People
‘Outrageous’ nostalgia for journalist’s stabbing puts Korean media on notice
A chilling warning from a senior presidential aide about possible terror attacks against dissenting journalists has put President Yoon Suk-yeol’s war on ‘fake news’ under the spotlight.
Singapore opposition chief pleads not guilty to charges of lying to parliament
Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh was charged with two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee in hearings involving his party’s former MP Raeesah Khan.
Poverty looms over Malaysia’s elderly as low pay bites back in retirement
Left unchecked, more than 6 million Malaysians could be left with less than US$9 a month to survive on in their old age, according to government estimates.
In Philippines, alarm over mail-order bride scheme that trafficks women to China
Filipino women escorted by Chinese nationals posing as their husbands have been intercepted at the border, immigration officials say. Anti-trafficking experts suspect organised crime groups are involved.
India’s citizenship law slammed as anti-Muslim and Modi’s election ploy
New Delhi announces the long delayed implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, which sparked violent protests in 2019 when it was unveiled.
Shrinking families in Indonesia spark concern about impact on economy
Young people are putting off marriage due to ‘structural challenges’, as demographers say data shows fertility rates are likely to continue declining.
Japan teachers demand end to ‘excessive’ hours as many are pushed to the brink
Some 900,000 Japanese educators have signed petitions calling for the government to address long hours of unpaid work and poor pay.
Japan drink promotion axed over economist’s past remarks on ‘elderly suicides’
The promotion quickly fell apart after social media users resurfaced his past comments that senior people are a drain on Japan’s society and should ‘kill themselves’.
Netizens slam K-pop singer for drinking Starbucks coffee: ‘educate yourself’
Some commenters said the episode could haunt her for the rest of her career and urged Huh to apologise and take accountability for endorsing the brand.
‘Brands that fatten them up’: Israeli dates under Muslim boycott in Southeast Asia
Chat groups are warning Muslims to be alert when buying dates – a sweet fruit eaten to break fast during Ramadan – after some were repackaged in Malaysia to hide their origin.
South Korea doctors ask ILO to intervene as strike shows no signs of ending
The issue isn’t likely to be settled soon as President Yoon’s party has large public backing for the plan to increase medical school places, senior doctors say.
‘Irresponsible’: India urged to stop deporting refugees to chaos-ravaged Myanmar
India is sending back thousands of Myanmar refugees, whom they blame for ethnic violence erupting in Manipur state.
One and done: why more Singapore couples are saying ‘no thanks’ to big families
The trend means couples can ‘experience parenthood’ while maintaining a preferred lifestyle that includes work-life balance, holidays and date nights.
Inside the Tokyo vice clubs tricking women into sex work: a victim’s story
Trapped in a cycle of debt and exploitation by the host clubs of Tokyo’s Kabukicho nightlife district, ‘Yu’ found herself forced to work in a ‘soapland’ brothel in Macau.
How Asian women are challenging bias to carve out entrepreneurial success
Funding woes, work-life balance and prejudice remain hurdles for women entrepreneurs, who say having supportive business partners and spouses can be half the battle won.
Suicide of South Korean civil servant spotlights cyberbullying culture
Low-ranking government employees and celebrities are often easy prey for online bullies, analysts say, as bullies seek outlets for their ‘pent-up’ frustrations.
Flight MH370 10 years on: Malaysians unite in grief to remember the 239 on board
Malaysian authorities have promised to embark on a third search for the missing plane after two previous failed attempts.
Philippine transgender beauty contestant soothes nerves over Bangkok brawl
Lars, who finished sixth in last year’s Miss International Queen pageant, denounced the Filipinos and hoped the fracas would not affect bilateral ties.
India’s protesting farmers close in on New Delhi with new travel strategy
The farmers have been advised to travel by buses and cars to avoid police blockades instead of marching in large groups.
Kyoto to ban visitors from geisha district area over ‘out-of-control’ incidents
Such incidents in Gion include tourists pulling kimonos worn by the geisha and forcing the traditional entertainers to pose for photos.