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This Week in Asia /

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K-pop, Mandopop and other Asian pop
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Fame and celebrity
Sepang International Circuit still hosts races and championships even after F1 exited Malaysia in 2017. Photo by Ushar Daniele
Malaysia

Beyond F1: how Malaysia is reliving its motorsports dreams overseas

Younger drivers like Hayden Haikal and Alister Yoong are forging a path for themselves overseas, but not without a dose of realism.

Singapore

Is super-ageing Singapore headed for population decline?

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Indonesia

No free lunch: Indonesia’s Bali targets barter deals in immigration sweep

Singapore

Bali, Phuket or Sentosa? Singapore’s grand 20-year resort plan

The upgrade aims to create ‘the next generation of world-class experiences’ while staying true to the island’s unique identity.

An artist’s impression featuring a new Imbiah canopy and lookout walk at Sentosa. Photo: Sentosa Development Corporation
An artist’s impression featuring a new Imbiah canopy and lookout walk at Sentosa. Photo: Sentosa Development Corporation
The Philippines

Philippine senator links fatal school shooting to 764 online extremist network

There are signs that the 764 network is targeting vulnerable Filipino children online, Senator Risa Hontiveros says at a hearing.

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Japan

Japan’s detention system under scrutiny after ruling on abuse of restraints

A court order to compensate the family of a detainee shows reforms to immigration centres are urgently needed, observers say.

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Thailand

Thai beer dynasty heir opens up about abuse, mother’s ‘ungrateful child’ lawsuit

Siranudh ‘Psi’ Scott broke his silence on alleged childhood trauma as his estranged mother wielded a century-old legal weapon against him.

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Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the billionaire Thai family that founded the Singha beer brand, pictured in Bangkok last month. Photo: AFP
Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the billionaire Thai family that founded the Singha beer brand, pictured in Bangkok last month. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea’s World Cup early exit sparks fury, death threats, restaurant bans

From the president to K-pop stars, South Koreans demand an overhaul of the country’s football establishment and punishment for the failure.

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Malaysia

How Malaysia’s tourist board plans to entice Chinese travellers

China was Malaysia’s second-largest source market in 2025, with 4.7 million visitor arrivals, up 25 per cent from 3.7 million a year earlier.

Japan

Meet AIko: Japan’s AI police chief taking on a US$2 billion scam epidemic

Japan has a new police chief. Her name is AIko, she lives on YouTube and she’s coming for scammers.

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A screengrab of a social media video shows Osaka prefecture’s new virtual AI police chief “AIko”. Photo: YouTube/OsakaPrefecturalPolice
The Philippines

Why would Filipinos holiday at home if abroad is cheaper?

Manila wants Filipinos to explore their own backyard. But when Batanes costs twice as much as Taipei, it’s a tough sell.

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A Cebu Pacific passenger plane takes off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Photo: AFP
A Cebu Pacific passenger plane takes off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Why Malaysia’s tourism boom lives and dies on a Chinese app

RedNote has made Malaysia a must-visit for Chinese tourists, but it can dismantle reputations just as fast as it builds them.

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Malaysia

Malaysia has never had so many Chinese tourists. It wants more

As Thailand loses its allure, Malaysia turns to viral algorithms to entice millions of independent Chinese travellers.

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Malaysia

Marital duty, faith drive Malaysian women to give in to sex requests: survey

Only 44 per cent of Malay and Muslim women were able to refuse sex, compared with three-quarters of Chinese and Indian Malaysians.

Women ride a tandem bicycle at a lake near the capital city in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE
Singapore

Will Dear You’s smash success push Singapore to ease dialect film policies?

Extra Teochew shows of the indie hit signal ‘increasing liberalisation’ towards dialect films, but long-term changes will take time, analysts say.

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A woman takes photos during the special screening of “Dear You” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 18. Photo: Xinhua
A woman takes photos during the special screening of “Dear You” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 18. Photo: Xinhua
Japan

Laser aimed at Punch the monkey in Japan prompts zoo’s ‘unacceptable’ warning

A zoo official says pointing a laser at any animal could cause considerable stress and even blindness.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s immigration chief urges rethink on wider visa-free access

Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko says Indonesia ‘does not want visitors who do not contribute positively’ to the economy.

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The Philippines

Chinese-Filipino groups downplay Sinophobia over earthquake aid in Philippines

The community is drawing attention partly due to the South China Sea row and spying cases involving Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

Chinese-Filipinos walk along Binondo in Manila. The community has been involved in disaster relief efforts in the Philippines for many years. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
Chinese-Filipinos walk along Binondo in Manila. The community has been involved in disaster relief efforts in the Philippines for many years. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines

Strong ties, even stronger dollar propel US to top of Philippine tourism market

The Philippines, however, attracted just 2.1 million of Southeast Asia’s 48.5 million tourist arrivals in the first four months of this year.

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Japan

Japan confronts the dark side of its teenagers’ AI addiction

An assault case involving five Japanese girls has cast a spotlight on the consequences of AI misuse.

Singapore

Sin to salvation: how Singapore’s most notorious mall found God

Orchard Towers, once a byword for vice, is now part of a megachurch trend repurposing retail spaces from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur.

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Orchard Towers in Singapore pictured on Friday. Cornerstone Community Church officially opened weekly services at the Orchard Road landmark in January. Photo: Jean Iau
Malaysia

‘Isn’t it hot?’: latex fan aims to stretch Malaysia’s conservative fashion norms

The Kuala Lumpur-based cosplay fan who has spent thousands of dollars on his hobby wants rubber-producing Malaysia to embrace latex fashion.

Celty, a Kuala Lumpur-based latex enthusiast, wears an outfit made of the rubber material. Photo: Instagram/latexwithacos
Celty, a Kuala Lumpur-based latex enthusiast, wears an outfit made of the rubber material. Photo: Instagram/latexwithacos
Singapore

Singapore vs London: how similar are these ‘global powerhouses’?

Critics challenge Sadiq Khan’s ‘global powerhouse’ claim, pointing out differences in safety, crime and governance in both places.

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Vietnam

Cats rescued from slaughter in Vietnam spotlight enduring pet meat trade

Animal activists say the cat and dog meat trade often operates over large networks that sometimes span all of Vietnam.

Japan

How Japan’s ‘cool’ summer dress code for men triggered a ‘harassment’ row

Some women argue against the double standards, saying they have to wear stockings to work even in summer.

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People cover themselves with umbrellas during a hot summer day at Ginza in Tokyo on August 11, 2024. Photo: Reuters
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