Australia

Peak communications consumer body ACCAN says today’s Vodafone outage is another reminder that Australians are increasingly dependent on telecommunications services that are not subject to the same reliability expectations as other essential services. The outage affected Vodafone customers across Australia, disrupting access to calls, mobile data and other services relied upon by millions of consumers…

Australia’s visual arts scene has developed through a layered history that reflects both European influence and Indigenous heritage. Early colonial art in the 18th and 19th centuries was heavily shaped by European settlers who documented the unfamiliar Australian landscape. Artists such as John Glover and Eugene von Guérard focused on vast terrains, often romanticizing the…

Foreign investors operating in Indonesia are facing greater scrutiny as immigration authorities place increased emphasis on verifying whether companies sponsoring visas and residence permits are conducting genuine business activities. The trend reflects broader efforts to strengthen compliance oversight and ensure that corporate structures are being used for legitimate commercial purposes. While many foreign entrepreneurs focus…

A new AHURI report led by RMIT researchers has found market volatility is the biggest barrier to lifting housing construction in Australia, with boom-and-bust cycles disrupting labour, costs, timelines and quality across the sector. The findings come as Australia tries to lift housing supply under the National Housing Accord, which aims to build 1.2 million…

Indonesia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for remote hiring, with international companies increasingly turning to the country’s skilled workforce to support technology, customer service, marketing, and business operations. However, legal experts warn that hiring remote employees in Indonesia involves more than simply signing a contract and transferring salaries overseas. As…

Bali’s property market continues to attract international investors seeking both lifestyle benefits and rental income opportunities. However, legal and compliance professionals say many foreign buyers are discovering that owning or controlling a property does not automatically grant the right to operate it as a short-term rental business. The misconception has become increasingly common as social…

A new initiative will bring Australian and Chinese researchers together in a structured program designed to deepen collaboration, enhance shared research capability and support emerging scientific talent.  The WEHI-China Health Research Network will connect researchers through joint activities that promote knowledge exchange, build enduring scientific relationships and enable the co‑development of projects to address global health challenges. …

New data from EdTech leader The TEFL Institute reveals that more than 70% of newly certified English teachers worldwide now plan lessons with AI co-pilots, and the figure is reshaping a $30bn global language-teaching industry. As classrooms in Tokyo, Riyadh and São Paulo adopt AI-assisted English tuition through platforms like TEFL.AI, educators, unions and ministries…

Bali’s booming short-term rental market is facing growing regulatory scrutiny as Indonesian authorities increase oversight on villas operating through platforms such as Airbnb without proper business licensing. The shift reflects broader concerns around tourism management, zoning compliance, and foreign investment practices as the island continues to attract international property buyers. Over the past decade, Bali…

Banks in Indonesia are applying stricter compliance reviews as regulators and financial institutions place greater emphasis on verifying whether companies are genuinely active businesses rather than simply registered legal entities. The shift reflects broader global Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) trends, but its impact is becoming increasingly visible among foreign-owned companies and…