patterns across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.

• Japan, South Korea, and several other Asian destinations are preparing for a surge in international tourist arrivals during the autumn of 2026. • The expected growth is driven by a combination of seasonal nature attractions, improved travel connectivity, and cultural events across countries including Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

• The Party Committee of the Supreme People's Court held a conference on September 21 to implement Politburo resolutions and directives within the court system. • Chief Justice Nguyen Van Quang presided over the meeting to translate high-level party directives into specific plans and tasks for the judicial sector.

• Democratic stability is declining across most of Southeast Asia as mass protests target an authoritarian leader in Thailand and the Philippines recovers from a state of emergency. • Indonesia is the sole exception to this trend, making progress in transparency, media freedom, and the rule of law after three decades of dictatorship.