Heart Evangelista’s wealth under fire, Singaporeans flock to Johor: 7 Asia highlights
From Diwali’s dented gold demand to Asia’s youngest nation poised to join Asean, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting
1. US call centre bill threatens Philippines’ US$30 billion outsourcing boom
As dusk settles over Angeles City, Justin Cunanan prepares for another long night. While the rest of the Philippines sleeps, he joins millions of his compatriots powering a global industry that is now facing threats from both Washington and Silicon Valley.
2. Why a US$70 day trip to Johor is now Singaporeans’ favourite leisure hack
Every month, Rachel Tan, a 53-year-old Singaporean tutor, boards a bus across the 1km (0.6 mile) causeway for a day trip to Malaysia’s Johor state, where she stocks up on groceries and treats herself to lunch and a film.
3. Price surge weighs on gold, silver sales in India’s Diwali market
Record-high gold and silver prices fuelled by US-China friction have dented demand for the precious metal in key consumer market India, in the lead-up to the peak buying period for the Diwali festival.