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This Week in Asia

Asia
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Economics
People
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A farmer plants rice in a paddy field in Pulilan, Bulacan province, in the Philippines. Photo: AFP

Economics

Rice imports, policy inertia put ‘future of Filipino farming’ at risk: report

Policy failures and under-investment among factors for exacerbating country’s import reliance to the detriment of the local farming industry, report says.

‘Sara has momentum’: how Philippine VP won round 1 of impeachment row

Jetstar Asia’s exit signals turbulent times for low-cost airlines

Politics

Japan eyes 80% cut in 298,000 death toll for potential Nankai monster quake

Measures include fortifying homes and fire safety installations, as well as building more embankments and emergency shelters.

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Waves of a tsunami hit residences after a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi prefecture on March 11, 2011. Photo: AP
Waves of a tsunami hit residences after a powerful earthquake in Natori, Miyagi prefecture on March 11, 2011. Photo: AP

Health & Environment

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

Prabowo cancels four mining permits in Raja Ampat, but concerns remain over nickel exploitation on Gag Island and other small islands in Indonesia.

People

US$900 million seized as China helps Malaysia dismantle Tedy Teow’s scam empire

MBI Group’s Malaysian founder has been called ‘Jho Lo 2’ because of the sheer scale of his operation.

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Politics

Is acceptance by India’s Modi to attend G7 summit in Canada a ‘Pyrrhic victory’?

The belated invitation by Canada has sparked debate on whether ties between New Delhi and Ottawa are on the mend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation from his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to attend the G7 summit in Alberta. Photo: dpa
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted the invitation from his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney to attend the G7 summit in Alberta. Photo: dpa

Health & Environment

Japan’s Osaka Expo water shows suspended as Legionella levels top safety limit

Resumption of the shows will depend on the results of stepped-up sanitisation measures, including pipe cleaning and chemical disinfection.

Economics

How Indonesian fintech firm is bridging funding gaps for women entrepreneurs

Amartha leverages technology to provide loans to women running small businesses in remote areas, but challenges such as lack of digital literacy remain.

Lifestyle & Culture

Restaurant chain in Thailand in hot soup over buffet shortage complaints

MK Restaurants’ US$9.17 buffet promotion drew long wait times and led to food shortages, prompting the chain to apologise to its customers.

MK Restaurants’ US$9.17 buffet promotion on Monday drew long wait times and led to food shortages, prompting customers to complain about its poor service. Photo: MK Restaurants/Facebook

People

‘Uncertainty has costs’: the Asian students rethinking US education plans

International students caught in the crosshairs of shifting policies are questioning whether the rewards of studying in the US still outweigh the risks.

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People enter and exit the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Photo: AFP
People enter and exit the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Photo: AFP

People

Fans of Malaysia’s Rafizi face police probes as internal party feud intensifies

At least 20 social media users are under investigation by the communications commission, the former minister says.

Politics

Will Kim Jong-un reciprocate first move by South Korea’s Lee to ease tensions?

A proposed halt to the launch of anti-North propaganda leaflets may signal a major policy shift by President Lee Jae-myung, analysts say.

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Politics

Man in Japan arrested over suspected attempt to repeat 1987 attack on reporters

The man is believed to have been inspired by a gunman who killed a reporter and injured another at an Asahi newspaper office in 1987.

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A man in Japan has been arrested for trying to replicate a 1987 attack on the Asahi newspaper’s reporters. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

In Japan, LA protests are dividing people as much as in the US. Here’s why

While some Japanese agree with President Donald Trump’s crackdown against the protests, others urge Japan to be more receptive to foreigners.

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The protests in Los Angeles against US immigration raids have sparked a debate in Japan over the influx of foreigners into the country. Photo: TNS
The protests in Los Angeles against US immigration raids have sparked a debate in Japan over the influx of foreigners into the country. Photo: TNS

Economics

Eye on the prize: bags of rice, daily essentials up for grabs at Japanese arcade

The arcade’s manager says the goal is for residents in Kawagoe to have some fun even with the soaring rice prices.

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Economics

India expected to maintain robust growth despite Pakistan tensions, trade woes

Economy could grow by about 6.5 per cent this financial year, analysts say, with rate cut predicted to boost consumption, investment.

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Politics

What South Korea’s new president means for its US, China ties

Expect a nuanced approach to foreign policy as President Lee Jae-myung attempts to pull relations with Beijing back from their ‘lowest ebb’.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks on the phone at his residence in Incheon, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks on the phone at his residence in Incheon, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP

Politics

Battle for the Philippines’ 2028 presidency begins: ‘they’ve smelled blood’

A surprising Duterte-Marcos midterm stalemate has shifted focus to the vice-president’s impeachment fight – and the next presidential race.

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People

Anwar Ibrahim mints a dynasty – but Malaysia’s youth aren’t buying it

The rapid ascent of Anwar’s heir apparent Nurul Izzah has alienated many young Malaysians who are tired of old feuds and unfulfilled promises.

Economics

Silicon rally: can Malaysia reclaim its semiconductor glory?

Outpacing regional chip rivals won’t be easy for ‘Silicon Malaysia’, but insiders say it has the subsidies, labour and will to succeed.

Malaysia’s early head start in semiconductors has eroded over the decades, but it is determined to reverse the trend. Photo: Shutterstock
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LATEST Asia NEWS

United States & Canada

Trump admin launches review of Aukus submarine pact with Australia and UK

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A Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine of the type Australia is set to acquire from the early 2030s under Aukus. Photo: US Navy

South Asia

India’s Adani visits China in strategic push for renewables amid US legal woes

Indian billionaire Gautam Adani attends the 51st Gems and Jewellery Awards in Jaipur, India in November 2024. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Rice imports, policy inertia put ‘future of Filipino farming’ at risk: report

A farmer plants rice in a paddy field in Pulilan, Bulacan province, in the Philippines. Photo: AFP

Politics

‘Sara has momentum’: how Philippine VP won round 1 of impeachment row

Protesters call for the start of the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte outside the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay, Metro Manila on Monday. Photo: AFP

Southeast Asia

Malaysia revokes bus owner’s permit after deadly crash

The site of a bus crash on the East-West Highway near Gerik, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia/Xinhua
MORE Asia NEWS
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OPINION
Andrew Cainey,Xie Chengkai

Opinion | China as a global conflict mediator: from ambition to action

Andrew Cainey
Phar Kim Beng

Asian Angle | Trump, Hegseth, Rubio: a triple threat to global stability – and Asia

Phar Kim Beng
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Biman Mukherji

My Take | Can Southeast Asia contain growing threat of cyber scams?

Biman Mukherji
Alexander M. Hynd

Opinion | Will South Korea’s next president be able to heal a fractured nation?

Alexander M. Hynd
Chandran Nair

Opinion | Why US exceptionalism, export of crassness are losing their shallow appeal

Chandran Nair
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

BTS members complete military training

K-pop stars RM and V of boy band BTS discharged from South Korea military, sparking fan frenzy
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Video

Japan’s last ‘hidden Christians’ face extinction

‘It will likely end with our generation,' Japan’s last ‘hidden Christians’ face extinction
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Video

Japanese Nintendo fans get their hands on Switch 2

Nintendo launches highly anticipated Switch 2 amid heavy demand in Japan
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At least 11 killed in India stampede

At least 11 killed in India after stampede at cricket victory celebrations
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TRENDING TOPICS
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MOST POPULAR
1

Singaporeans rediscover China, what Duterte’s downfall means: 7 Asia highlights

2

Thais reject ‘dark skin’ stigma, Singapore payouts: 7 Asia highlights

3

Kuala Lumpur to see mass Hindu community gathering as temple row rumbles

4

Will Trump’s tariffs on Vietnam mean pricier Nike and Adidas shoes?

5

Japan’s US missile venture comes under fire from North Korea

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Asia
Rare earths, a class of 17 chemical elements, have become increasingly important in manufacturing sophisticated products, including flat-screen monitors, electric car batteries, wind turbines, missiles and aerospace alloys. Photo: TNS
US-China trade war

China grants export permits to rare earth giant for US, Europe shipments

The announcement came as trade talks wrapped up in London, with critical minerals high on agenda.

South Korea silences propaganda loudspeakers in bid to ‘restore trust’ with North

Bangladesh’s Yunus to step down after April polls, wants to make ‘election right’

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Qantas partly blames high Singapore airport fees for Jetstar Asia’s closure

Jetstar Asia will cease operating on July 31. Photo: AAP Image via AP

Japan’s hidden dark side: rising female drinkers and the battle to stay sober

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Health experts said that due to hormonal influences, women are more prone to becoming alcoholics in the short term. Photo: AFP

‘We’re scared’: LA Korean economy on the line as raids rattle traders

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A firework explodes near police patrolling as protests continue in Los Angeles on June 9. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Ex-Thai PM Suchinda Kraprayoon, who cracked down on 1992 protests, dies at 91

Thai Prime Minister General Suchinda Kraprayoon speaks to reporters at government house on his first day of office in April 1992. Photo: Reuters
Politics
OpenAI’s ban on a number of ChatGPT accounts originating from the Philippines shows how artificial intelligence could be misused to conduct influence operations. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Pro-Marcos Jnr Philippines-originated ChatGPT accounts banned over AI misuse

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, said the banned accounts were used to influence views favourable towards the Philippine president.

Former residence of South Korea’s Yoon under scrutiny over ‘pet pool’

Concern in Japan as police investigation uncovers possible yakuza-triad alliance

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Japan spots Chinese navy’s show of force in west Pacific amid maritime row

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South Korea’s ties with Japan face new test after ex-forced labourer wins suit

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Economics
People walking in a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Malaysia’s new luxury tax a hard sell for Anwar as popularity wanes

Taxes of between 5 and 10 per cent will be imposed on ‘discretionary and non-essential’ goods and services from July 1.

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Malaysia assures users their privacy is protected in mobile data grab

‘Cannibalised by Aukus’: is Australia risking its defence for future submarines?

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Japan grows restless for next-gen fighter jets as progress with UK, Italy stalls

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An artist’s impression of the GCAP fighter released in 2022. Photo: UK Prime Minister’s Office / AFP

Tesla’s India entry appears in doubt after minister questions intent

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Tesla electric vehicles are parked in a Tesla dealer in New Jersey. India has taken notable steps to court Tesla, such as slashing tariffs on luxury vehicles priced above US$40,000. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia orders telecoms firms to hand over user data, raising privacy concerns

Malaysian telecommunications companies have been ordered to surrender user data, sparking privacy fears. Photo: Shutterstock

Will Sri Lanka and China push for FTA or just engage in economic diplomacy?

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A vendor selling clothes waits for customers in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis has exposed structural weaknesses such as its import dependency and limited capacity for value-added exports, analysts say. Photo: AFP
People
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar given second chance to prove immunity from sexual assault suit

The Court of Appeals has ruled for a stay on all proceedings until it can be decided if the prime minister would need to answer the suit.

‘Symbol of hope’: LGBTQ Singaporeans to seal stories of love inside time capsule

Widow slams Malaysian anti-graft agency’s ‘vindictive’ pursuit of Daim’s estate

Body found in Malaysia confirmed to be the missing British backpacker

Why Duterte’s diehard fans are carrying cardboard cut-outs around The Hague

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Opinion
Students walking together with backpacks at a university campus. Photo: Shutterstock
India

My Take | Is India poised to rival US universities in a global academic shift?

As US visa changes worry Asian students, India sees a chance to boost education, research, and economic growth amid shifting global academic dynamics.

Asian Angle | Preparing Malaysia’s toolkit to weather Trump’s tariff storm

Asian Angle | In Southeast Asia’s climate battle, AI could prove a double-edged sword

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My Take | From Russia with love: Anwar’s geopolitical play leaves a confusing trail

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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 14. Photo: EPA-EFE

Opinion | How the Indo-Pacific got its name – and what China has to do with it

Japan’s former prime minister, the late Shinzo Abe, shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House in 2017. Abe helped give political voice to the Indo-Pacific concept. Photo: Reuters

Asian Angle | Seeking the silver lining in Trump’s tariff turmoil

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US President Donald Trump announces his new tariff regime on April 2. Photo: AP

Opinion | How Myanmar’s devastating earthquake threatens to leave a lasting economic scar

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People drive on a motorbike past a collapsed building in Mandalay on March 28 after the earthquake in central Myanmar. Photo: TNS
Health & Environment
Deer play at Nara Park in Japan’s Nara prefecture. Photo: AFP
Japan

Nara’s famed deer could face food crisis in winter as acorn trees cut down

A reduction in acorn trees, which provide food and shelter for the deer, could result in more aggressive food-seeking behaviour, researchers warn.

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Malaysia faces searing heatwave as temperatures hit high of 37 degrees

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Singapore’s 1880 shuts in Hong Kong, Japanese men on staying young: 7 highlights

Indonesian villagers urge China to stop funding mine project after permit loss

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Philippines urged to ratify UN marine resource treaty or risk being sidelined

Lifestyle & Culture
Dozens of drones swarm the sky. Pattaya authorities are planning to deploy drones to fight crime in the city. Photo: Shutterstock
Thailand

Thailand’s Pattaya deploys AI drones as cries grow to tackle rising crime

The drones will be linked to a centralised AI database so they can scan faces in crowds and pick out criminals and visa overstayers.

‘Unacceptable’: Japan group under fire for holding combat drills for students

South Korean court fines woman for sexual misconduct over ‘pantsing’ prank

15 killed in Malaysian university bus crash near Thailand border

A minivan is seen after it collided with a bus in Gerik-Jeli, in Malaysia’s Perak state. Photo: Perak Fire and Rescue Department/AFP

Malaysians resist censorship as book bans increase, include rom-com novels

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Despite a reading revival in Malaysia, a surge in book bans has alarmed writers and readers. The government cites morality, but critics decry censorship. Photo: Shutterstock

‘Symbol of hope’: LGBTQ Singaporeans to seal stories of love inside time capsule

A Pride T-shirt submitted to the time capsule project organised by Singapore’s LGBTQ non-profit Pink Dot to mark its annual pride event on June 28. Photo: Pink Dot

Pakistan’s animal army marches to markets for haggling at annual festival

A livestock market in northwest Pakistan’s Peshawar ahead of the Eid al-Adha. Photo: Xinhua