This Week in Asia

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Artist impression of DLF Privana North, a residential project in Gurgaon, India. All the flats sold out within a week despite a minimum price tag of more than US$1 million. Photo: Handout

Lifestyle & Culture

The rise and rise of India’s luxury property market: ‘no plateau in sight’

Thriving luxury housing market signals shift in buyer behaviour seeking long-term value, but short-term bumps likely, analysts say.

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Off the hook: South Korean fishers forced to dump US$1.9 million of bluefin tuna

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‘More dangerous’ than Pogos: should Philippines ban online gambling?

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Lifestyle & Culture

Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits

With itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat fruit buffets, the trips are a popular way for members of parliament to thank constituents.

People’s Action Party MP Ng Chee Meng enjoys a durian-filled day trip to Johor with residents from his Jalan Kayu constituency. Photo: Instagram / ng.chee.meng
People’s Action Party MP Ng Chee Meng enjoys a durian-filled day trip to Johor with residents from his Jalan Kayu constituency. Photo: Instagram / ng.chee.meng

Economics

Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering

With more than 60,000 daily visitors arriving on the island, residents have complained about overcrowding and a housing shortage.

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People

South Korea’s ex-president Yoon hauled back into court for rearrest hearing

Prosecutors argue the ex-president is a flight risk and could tamper with evidence. His earlier release emboldened co-defendants, critics say.

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Politics

Malaysia’s Anwar to confront Rubio over US tariffs amid fears about 25% levy

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending an Asean summit – his first official visit to the region since Donald Trump’s return.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) looks on as President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) looks on as President Donald Trump speaks at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Economics

‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff

Analysts warn the room for negotiation is ‘very narrow’ and Jakarta must have a ‘strong bargaining chip’ to convince Trump.

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People

Malaysian police hunt Hindu priest accused of molesting beauty queen

The victim, Miss Grand Malaysia 2021 Lishalliny Kanaran, bravely went public with her allegations despite claiming she was told not to.

Politics

Old but still gold? What Philippines can gain from Japan’s used warships

Factors such as maintenance costs and system upgrades will determine the true value of the Abukuma-class vessels’ transfer, analysts say.

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Abukuma-class destroyer escorts. Japan has offered six of the warships to the Philippine Navy. Photo: Handout

Economics

Japan dives deep in race for rare earths, stirring a green backlash

While rich mineral deposits promise centuries of supply, critics argue Japan’s deep-ocean venture risks an irreversible ‘race to the bottom’.

A researcher logs coral reef coverage near a Japanese island. Environmentalists warn that deep-sea extraction of rare earths could have disastrous consequences for marine life. Photo: AFP
A researcher logs coral reef coverage near a Japanese island. Environmentalists warn that deep-sea extraction of rare earths could have disastrous consequences for marine life. Photo: AFP

Health & Environment

Do Singapore’s insurers and private hospitals need a rethink as costs surge?

Great Eastern’s suspension of pre-treatment approval for admission to two Mount Elizabeth hospitals has sparked a debate on cost management.

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Economics

More uncertainty ahead for Asia as Trump shifts goalposts on tariffs again

Agreements are likely to be repeatedly renegotiated as circumstances change, with smaller economies the ‘biggest losers’, analysts warn.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Need a grandma? In Japan, you can rent one and help an old lady out

For US$20 an hour, these surrogate grandmothers are ready to offer services ranging from practical help to emotional support.

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Rent-a-grandmas on offer at Client Partners. Photo: Client Partners

Health & Environment

As Delhi scraps vehicle ban plan, what next for clean air in India’s capital?

Better traffic management and addressing gaps in public transport could be a start to fixing the problem, analysts say.

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Traffic moves on a road enveloped by fog and smog in New Delhi. India’s capital ranks as one of the most polluted cities globally. Photo: AP
Traffic moves on a road enveloped by fog and smog in New Delhi. India’s capital ranks as one of the most polluted cities globally. Photo: AP

Politics

F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific

Analysts say the advanced fighter jet’s deployment shows Manila’s deep integration into US deterrence planning in the region.

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Politics

Malaysia’s Rosmah wins US$23,600 damages over black magic claims by TikTokker

The presiding judge says Rosmah Mansor’s previous corruption conviction should not affect the damages awarded to her in the defamation case.

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Economics

Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised the new taxes would only affect the rich, but many ordinary families are starting to feel the pinch.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Politics

From Iraq to Iran: the US quest for Israeli military dominance – and its fallout

This decades-long strategy has not only redrawn the regional map but also exposed the limits of China’s Middle East influence, analysts say.

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Politics

Crisis calculations: Trump’s America has Southeast Asia in a spin

Punitive tariffs and severe aid cuts are shaking the foundations of the US relationship with Asean, deepening a sense of ‘unreliability’.

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Politics

After the ceasefire, India and Pakistan’s leaders seek cover under their flags

Leaders of both countries have sought to relay to domestic audiences competing claims of victory in order to reap political benefits.

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A fisherman places India’s national flags on his boat as he prepares for a boat rally to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces at the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai on May 25. Photo: AFP
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Lifestyle & Culture

The rise and rise of India’s luxury property market: ‘no plateau in sight’

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Artist impression of DLF Privana North, a residential project in Gurgaon, India. All the flats sold out within a week despite a minimum price tag of more than US$1 million. Photo: Handout

Health & Environment

Off the hook: South Korean fishers forced to dump US$1.9 million of bluefin tuna

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Some 1,300 giant bluefin tuna were caught off the coast of Yeongdeok County, North Gyeongsang, South Korea on Tuesday morning. Photo: Yeongdeok county

South Asia

At least 9 killed in bridge collapse in India’s Gujarat

Rescuers search for survivors after a bridge collapsed in Vadodara in the western state of Gujarat on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

Lifestyle & Culture

‘More dangerous’ than Pogos: should Philippines ban online gambling?

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More Filipinos are seeking help for their online gambling addiction, says Jon Ty, founder of Bridges of Hope. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle & Culture

Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits

People’s Action Party MP Ng Chee Meng enjoys a durian-filled day trip to Johor with residents from his Jalan Kayu constituency. Photo: Instagram / ng.chee.meng
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OPINION
David Yu Chak-wai

Opinion | Time to end Hong Kong’s licensing regime to foster innovation

David Yu Chak-wai
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Daljit Singh

Asian Angle | What the Vietnam war can teach us about Trump’s Asia policy

Daljit Singh
Maria Siow

My Take | Are North Korea, China and Russia’s ‘blood-forged’ ties more than just rhetoric?

Maria Siow
Alessandro Arduino

Opinion | Decoding Israel, Iran and China’s collision of interests in the Middle East

Alessandro Arduino
Melinda Martinus

Asian Angle | Are migrant workers the real glue cementing Asean-GCC ties?

Melinda Martinus
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

Malaysia’s Anwar slams tariffs as Asean leaders meet

Malaysia’s Anwar slams US tariffs, calls for stronger inter-Asean trade
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Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea

Trump imposes 25% unilateral tariffs on Japan, South Korea amid slow negotiation progress
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Video

Australia’s ‘mushroom murderer’ found guilty of killing in-laws

Australia’s ‘mushroom murderer’ found guilty of killing in-laws in shocking poison plot
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Video

Bali-bound ferry sinks, killing at least four and leaving dozens still missing

At least 4 dead, dozens missing after Indonesian ferry capsizes near Bali
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Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea

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