https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/324750/feed Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Malaysia, covering politics, economy, society and the Asean member-nation’s relationships with China, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg The Star The Star The 521kg (1,148lbs) of suspected methamphetamine seized by Laotian authorities from a private jet was not sourced from Malaysia, with the drugs believed to have originated in Laos and been destined for Manila, the Philippines. Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Hussein Omar Khan said police were informed by Laotian authorities on Tuesday that the cross-border smuggling attempt had been foiled at Luang Prabang International Airport last Thursday. Hussein said the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369969/521kg-meth-seized-laos-private-jet-bound-manila-not-malaysia-police?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369969/521kg-meth-seized-laos-private-jet-bound-manila-not-malaysia-police?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:30:22 +0000 Maria Siow Maria Siow Malaysia’s repatriation of Myanmar nationals ahead of a visit to Kuala Lumpur by the war-torn country’s leader appears to mirror efforts by other Asean countries seeking to mend ties with Naypyidaw. Several members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have stepped up engagement with Myanmar at the bilateral level recently, raising questions about whether a gradual normalisation between the bloc and the country could undermine efforts to end its civil war, according to analysts. Nearly... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369953/malaysias-myanmar-bet-repatriations-pave-way-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369953/malaysias-myanmar-bet-repatriations-pave-way-diplomacy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:30:13 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Risks to Southeast Asia’s energy supplies are multiplying faster than nations are coming up with solutions to meet rapidly rising demand for electricity, according to an International Energy Agency report released on Tuesday. Southeast Asia has a seemingly insatiable appetite for energy, but the region is now in a pinch as energy costs rise, partly due to the Iran war. Fast-growing Southeast Asian economies also need more electricity to power data centres and keep homes and businesses cool. To... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369949/rising-electricity-needs-put-southeast-asias-energy-security-risk-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369949/rising-electricity-needs-put-southeast-asias-energy-security-risk-report?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:00:16 +0000 Zhou Xiaoming Zhou Xiaoming The recent US-China summit yielded a narrow, caution-filled outcome for bilateral trade: a two-month extension of the Kuala Lumpur trade truce, which now expires on January 10 next year. This reprieve eases fears of immediate tariff escalation and shows that head-of-state diplomacy can still curb spiralling confrontation. Yet the short timeline exposes the wide gulf separating the two sides’ priorities. China’s position has been unambiguous: removal of all punitive tariffs and restrictive... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3369750/short-trade-truce-cant-paper-over-realities-us-china-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3369750/short-trade-truce-cant-paper-over-realities-us-china-relationship?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:30:06 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Governments and financial institutions in Southeast Asia urgently need to find a way to safely and quickly share data if they hope to contain a surge in scams, cybersecurity experts warn, as artificial intelligence enables criminal operations in the region to expand their reach rapidly. Criminal enterprises stole as much as US$114 billion from victims across the Asia-Pacific in 2025, according to a United Nations report released in July, more than triple the amount from two years earlier, aided... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369903/southeast-asia-urged-step-war-against-ai-powered-scams-through-data-sharing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369903/southeast-asia-urged-step-war-against-ai-powered-scams-through-data-sharing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:50:04 +0000 The Star The Star She spent some of her teenage years helping her mother at a sundry shop in Malaysia after school, and throughout that period kept a dream of achieving something higher alive. Now, 36-year-old Suriati Sukardi is a pilot, flying AirAsia’s commercial A320 and A321 Airbus aircraft. Before that, she had landed a job as the airline’s flight attendant and served the company for eight years since 2017 while continuing to eye and seek an opportunity to climb further in her career. In 2019, her prayers... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369894/cabin-crew-cockpit-malaysian-womans-airasia-pilot-dreams-take?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369894/cabin-crew-cockpit-malaysian-womans-airasia-pilot-dreams-take?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:30:06 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. AirAsia chief mocks Singapore Airlines’ food – and social media hits back AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes has caused a stir online after taking aim at Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) in-flight meals, claiming the food served by the carrier lagged behind his own airline’s... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369849/airasia-chiefs-jab-backfires-singaporeans-going-car-lite-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369849/airasia-chiefs-jab-backfires-singaporeans-going-car-lite-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:15:05 +0000 The Star The Star The father of 16-year-old Irene Sofiya said he drew comfort from Malaysia’s Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah and her assurance that she would do what she can to help seek justice for his daughter. Mohd Khairool Faisal Khyar, 42, said he deeply appreciated the queen’s concern and words of encouragement during her visit to the family home in Kampung Selamat, Johor, on Monday. “Raja Zarith Sofiah was very considerate and we greatly appreciate what she said to our family during this difficult period for us.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369858/malaysias-queen-comforts-family-girl-found-dead-school-pledges-get-justice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369858/malaysias-queen-comforts-family-girl-found-dead-school-pledges-get-justice?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 03:10:19 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A Hong Kong fertility clinic that had most of its services suspended for mishandling embryo biopsy specimens from two patients has been cleared to fully resume all treatments after implementing improvement measures. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology said on Monday that Heal Fertility in Central could resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence from Tuesday, after members reviewed the findings of a follow-up inspection and confirmed the clinic had properly implemented the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369826/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-cleared-resume-all-services-after-embryo-specimen-mix?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369826/hong-kong-ivf-clinic-cleared-resume-all-services-after-embryo-specimen-mix?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:07:21 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran Southeast Asian governments are learning some hard truths about the data centre boom they spent years working to attract, analysts say – it promises jobs, digital infrastructure and a foothold in the AI economy, but the rapid buildout is also straining power grids, land and regulatory systems. “There is this enthusiasm to attract investments, but now it raises the question: at what cost and at what speed?” said policy researcher Mark Manantan, a research fellow for the Centre for Global Security... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369788/southeast-asia-starts-rethink-its-ai-data-centre-boom-what-cost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369788/southeast-asia-starts-rethink-its-ai-data-centre-boom-what-cost?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:11:25 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia was aflush with Formula One fever this weekend, rekindling talk of permanently bringing the race back to the Southeast Asian nation after a long hiatus – despite days of traffic chaos that left thousands of fans stranded for hours. More than 260,000 people flocked to Sepang International Circuit in Selangor state for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was originally meant to be held in April but had to be postponed and relocated away from the Persian Gulf island nation due to security... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369773/malaysia-eyes-permanent-f1-comeback-despite-travel-chaos-bahrain-gp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369773/malaysia-eyes-permanent-f1-comeback-despite-travel-chaos-bahrain-gp?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 07:08:26 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘No brainer’: growing trend of Chinese tourists booking business-class flights 2. US to deploy NMESIS anti-ship system on Japanese island closest to Taiwan 3. Chinese art takes long march home from US museums 4. Malaysia offers Chinese buyers Singapore’s comfort at prices lower than Thailand 5.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/world/article/3369745/chinese-travellers-go-premium-malaysia-appeals-investors-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/world/article/3369745/chinese-travellers-go-premium-malaysia-appeals-investors-5-weekend-reads-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:03:44 +0000 The Star The Star Malaysians delight in visiting family and friends, so much so that these visits made up 44 per cent of domestic travel. They enjoy seeing their loved ones even more than shopping (21.6 per cent) and holidaying (13 per cent), as shown in the latest numbers from the Statistics Department on domestic tourism in the second quarter of this year. The 44 per cent recorded is even higher than last year’s trend in domestic tourism where “visiting relatives and friends remained the primary purpose of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369737/malaysians-choose-family-over-shopping-or-holidays-domestic-travel-data-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369737/malaysians-choose-family-over-shopping-or-holidays-domestic-travel-data-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 01:46:05 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim is expected to roll out a populist budget on Friday aimed at placating voter concerns over the cost of living and access to essential services, experts say, as the prime minister seeks to shore up support ahead of a general election that could be called as soon as next year. Anwar’s coalition government is under mounting pressure amid a deepening feud with Umno. The Malay nationalist party, a key partner in Anwar’s administration, has demanded a snap poll after defeating... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369573/malaysias-anwar-set-unveil-crowd-pleasing-budget-political-pressure-rises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369573/malaysias-anwar-set-unveil-crowd-pleasing-budget-political-pressure-rises?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:17 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals who were sent back from Malaysia arrived in the country’s largest city on Sunday despite warnings from the UN refugee agency and rights groups that conditions for return remain unsafe. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, 2021, triggering widespread opposition and plunging large parts of the country into conflict. The returnees, including 86 women, have been convicted of staying... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369705/malaysia-repatriates-1500-myanmar-nationals-despite-un-risk-warnings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369705/malaysia-repatriates-1500-myanmar-nationals-despite-un-risk-warnings?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 11:08:17 +0000 The Star The Star Three male students have been detained by police in connection with the murder of a Form Four female student whose body was discovered at a school in Yong Peng, Malaysia’s Johor state, on Saturday. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal, was found dead inside the school hall at around 5.30pm, Sinar Harian reported. Police arrested the three 16-year-old suspects, who attend the same school as the victim, just hours after the body was uncovered. On Sunday, one of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369683/3-students-arrested-malaysia-over-murder-girl-found-dead-school?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369683/3-students-arrested-malaysia-over-murder-girl-found-dead-school?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 04:29:43 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Malaysia is proving to be a middle ground for many Hong Kong and mainland Chinese investors looking to buy property in a country that provides the stability Singapore offers, but with competitive price points similar to those found in Thailand, according to analysts. Data from Juwai IQI, a property portal with 7 million listings across 111 countries, showed that in the first half of 2026, Malaysia was the fourth-highest destination for inquiries received from Chinese buyers. That compared with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3369646/how-malaysia-offers-chinese-investors-singapores-comfort-prices-lower-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3369646/how-malaysia-offers-chinese-investors-singapores-comfort-prices-lower-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:00:09 +0000 Azmil Tayeb Azmil Tayeb A string of electoral victories in recent years has inspired the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) to go for more urbanised and developed states in the run-up to Malaysia’s next general election. PAS’ strategy is straightforward: besides leveraging its religious credentials, it also seeks to underscore its ability to govern well. The problem here, however, is that PAS might not have a solid technocratic record to sell to voters. PAS was established by the ulama (religious scholars) wing of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/opinion/article/3369597/pas-wants-urban-malaysias-vote-can-it-win-over-urban-malays?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/opinion/article/3369597/pas-wants-urban-malaysias-vote-can-it-win-over-urban-malays?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:00:14 +0000 Holly Chik Holly Chik When chemical engineer Ahmad Zuhairi Abdullah joined Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 22 years ago, Western institutions dominated the field, from global research infrastructure and high-impact publications to the greatest breakthroughs. Two decades later, the centre of gravity has moved eastward, says Zuhairi, now a professor with the USM school of chemical engineering in Penang. “[Not much was known] about China at that time when I joined the university. I knew that they had quite a number of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/science/article/3369619/malaysia-building-new-research-corridor-across-asia-meet-chinas-rise-scientists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/science/article/3369619/malaysia-building-new-research-corridor-across-asia-meet-chinas-rise-scientists?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Oct 2026 02:00:13 +0000 Han Li Han Li Amid intensifying competition in the AI technology race, US authorities have arrested a California technology company owner accused of using Malaysia and Singapore as transit points to circumvent US export controls and send more than US$300 million worth of restricted computer servers to China. Greg Lui, 38, also known as Yiu Kong Lui, of San Gabriel, was arrested on Thursday and charged with conspiracy to violate US export controls, outbound smuggling and conspiracy to commit money laundering,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/us/article/3369637/us-man-arrested-over-alleged-300-million-scheme-smuggle-nvidia-ai-servers-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/us/article/3369637/us-man-arrested-over-alleged-300-million-scheme-smuggle-nvidia-ai-servers-china?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:57:01 +0000 Yap Yok Foo Yap Yok Foo Every morning, I settle into my armchair in Kuala Lumpur, pen in hand, to tackle The Times cryptic crossword, freshly downloaded from the internet. It is a ritual I have observed since my university days in the United Kingdom. I have become rather adept at it; in fact, puzzle devotees might recognise Sayang, the pseudonym under which I set crosswords for the Financial Times. I can still recite the names of England’s 1966 World Cup squad in my sleep. My youth was scored to the sounds of Cliff... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3368822/im-80-its-not-too-late-reconnect-my-chinese-roots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3368822/im-80-its-not-too-late-reconnect-my-chinese-roots?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:30:08 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes has caused a stir online after taking aim at Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) in-flight meals, claiming the food served by the carrier lagged behind his own airline’s offerings. “Just flew with Singapore Airlines, couldn’t get AirAsia, service was great, internet amazing, food was poor, Santan is far far better and crew admitted. Great flight but we are not far off,” Fernandes wrote in a social media post on Thursday, referring to AirAsia’s in-flight dining brand. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369583/airasia-chief-mocks-singapore-airlines-food-and-social-media-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369583/airasia-chief-mocks-singapore-airlines-food-and-social-media-hits-back?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:59:11 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of non-alignment amid US-China rivalry in the South China Sea could soon be tested, with the eastern state of Sabah sitting near a potential flashpoint involving Philippine territory. Observers pointed to comments by Malaysian Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, who last week voiced concern that a conflict or “unexpected incident” in the maritime region could spill over into Malaysia. Khaled, who singled out Sabah, added that Malaysia was looking to strengthen its... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369554/why-sabah-has-malaysia-watching-south-china-sea-tensions-more-closely?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369554/why-sabah-has-malaysia-watching-south-china-sea-tensions-more-closely?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:30:11 +0000 The Star The Star One of the Malaysians unaccounted for following the devastating floods in Nepal has been confirmed safe and has returned to Malaysia, according to the group representing Malaysians missing in Nepal. Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (Masfih) spokesman Manivannan Rethinam said the person had reported themselves to the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu. “For Masfih and the other families, the finding of a safe Malaysian 37 days later is an extremely relieving and meaningful development,”... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369531/missing-malaysian-found-safe-flood-ravaged-nepal-after-37-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369531/missing-malaysian-found-safe-flood-ravaged-nepal-after-37-days?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:45:06 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran Reggie Manlapig, 46, has been driving jeepneys for nearly 25 years and has weathered rising fuel prices – but with costs spiking amid the global energy crunch, he is now wrestling bigger demons. “The impact has been huge. Before, in a 16-hour shift of driving, I could take home 400 to 500 pesos [US$6.30 to US$8] – now there’s a big cut to that income,” said Manlapig, who plies a two-hour daily round route from Malolos in Bulacan, north of Manila, to San Fernando, Pampanga. “Doing the full route... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369479/philippines-jeepney-drivers-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place-despite-fare-increase?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/economics/article/3369479/philippines-jeepney-drivers-stuck-between-rock-and-hard-place-despite-fare-increase?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:28 +0000 Eve Qiao Eve Qiao Two giant pandas arrived in the US following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington, continuing a decades-old tradition in which the beloved fuzzy ambassadors have become symbols of China’s ties with countries around the world. Zoo Atlanta announced the arrival of giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang on Sunday, saying it was “overjoyed” to welcome the pair after the zoo’s previous 25-year partnership with China ended in 2024. Xi said during his US visit that the pandas would be sent... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/diplomacy/article/3369456/panda-diplomacy-all-countries-currently-hosting-chinas-beloved-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/diplomacy/article/3369456/panda-diplomacy-all-countries-currently-hosting-chinas-beloved-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:00:05 +0000 Jean Iau Jean Iau Just under a third of Singaporeans, or 31.4 per cent, believe that nuclear energy promises a clean power source with the greatest potential in the city state, representing the highest acceptance rate in Southeast Asia, a new study has found. The approval rate represented an 11.1 per cent increase from 2024, the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook 2026 Survey found, even as solar energy continued to be the most popular choice. Singapore is studying advanced nuclear technologies, including small... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3369437/nearly-third-singaporeans-open-nuclear-energys-potential-highest-asean-study?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3369437/nearly-third-singaporeans-open-nuclear-energys-potential-highest-asean-study?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:25:33 +0000 The Star The Star The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over reports of high “no-show” rates among medical officers assigned to permanent postings in Sabah and Sarawak. The medical body urged the government to take action by reverting to a percentage-based allowance and introducing incentives to attract and retain healthcare workers in East Malaysia. MMA president Sivanaesan Letchumanan pointed to reports which said that a number of medical officers failed to report for their permanent... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369426/malaysian-medical-body-raises-alarm-over-high-doctor-no-show-rate-sabah-sarawak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369426/malaysian-medical-body-raises-alarm-over-high-doctor-no-show-rate-sabah-sarawak?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:54:09 +0000 Alice Li Alice Li For years, Chinese manufacturers have viewed Southeast Asia as a way to reduce exposure to higher US duties on goods made in China. But a new round of tariff cuts proposed by Washington and Beijing could weaken that incentive for some products, potentially changing the economics of the strategy. Under the new US-China Board of Trade, more than 90 per cent of Chinese products on a list of goods worth US$30 billion – mostly everyday consumer items, such as toys and household goods – would return... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/global-economy/article/3369373/has-us-china-tariff-deal-eroded-southeast-asias-tariff-edge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/global-economy/article/3369373/has-us-china-tariff-deal-eroded-southeast-asias-tariff-edge?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:11:54 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Malaysia’s capital topped a global pollution ranking on Wednesday and nearby Singapore came in third, with smoke from wildfires in neighbouring Indonesia blamed for the unhealthy conditions. A milky haze has shrouded the cities for more than a month as smoke drifted from fires on Borneo and Sumatra islands. Kuala Lumpur was the world’s most polluted major city early on Wednesday, according to Swiss monitor IQAir, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 166. Singapore ranked third at 155. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369363/kuala-lumpur-worlds-most-polluted-city-due-haze-singapore-third-index-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369363/kuala-lumpur-worlds-most-polluted-city-due-haze-singapore-third-index-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:43:42 +0000 Amber Wang Amber Wang Disagreement over how to prevent conflicts could explain why Chinese and US accounts characterised discussions at last week’s summit so differently, analysts said. Speaking at a White House arrival ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the two militaries should maintain regular dialogue and “improve mechanisms for crisis communication and prevention”. In a statement issued after the summit, China’s foreign ministry said the countries’ militaries had agreed “to conclude a memorandum of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/military/article/3369359/did-beijing-and-washington-agree-crisis-prevention-deal-or-not?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/china/military/article/3369359/did-beijing-and-washington-agree-crisis-prevention-deal-or-not?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 12:01:04 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan While travelling in Kunming, southwestern China’s Yunnan province, a Chinese-Malaysian woman unexpectedly came across photos of her late grandfather showcased in a public exhibit. The display celebrated the historical contributions of overseas Chinese machinists who played a vital role in supporting the nation during World War II. The woman’s Chinese name is Zhang Huiqing, although she uses the handle @Huiching on social media. In mid-September, she released a video revealing that during her... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369341/chinese-malaysian-woman-proud-find-grandad-honoured-china-secret-wwii-sacrifice?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3369341/chinese-malaysian-woman-proud-find-grandad-honoured-china-secret-wwii-sacrifice?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:00:10 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele The death of a 14-year-old student at a Malaysian boarding school has renewed scrutiny over student safety, raising questions over whether reforms introduced after the high-profile death of Zara Qairina Mahathir last year have changed what happens behind dormitory doors. Police in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, have detained two 16-year-old students as they investigate the death of Muhammad Idlan Fareeq Shahril. They said Idlan was caught vaping by a hostel warden on September 23. Two days later,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369315/behind-closed-doors-fatal-beating-exposes-malaysias-parallel-boarding-school-rules?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369315/behind-closed-doors-fatal-beating-exposes-malaysias-parallel-boarding-school-rules?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:44:20 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk Philippine senators have urged the Department of Tourism to stick with a single marketing campaign to build long-term international recognition, pointing to long-running successes such as Malaysia’s “Truly Asia” tagline. Newly appointed Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay was asked about her plans for the current slogan, “Love the Philippines”, during a departmental budget hearing on Monday, the Philippine Star reported. Senate finance subcommittee chairman Erwin Tulfo suggested keeping the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369297/philippines-urged-adopt-malaysias-lasting-tourism-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369297/philippines-urged-adopt-malaysias-lasting-tourism-strategy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:16:10 +0000 Joseph Sipalan Joseph Sipalan Malaysia’s two-time prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been admitted to hospital for observation, his office confirmed on Wednesday, in the latest health scare involving the 101-year-old. Mahathir was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Tuesday night, barely a day after his wife of 70 years, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, died at the same hospital. It is unclear why the former leader was admitted. Sufi Yusoff, Mahathir’s long-time aide, told reporters that they were awaiting diagnosis... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369276/malaysias-mahathir-hospital-observation-day-after-wifes-death?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369276/malaysias-mahathir-hospital-observation-day-after-wifes-death?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 03:28:11 +0000 Vincent Tan Vincent Tan A Singapore-based education financing programme is testing whether income-linked funding can widen access to higher education without an unmanageable debt burden, a model analysts say could help ease repayment pressure faced by graduates across Southeast Asia. Global Financing for Education’s (GFE) Pay It Forward scheme, publicly launched in September, provides students with funding for their education in return for 3 to 10 per cent of their subsequent income for one to 10 years. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369266/can-pay-you-earn-funding-fix-southeast-asias-higher-education-debt-problem?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369266/can-pay-you-earn-funding-fix-southeast-asias-higher-education-debt-problem?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:59:47 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof,Kolette Lim Iman Muttaqin Yusof,Kolette Lim American rapper Macklemore lost his spot on British pop star Ed Sheeran’s US tour after speaking up for Palestinians, but in Malaysia it was Sheeran’s music which ended up being pulled from the airwaves. In neighbouring Singapore, British band Massive Attack faced a different kind of fallout, barred from returning after members displayed a Palestinian flag during a July concert. The contrasting cases highlight the competing pressures on foreign artists in Southeast Asia, where political... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369248/gaza-stage-concert-activism-meets-malaysia-singapore-red-lines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369248/gaza-stage-concert-activism-meets-malaysia-singapore-red-lines?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:15 +0000 SCMP’s Asia desk SCMP’s Asia desk As Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, was laid to rest on Monday, one poignant image stood out. Footage of her family members sobbing served as a reminder that before the 100-year-old was “Ibu Negara” (Mother of the Nation), she was first a mother of seven, grandmother to 18 and great-grandmother to four. Her latest great-grandchild, Eden Zakaria, was born just last month to granddaughter Meera Alyanna Mukhriz, better known as Ally. In a social... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369197/mahathir-lonely-family-and-malaysia-mourn-siti-hasmah?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369197/mahathir-lonely-family-and-malaysia-mourn-siti-hasmah?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 09:13:12 +0000 CNA CNA Behind the unmarked door of a shoplot along a quiet commercial stretch of Forest City in Malaysia’s Johor state, four customers sat tapping away, playing slot-style games on tablets. A stern-looking man stood guard at the entrance, his eyes darting around. The customers could place bets starting from around 20 ringgit (US$4.89). Instead of handing over cash, they paid for gambling credits using Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go e-wallet. They were then issued tablets from behind the counter with... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369173/malaysias-forest-city-wants-rebirth-scams-crime-stand-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369173/malaysias-forest-city-wants-rebirth-scams-crime-stand-way?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:46:04 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof Malaysia began an operation to send nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals back to their war-torn homeland on Tuesday, pressing ahead with a government-to-government repatriation deal despite warnings that returnees could face persecution and forced conscription. The first group of 1,476 is part of an agreement to return 5,000 people held in Malaysian immigration facilities under a programme Kuala Lumpur describes as voluntary, though human rights groups say it lacks adequate safeguards. Those being... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369167/malaysia-begins-sending-thousands-myanmar-nationals-back-war-torn-homeland?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3369167/malaysia-begins-sending-thousands-myanmar-nationals-back-war-torn-homeland?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:00:01 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Bangkok declares flood disaster across city as thousands flee from homes Entire Bangkok neighbourhoods were inundated on Saturday as the city government declared a flood disaster after the worst rains in years overwhelmed the Thai capital, submerging roads, cars and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369142/bangkok-flood-disaster-indonesian-victim-fake-cash-scam-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/article/3369142/bangkok-flood-disaster-indonesian-victim-fake-cash-scam-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 29 Sep 2026 04:45:12 +0000 Djoomart Otorbaev Djoomart Otorbaev The global electronics industry is entering a structural transition. For over two decades, China served as the dominant manufacturing centre, with an unmatched concentration of suppliers, skilled labour, infrastructure, logistics and engineering capabilities. That concentration is being diluted. But interpreting this as the decline of Chinese manufacturing would be a mistake. China is exporting parts of its manufacturing process while retaining the industrial capabilities that matter... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3368704/china-no-longer-just-worlds-factory-its-hq?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/china-opinion/article/3368704/china-no-longer-just-worlds-factory-its-hq?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 12:30:13 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Singaporean Najwa Alhabshi remembers spending her teenage years poring over literary classics such as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and George Orwell’s 1984. The books introduced her to ideologies, philosophies and the American dream while expanding her vocabulary. But as work commitments grew, the pages of her books started yellowing. Finding time to read became harder, and her smartphone screen eventually took over. “I think I just fell out of reading,” the 35-year-old tutor said.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369039/southeast-asias-falling-literacy-can-cash-and-gamification-fix-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3369039/southeast-asias-falling-literacy-can-cash-and-gamification-fix-it?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 07:17:11 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen In the latest milestone for China’s heavy-duty gas turbine manufacturers, Shanghai Electric has secured a turnkey contract to deliver equipment to a power plant in Malaysia, giving it a foothold in a market dominated by established foreign players amid a global supply crunch. The state-owned conglomerate, based in the Chinese financial centre, hailed the deal reached earlier this month as evidence of the competitiveness of its integrated solutions and its capacity to design and manufacture... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/global-economy/article/3369029/chinas-gas-turbine-makers-aim-challenge-global-giants-malaysia-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/global-economy/article/3369029/chinas-gas-turbine-makers-aim-challenge-global-giants-malaysia-start?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:20:17 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Malaysia is pushing to take durian, whose powerful smell delights its lovers and repels its haters, beyond its roadside stalls and family orchards to convince fans of the spiky fruit that its varieties are worth seeking out. Devotees savour durians like wine. For Malaysian ones, the taste of their rich and creamy flesh varies widely across types. Some are prized for their sweet custard and fruity notes, others for a hint of bitterness, an alcohol tinge, or even a peanut butter... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369000/inside-malaysias-plan-steal-chinas-durian-market-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3369000/inside-malaysias-plan-steal-chinas-durian-market-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 05:38:04 +0000 Iman Muttaqin Yusof Iman Muttaqin Yusof Malaysian police were set to begin questioning 10 former Negeri Sembilan state officials on Monday over a disputed bid to remove the state’s long-time ruler. It comes a week after Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir dismissed the 10 ex-members of the executive council, which serves as the state’s cabinet, for breaching their oaths of allegiance by backing his removal. Negeri Sembilan, south of Kuala Lumpur, has been locked in a months-long struggle over its throne that helped bring down the previous... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369011/malaysian-police-consider-sedition-charges-ex-negeri-sembilan-officials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/politics/article/3369011/malaysian-police-consider-sedition-charges-ex-negeri-sembilan-officials?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 04:43:32 +0000 Joseph Sipalan,Ushar Daniele,Iman Muttaqin Yusof Joseph Sipalan,Ushar Daniele,Iman Muttaqin Yusof Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, the wife of former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, died on Monday aged 100. Her family confirmed her death after she was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur. The cause of death was not immediately clear. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, whose decades-long feud with Mahathir defined modern Malaysia’s politics, said on Monday that Siti Hasmah would be granted a state funeral. “The nation will always remember her maternal presence and cherish... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3368993/siti-hasmah-wife-malaysias-mahathir-mohamad-dies-aged-100?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/people/article/3368993/siti-hasmah-wife-malaysias-mahathir-mohamad-dies-aged-100?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 02:36:00 +0000 Vincent Tan Vincent Tan This year’s haze crisis has added to the heat woes squeezing livestock farmers in Malaysia and Indonesia as they struggle to keep their animals cool, fed and productive. While it is difficult to separately assess the effects of haze-related smoke from heat, water shortages, feed and disease, farmers and industry groups say the cumulative strain is severely affecting animal health, productivity and their finances. In Selama, Perak, poultry keeper Zaiful Zakaria, 42, had begun installing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3368925/chickens-malaysia-are-producing-fewer-eggs-haze-leading-cause?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/week-asia/health-environment/article/3368925/chickens-malaysia-are-producing-fewer-eggs-haze-leading-cause?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:30:15 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen Vietnamese coffee chain Trung Nguyen Legend has been brewing up big business in China, serving its signature slow-dripped ground blends sourced fresh from Vietnam. As its network of stores expands across China, logistics has become a bottleneck. It focuses on buying coffee beans in season from plantations in Vietnam, but road-and-sea transport to China follows a circuitous route with occasional delays. It hopes China’s first river-to-sea canal, which opened earlier this month, will offer a short... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3368815/asean-firms-hope-pinglu-canal-will-open-china-market-fear-flood-imports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/economy/china-economy/article/3368815/asean-firms-hope-pinglu-canal-will-open-china-market-fear-flood-imports?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:00:13 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Property markets in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to remain attractive despite heightened uncertainty over monetary policy after the US Federal Reserve delivered its first interest rate increase in more than three years this month, analysts say, with several asset classes and sectors expected to draw investor interest. “We’ve seen volumes, specifically cross-border volumes in the region, increase by around 30 per cent to date,” said Emily Fell, senior director for living sectors in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3368796/how-asia-pacific-property-markets-are-drawing-fresh-capital-despite-us-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/article/3368796/how-asia-pacific-property-markets-are-drawing-fresh-capital-despite-us-rate-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:00:16 +0000