The competition for critical materials vital to modern technology is intensifying, prompting nations to vie for control over their supply. Observers estimate that the competition for global resources is poised to become even more complex and heated, amid escalating geopolitical tensions between superpowers. East Asia Tonight dives deep into the impact of the growing battle for the region.

An investigation is casting a shadow over the athletics scene in China after a seemingly rigged half-marathon in Beijing sparked a debate over the race's results. Footage widely shared on social media showed Chinese runner He Jie crossed the finish line. Speculations are abound over whether the other runners intentionally slowed down to facilitate his victory. The 2023 Asian Games Marathon gold medalist won the race by just one second, beating competitors from Kenya and Ethiopia. CNA's Jeremy Koh breaks down what this latest incident means for China's sporting scene.

Fierce storms have led to floods in Dubai, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Flights have also been delayed or diverted at Dubai International Airport, which is the world's busiest by international traffic. Read more: https://cna.asia/3Q63cdl Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Fierce storms have led to floods in Dubai, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. Flights have also been delayed or diverted at Dubai International Airport, which is one of the world's busiest.

As India prepares to kick off its six-week general elections on Friday (Apr 19), the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is widely seen as being in pole position to win a rare third term in power. Despite his party's confidence in another victory, there are mixed views on what he has achieved during his decade of running the country. CNA's Rebecca Bundhun reports. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

The national election in Solomon Islands could have huge repercussions for the Asia-Pacific region, due to the tiny country’s close ties with China and its strategic geographical position. The outcome of the vote will be closely watched by the United States, China and Australia for its potential impact on regional security. Dr Meg Keen, director of the Pacific Islands programme at think tank Lowy Institute, shares her thoughts on CNA’s Asia Now. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Solomon Islanders voted in a national election on Wednesday (Apr 17), the first since Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare switched diplomatic relations from Taiwan to Beijing soon after assuming the role in 2019. Dr Terence Wood, research fellow at the Australian National University's Development Policy Centre, weighs in on the possibility of Mr Sogavare securing another term. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

A 40-year-old knifeman was shot dead on Apr 13 after killing six people and wounding at least 12 others at a shopping centre in Bondi, Sydney. Dr John Coyne, head of strategic policing and law enforcement at Australia Strategic Policy Institute, spoke to CNA’s Asia Now about the tragedy. He said that while no conclusive link has been drawn between “incel” ideology and the attack, there has been an “alarming trend in domestic violence” over the last several years, where women have been killed by their partners or former partners. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

On Apr 13, a knifeman killed six people and wounded several others at a popular Sydney shopping centre. Two days later, a 16-year-old was arrested after stabbing at least four people, including a bishop, at an Assyrian church. Dr Terry Goldsworthy, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Bond University, told CNA’s Asia Now that both stabbings were “vastly different” events and that cases of mass killings in Australia are rare. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Amid his campaign to reclaim the White House from United States President Joe Biden, former president Donald Trump has been sued in New York and indicted in Georgia, Florida, Manhattan and Washington. Allegations against him range from plotting to overturn the 2020 presidential election to illegally stowing classified documents. In total, he faces 88 charges - 44 federal and 44 state. CNA’s Rani Samtani explains Trump’s complicated legal battles. Subscribe to our channel here: https://cna.asia/youtubesub Subscribe to our news service for must-read stories: Telegram - https://cna.asia/telegram WhatsApp - https://cna.asia/whatsapp Follow us: CNA: https://cna.asia CNA Lifestyle: http://www.cnalifestyle.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/channelnewsasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/channelnewsasia Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/channelnewsasia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@channelnewsasia

Why are people willing to go for illegal medical procedures despite the risks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and catch the discussion on CNA938's TalkBack this Friday (Apr 19) from 6pm to 7pm.

South Korea has marked the 10th anniversary of its worst maritime disaster. On Apr 16, 2014, the Sewol ferry capsized en route from Incheon to Jeju Island. Out of 476 people on board, 304 died, mostly students on a school trip. Its sinking remains fresh in the minds of many in South Korea - which has taken steps to ensure such a tragedy never happens again. CNA's Lim Yun Suk has more.

East Asia has been called the centre of gravity in the Asia Pacific. That’s why a new hour-long CNA programme will focus on the region’s economic and political reach. In this week’s episode of CNA Correspondent, Teresa Tang goes behind-the-scenes with host Otelli Edwards and Supervising Editor Jeremy Koh. See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.

More than 330 students, teachers and academics in Singapore have seen first-hand how the world's most advanced deep sea research and exploration vessel, known as OceanX, combines science, next-generation technology and storytelling. OceanX discovers on average 12 to 15 species of marine life a year. It's currently docked at Keppel Bay as part of a global expedition to study the waters of Southeast Asia. OceanX will chart a course next for Indonesia. 30 hand-picked students from around the region will join the voyage.

This year's Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize has been awarded to a Dutch microbiologist for his contributions during the pandemic. Professor Gertjan Medema's research revolutionised virus detection in wastewater when COVID-19 emerged. It established wastewater surveillance as a cost-effective way to detect early and track the virus. Professor Medema and Mr Ryan Yuen, managing director of the Singapore International Water Prize, shared more about wastewater-based epidemiology and the impact of such research.

Researchers and deep tech start-ups can tap on fresh funding and mentorship under the new Breakthrough Energy Fellows-Southeast Asia programme. The three-year joint funding commitment will support tech developments that can reduce greenhouse gases in Southeast Asia. This marks the first Breakthrough Energy Fellows hub outside of the United States. Enterprise Singapore chairman Lee Chuan Teck shared more about the new fellowship and how it will drive climate tech innovation in Singapore and the region.

Three new ports are joining this year's maritime cybersecurity exercise led by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. The exercise simulates cyberattacks on multiple ports across regions. The Ports of Nagoya and Tokyo in Japan, as well as the Port of Sines in Portugal, are among 40 participants in the exercise. Mr Ong Chin Beng, chief information security officer at MPA, shared more about the exercise, as well as the Maritime Cyber Assurance and Operations Centre that will be set up by 2025.

All companies in Singapore -- including small and medium businesses -- must have a clear process for flexible work arrangement requests from this December. This is the latest move by the tripartite workgroup consisting of government, unions and employer groups. Upon receiving requests, employers must give a written decision within two months. If the request is rejected, a relevant reason must be given. While the guidelines are mandatory, employers will not face legal action if they reject an employee's request.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he's in the midst of looking for new candidates for the next General Election, especially those with potential to hold political office. He added that there will be an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Cabinet, depending on the results of the election. Singapore's next GE must be held by November next year. Jeraldine Yap reports.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will continue to serve as Senior Minister, after his successor Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong takes the helm from May 15. Speaking to the media for the first time after the handover date was announced, Mr Wong said there will be no major reshuffle of the Cabinet, so as to maintain continuity amid the leadership change. Sherlyn Seah reports.