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This Week in Asia
A bear looks out from a cage at a bear farm in Dangjin, South Korea in 2014. Photo: AP

East Asia

South Korea ends bear bile industry, but 200 moon bears in limbo

As the ban takes effect January 1, disputes over farmer compensation and limited shelter space leave hundreds of captive bears with nowhere to go.

Malaysia’s Anwar says Asean to assess Myanmar after ‘premature’ polls

India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026

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Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.

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Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin leaves the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang on August 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters
Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin leaves the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang on August 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

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East Asia

‘Pillar’ of Japan’s Communist Party, Tetsuzo Fuwa, dies aged 95

Fuwa reformed the party’s platform, recognising the imperial system and Self-Defence Forces.

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Health & Environment

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP
A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.

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Economics

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

Experts say rising passenger volumes, including an influx of Chinese travellers amid visa-free schemes, have attracted gangs operating in the skies.

South Asia

Former Bangladesh PM Khaleda Zia dies after prolonged illness

Despite her ill health, 80-year-old Zia, a dominant figure in Dhaka’s turbulent power struggles, had vowed to run in next year’s election.

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Bangladesh’s former prime minister Khaleda Zia at a Dhaka rally in 2016. Photo: AFP

People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

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Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock
Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle & Culture

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak challenges 15-year jail term in 1MDB case

A court last week ordered Najib to begin ‍serving the additional sentence after his current six-year prison term ends in 2028.

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Politics

Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’

Analysts say the findings have raised questions about whether South Korea’s laws can deal with alleged abuses of power by a president’s spouse.

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho district on August 12, after attending a court review on her arrest. Photo: Korea Times

Politics

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.

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Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters
Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

Asia

Rise of Peranakan Chinese networks, Malaysian ex-PM jailed: 7 Asia highlights

From Indonesia fuming over flag stunt to Duterte’s drug war verdict upheld, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

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Economics

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.

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Health & Environment

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Illustration: Huy Truong
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Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA

Economics

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

A man was jailed for 20 months for stealing luggage on a Singapore Airlines flight from Dubai to the city state. Photo: AFP

Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

videocam
Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin leaves the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang on August 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

videocam
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways

Health & Environment

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

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Thailand’s caretaker Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party candidate Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) poses for photos on the first day of candidate registration in Bangkok on Sunday. Photo: AFP
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MULTIMEDIA
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