This Week in Asia /
Lifestyle & Culture
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K-pop, Mandopop and other Asian pop
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Malaysia
‘No taste’: Malaysia’s Life of Pi and Squid Game artists warn against AI rush
After viewers slammed AI-enhanced films for looking ‘cheap’, local experts warn that algorithms serve profit, not storytelling.
33 minutes ago
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Japan
Meow arriving: Japan railway’s newest cat stationmaster clocks in
2 hours ago
Japan
Fisherman, defector or spy? Mystery ‘ghost ship’ discovery puzzles Japan
3 hours ago
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The Philippines
Soap opera in the sky: why Philippine Airlines’ safety video became a viral hit
The melodramatic Filipino teleserye-style video has racked up millions of views online by blending safety rules with storytelling.
9 Jan 2026 - 3:22PM
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Screenshot from Philippine Airlines’ new soap opera-styled safety video. Photo: Philippine Airlines
Indonesia
Bali’s toughest tourism proposal yet: checking foreign visitors’ bank accounts
Bali’s governor says the plan would deter low-spending visitors, though its enforcement would face legal and practical hurdles.
9 Jan 2026 - 6:19PM
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Indonesia
Is 12 too young? Rare matricide case tests Indonesia’s juvenile justice system
The girl, often threatened with a knife by her mother, was inspired to use one after playing online games and watching anime, police say.
8 Jan 2026 - 1:30PM
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Singapore
Singer Henry Lau calls out Singapore concert venue over blocked views
Lau says he is speaking out ‘for the sake of future artistes’ after the venue layout affected his interactions with fans.
6 Jan 2026 - 11:06PM
Canadian singer-songwriter Henry Lau performing at the Singland Festival at the Marina Bay Sands convention centre in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Aaron Chang
Japan
Japan’s fix for a shrinking workforce? Corporate dating apps
Companies like Toyota are playing cupid, betting that matching staff with partners from supportive firms will prevent burnout and resignations.
6 Jan 2026 - 5:04PM
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Singapore
Small market, global competition: can Singapore’s filmmakers break out abroad?
The government has rolled out a US$155.6 million programme to help local filmmakers reach wider markets amid shrinking cinema audiences.
5 Jan 2026 - 8:01AM
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Japan
Japan’s shoplifters hate a simple ‘hello’ more than cameras
Experts say that in an age of urban isolation, the pressure of ‘real human eyes’ creates more panic in thieves than hi-tech security.
4 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM
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Singapore
‘Deeply distressing’: Singapore’s animal shelters struggle with costs
Cases of animal cruelty and poor welfare have also surged, with the SPCA reporting 961 confirmed cases last year.
8 Jan 2026 - 9:07AM
Squinty, a seven-year-old crossbreed housed by SPCA in Singapore, has been diagnosed with stage four kidney disease and requires daily supplements. Photo: Kolette Lim
Tourism
Asian travellers brace for ‘chilling’ US social media scrutiny
The proposal, which requires visa-exempt visitors to provide five years of social media history, comes amid moves to toughen US borders.
1 Jan 2026 - 5:45PM
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Singapore
‘Felt left out’: ex-students’ videos on Singapore’s elite schools spark debate
When she was in an elite primary school, her classmates were shocked to find out that most Singaporeans lived in public flats.
1 Jan 2026 - 2:10PM
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The Philippines
Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says
The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:27PM
The Philippines
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.
30 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM
Residents watch firecrackers exploding during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paranaque city, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia
How the Peranakan Chinese built one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful networks
Born of trade and migration, the Peranakan community has forged a distinct identity that has bridged China and Southeast Asia for centuries.
27 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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Indonesia
Power, protests and policy shake-ups shape Indonesia’s 2025
President Prabowo Subianto asserts his authority as he navigates the global stage and domestic challenges in his first full year in office.
26 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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South Korea
In South Korea, vouchers to curb county’s falling population draw new residents
Officials in Okcheon, however, are looking to identify fake residents who change addresses without moving in.
26 Dec 2025 - 3:56PM
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An angler fishing with the background of Sangchunjeong pavilion in Okcheon in North Chungcheong province, South Korea. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia
Hair-raising: Malaysia arrests 2 over video of man in headscarf drinking alcohol
The pair are being investigated for causing religious disharmony and misusing social media.
25 Dec 2025 - 11:41AM
Singapore
Gaffes, breaches and sinkhole stars: Singapore’s 2025 social storms
Passionate online discussions have revealed concerns about power, accountability and how the country sees itself.
25 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM
South Korea
South Korean webtoon slammed for heroine resembling Kim Jong-un’s daughter Ju-ae
Critics say the romantic comedy ‘Princess Goes to School’ risks softening perceptions of North Korea’s regime.
24 Dec 2025 - 4:53PM
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Singapore
Singapore’s athletes debate on funding after official’s ‘come to party’ review
The debate was prompted by a sports official’s underwhelming assessment of Singapore’s performance in athletics at the recent SEA Games.
24 Dec 2025 - 3:17PM
Team Singapore marches during the parade of athletes at the SEA Games’ closing ceremony in Bangkok on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia
Rafflesia flower rediscovery in Indonesia revives push to drop colonial name
The giant flower find has renewed calls among researchers to rename its genus, which honours British colonial official Thomas Raffles.
23 Dec 2025 - 7:04PM
Japan
Mind your language: Japan considers new fluency bar for permanent residents
While some say Japanese knowledge is a fair demand, others worry it will introduce ‘roadblocks’ at a time when the country needs more workers.
23 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s Chingay parade dazzles George Town as Unesco bid gains steam
Once tied to Taoist deity processions, the parade has grown into one of Penang’s largest and most multicultural street festivals.
22 Dec 2025 - 6:32PM
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