Singapore's Institute of Technical Education is looking at more ways students can be recognised for their skills while they are still in school. It hopes these industry qualifications can also give students an edge in the workforce, apart from academic certificates like diplomas. Rebecca Metteo with more. 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

Thousands of farmers are marching towards India's capital after talks with the government over guaranteed crop prices failed. Local police in the northern Indian state of Haryana reportedly fired tear gas shells at farmers who were on their way to New Delhi from neighbouring Punjab. The protesting farmers are expected to reach New Delhi later this week. Ahead of their arrival, police in Delhi have moved to seal off the capital’s borders. Priyata Brajabasi files this report. 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

Jailed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be released on bail as early as next week. Current Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Feb 13 that the 74-year-old has been granted parole, in accordance with prison regulations. The former leader has been held since his return from self-exile last August, but has spent nearly the entirety of his incarceration in a hospital. Saksith Saiyasombut has more. 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

Singapore will be hosting a key voice in the global energy transition. The International Energy Agency (IEA) is opening a hub in the city-state later this year. It will be the IEA's first-ever office outside of its headquarters in Paris and Singapore's first energy-focused international organisation. Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng said the partnership will energise Southeast Asia's own green transition. 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

From Europe to Asia and beyond, the security environment is deteriorating, with the current situation heralding what is likely to be a more dangerous decade, according to an annual assessment of global military capabilities and defence economics. The authoritative IISS Military Balance report by London-based think-tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said the next decade may be characterised by the “brazen application by some of military power to pursue claims, evoking a ‘might is right’ approach”. CNA's Jeremy Koh 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

Indonesia's most populous province of West Java has the highest number of registered voters at close to 36 million, making it a pivotal battleground in Wednesday's (Feb 14) presidential elections. With one poll last year indicating that swing voters, who make up over 30 per cent of the electorate, could stay undecided even up to polling day, the province could be key in deciding which candidate emerges victor. CNA's Chandni Vatvani reports.

Two giant rubber ducks have returned to southern Taiwan's Kaohsiung City. Ten years after they debuted in the island, the iconic yellow figures are set to become the main draw for tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Howard Chao with this report.

Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto appears to be the frontrunner in the lead up to Wednesday's (Feb 14) presidential polls, according to opinion surveys. He lost to President Joko Widodo twice in previous elections but now, he stands on the cusp of potentially claiming an outright win. CNA's Chandni Vatvani looks at the man who observers say is reaping the rewards of an image makeover. 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

Politicians in the upcoming presidential election in Indonesia have refrained from using religious or ethnic narratives to garner votes. This is a far cry from the last contest in 2019, which was among the most divisive in the country's history. Back then, many national leaders had resorted to identity politics to increase their winning chances, said observers. CNA’s Saifulbahri Ismail 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

Food vendor Tini Kasmawati is almost blind. But for the past nine years, she has been feeding a family of endangered gibbons near her village in West Java, Indonesia - something she vows to continue doing until her final breath.

Over 200 million Indonesians in the world’s third-largest democracy will head to the polls on Wednesday (Feb 14) to elect their next president, as well as executive and legislative representatives. CNA’s Jill Neubronner explains all you need to know ahead of polling day, while Loke Wei Sue finds out what is at stake from Dr Yanuar Nugroho, a visiting senior fellow from the Indonesia Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, and Mr Arya Fernandes, head researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. 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

What can be done to deter criminal activities on chat apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram? Here's what experts have to say.

Recreational centres at Pasir Ris Park have been taking extra precautions like reducing water time activity, and advising those kayaking or canoeing to head to safer areas out at sea. People had been advised not to swim in the waters last week after higher bacteria levels were found at the beach there, as well as at Sembawang. CNA’s Alif Amsyar 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

Indonesian President Joko Widodo is barred by law from contesting for a third term, but he has emerged as the kingmaker in the upcoming polls. Better known as Jokowi, the 62-year-old is still very popular and his loyal followers provide him with the political capital to tip the balance for candidates in the election, analysts say. CNA’s Saifulbahri Ismail looks at how the so-called "Jokowi effect" has influenced the electoral landscape.

As Indonesia gears up for its presidential election on Wednesday (Feb 14), there is a need for continued harmony with Chinese-Indonesians, who form a minority in the country. The community has long faced discrimination, stigma and even persecution, but there may not be room to play the race card anymore, analysts say. CNA’s Olivia Marzuki 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

Dr Khoo Kim Choo started her own preschool when she was 60 years old, because she couldn’t find one that she wanted to put her grandson in. Now, 18 years later, she has 3 preschools and is still actively involved in them.

When election season comes round in Indonesia, the economy usually gets a boost as well. Here are some of the items that typically see a spike in demand. Read more: https://cna.asia/3waOpHc 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

Pakistan has concluded vote counting for its elections more than 60 hours since polling stations closed, but it remains unclear who will form government as no party won a simple majority of 134 seats. As experts warn that it could take weeks for a clearer picture to emerge, John Bevir explains the political complications that could lie ahead.

Hundreds of thousands gathered at a rally by presidential hopeful Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on the final day of Indonesia's election campaign period. According to the latest survey by Indikator Politik Indonesia, more than half of the respondents said they will vote for Mr Prabowo. Chandni Vatvani files this report from the rally.

Johor Bahru's spa industry has a shady reputation, and authorities are freezing applications for new licences while they rebrand the industry. How is it affecting legitimate operators? Read more: https://cna.asia/4bAQ3BY 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