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This Week in Asia

Asia
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Economics
People
Opinion
Health & Environment
Lifestyle & Culture
Two women try their luck at a claw machine. An amusement centre in the Japanese city of Kawagoe has offered bags of rice as a prize to be won at its claw machines. Photo: Shutterstock

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

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

Lifestyle & Culture

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.

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

People

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.

Lifestyle & Culture

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

The activities at the ‘junior survival school’ involved primary and secondary schoolchildren being taught how to handle toy guns.

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Politics

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

Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife kept six dogs and five cats until shortly after Yoon was removed as president in April, following a court order.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee are believed to have used a shallow pool at their former residence in Seoul for their pets. Photo: AFP
Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee are believed to have used a shallow pool at their former residence in Seoul for their pets. Photo: AFP

Economics

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.

4

Politics

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

Footage found during a raid shows yakuza members taking part in a ritual with individuals believed to be part of Hong Kong’s 14K triad.

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Health & Environment

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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Deer play at Nara Park in Japan’s Nara prefecture. Photo: AFP

Politics

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

The Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers are seen near two Japanese islands, with their presence signalling a message to Tokyo.

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The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and other vessels take part in a drill in the South China Sea last year. Photo: AP
The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and other vessels take part in a drill in the South China Sea last year. Photo: AP

Politics

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

A 107-year-old South Korean has won his case against Mitsubishi after a court ordered the firm to pay him compensation for his labour.

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Politics

Philippine senators split over legality of delaying Duterte’s impeachment trial

Protests grow as senators split on the trial’s timing, with Duterte allies pushing for the case’s dismissal.

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Health & Environment

Malaysia faces searing heatwave as temperatures hit high of 37 degrees

Health experts warn that the methods used in Malaysia to assess health risks from extreme heat are inadequate.

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Six areas in Peninsular Malaysia experienced maximum daily temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days last week. Photo: Reuters

Lifestyle & Culture

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

The woman claimed she had done it as a joke when she pulled down the man’s trousers – and his underwear by accident – in front of other employees.

The Wonju branch of the Chuncheon District Court in South Korea. Photo: Handout
The Wonju branch of the Chuncheon District Court in South Korea. Photo: Handout

Economics

Malaysia assures users their privacy is protected in mobile data grab

The detailed call and internet logs are supplied without any personal identifiers, communications chief insists.

Politics

India’s landmark production of Rafale fuselages a ‘welcome’ boost for defence

Components to be produced via a deal with India’s Tata group at a new facility, amid efforts to boost domestic manufacturing of the Rafale.

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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.

6

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

Southeast Asia

Philippine senators send Sara Duterte impeachment case back to lower house

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte arrives to file her counter affidavit in response to a complaint over her alleged threat to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at the Department of Justice in Manila. Photo: AFP

South Asia

India’s ‘unbearable’ heatwave hits 47 degrees, sparking health emergency alerts

A volunteer distributes free drinking water outside a Sikh temple, during a hot day in the old quarters of Delhi on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Economics

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

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Two women try their luck at a claw machine. An amusement centre in the Japanese city of Kawagoe has offered bags of rice as a prize to be won at its claw machines. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Trump Jnr’s ‘reckless’ social media post slammed by Korean-Americans

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Donald Trump Jnr, son of US President Donald Trump, speaks on a panel during The Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas on May 25. Photo: EPA-EFE

Economics

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

Containers are unloaded at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram. The State Bank of India estimated in a recent report that the economy would grow by 6.3 per cent to 6.5 per cent this financial year. Photo: AFP
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
5
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
6
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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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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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Asia
Ong Beng Seng is seen during a practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix in September 2024. Photo: Reuters
Singapore

Ong Beng Seng, Singapore F1 tycoon, to plead guilty in Iswaran case

The 79-year-old Singapore-based Malaysian businessman faces charges of abetting and obstructing justice.

Living in China’s shadow has become ‘very dangerous’ for Filipino islanders

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Australian PM calls shooting of reporter at Los Angeles protests ‘horrific’

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‘We’ll return with a cool performance’: BTS’ RM and V released from military

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RM plays the saxophone alongside his bandmate V while meeting fans in Chuncheon. Photo: AP

South Korea urged to tighten rules on Chinese-led property shopping

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South Korea is debating tightening property rules as foreign ownership rises. Photo: AFP

‘I don’t want Japan to be such a place’: police face racial profiling lawsuit

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People take part in an anti-racism protest in Tokyo in 2020. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia jails Chinese national over car crash that killed court official

A Chinese national received a five-year jail term for causing death by dangerous driving in Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock
Politics
Malaysian cartoonist Fahmi Reza plans to sue the government over what he claims is a “travel ban” against him. Photo: Instagram
Malaysia

Malaysian cartoonist vows to sue authorities over his ‘travel ban’

Fahmi Reza, who has published satirical artworks targeting Malaysian politicians, was planning to travel to Singapore when he was stopped.

South Korea’s probes of Yoon, wife: search for truth or ‘political revenge’?

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How China’s diaspora became both an asset and a source of anxiety

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

21

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

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Economics
US Navy officers stand guard aboard an American submarine docked in Western Australia on February 26. Photo: AFP
Australia

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

From dwindling munitions to personnel shortages, observers warn Australia’s military is becoming ‘brittle and hollowed out’.

21

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

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12

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

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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

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

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Dairi residents protest in front of the Ministry of Environment to demand the revocation of an environmental permit for a proposed China-funded mine in their region on May 22. Photo: Monica Siregar

Japan faces ‘critical’ demographic crisis as birth rate hits historic low

Japan’s birth rate plummets to historic lows, sparking fears of an accelerating demographic crisis. Photo: Shutterstock
People
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
Singapore

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

Pink Dot says the time capsule, to be opened in 2050, aims to serve as ‘a reminder of the strength and resilience that comes from love’.

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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Vanuatu seeks to cancel Andrew Tate’s ‘golden passport’ citizenship

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
The Customs and Excise Department confirmed it has received complaints and is investigating the abrupt closure of the club. Photo: 1880 Hong Kong
SCMP Highlights

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

From Singapore’s 1880 club shutting in Hong Kong to Japanese men’s tips on staying young, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

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

Japan faces ‘critical’ demographic crisis as birth rate hits historic low

Japan on alert as Hokkaido tremors reignite megaquake fears

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Lifestyle & Culture
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
Malaysia

15 killed in Malaysian university bus crash near Thailand border

The early morning crash along the dangerous East-West Highway is the country’s deadliest road accident in over a decade.

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

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

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

‘We can do better’: Singapore reckons with rising animal cruelty

Outrage in Singapore over animal abuse cases has prompted calls for stricter laws. Photo: Shutterstock

Ex-girlfriend who blackmailed K-pop idol with sex video gets suspended sentence

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A woman has been sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years, for her threats to her ex-boyfriend, a K-pop singer. Photo: Shutterstock

No more free rides: Japan’s health insurance crackdown on tourists

Foreign tourists walk in Tokyo’s Tsukiji area on May 21. Photo: Kyodo