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This Week in Asia
A man shields his daughter from the sun as they leave a school in Manila on Monday. Photo: AFP

Southeast Asia

‘We were surprised’: early heatwave shuts schools in Philippines capital

Officials closed schools in nearly half of Metro Manila on Monday, affecting tens of thousands of students.

‘Severe blow’: over 10,000 Indonesians lose their jobs in Sritex collapse

Eye on the prize: paralysed Korean student blinks his way to academic success

South Asia

In a world of declining freedom, 1 South Asian nation stands out: report

Only one nation in South Asia was classified as ‘free’ in US democracy watchdog Freedom House’s latest report.

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A Bhutanese voter shows an indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Thimphu during general elections in January 2024. Photo: AFP
A Bhutanese voter shows an indelible ink mark on her finger after casting her vote at a polling station in Thimphu during general elections in January 2024. Photo: AFP

Politics

Why is Kuala Lumpur International Airport back in the corruption spotlight?

The journalist was arrested a week after he published a story about an alleged trafficking operation being run out of KLIA.

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Politics

Philippines’ push for Asean-wide prisoner transfer treaty: will it spur reforms?

While such an agreement may help in the rehabilitation process, problems of overcrowding and other chronic issues still remain, analysts say.

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East Asia

Video | Ageing Japan turns to AI robots to care for the elderly

The country is turning to robots and AI as it faces a severe shortage of care workers.

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Photo: SCMP Composite/Reuters
Photo: SCMP Composite/Reuters

South Asia

Video | In Pakistan, high prices overshadow start of Ramadan

Consumers have complained about high prices and low-quality produce.

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South Asia

Rocky road to recovery for bear saved from illegal fighting ring in Pakistan

After 35 brutal fights, Rocky the bear’s sufferings – which include a broken jaw and losing all his teeth – have come to an end.

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East Asia

From geek to chic: Japanese PM stuns women’s fashion show with trendy new look

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s unexpected fashion statement, in support of ‘cool’ Japan, drew cheers from a mostly young female audience.

Models reacts to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s outfit at the Tokyo Girls Collection fashion event on Saturday. Photo: Jiji Press/AFP

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s ex-PM Ismail Sabri declares wealth to anti-corruption agency

The agency said Ismail Sabri Yaakob formally submitted a wealth declaration to authorities on February 10 after being ordered to do so.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Photo: dpa
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob. Photo: dpa

Politics

‘Business must go on’: why India is reaching out to the Taliban

Focus on humanitarian aid, regional connectivity could help India regain ‘strategic space’ lost after the Taliban took over in 2021, analysts note.

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Politics

Why is the Philippines exempted from US foreign aid freeze?

Southeast Asian nation will reportedly receive US$5.3 billion from the Donald Trump administration, earmarked for security and anti-narcotics programmes.

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Economics

Indonesia’s Danantara fund sparks questions over economic impact, transparency

The massive sovereign wealth fund has come under scrutiny as analysts flag concerns about governance and political influence.

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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto shakes hands with former president Joko Widodo during the launch of the Danantara sovereign wealth fund on February 24. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

Filipinos outraged over dog shot with arrows, call for law with ‘stronger fangs’

A US$5,500 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator who attacked the dog named Tiktok.

The plight of a dog attacked with arrows in the Philippines has sparked widespread outrage. Photo: Facebook/MyTV Cebu
The plight of a dog attacked with arrows in the Philippines has sparked widespread outrage. Photo: Facebook/MyTV Cebu

Lifestyle & Culture

‘Big problem’: Japan weighs tax increase to curb overtourism. Will it work?

Experts say charging departing passengers more won’t effectively solve the problem, calling for sweeping plans to manage visitor influx.

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China Economy

Where did all the Chinese investors in overseas property go?

Sluggish economy and real estate slump at home signal end to wave of overseas investment.

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Economics

Malaysia’s digital economy ambition faces disconnect in workplace and schools

The country’s workers are ill-equipped to meet the needs of the digital economy with AI threatening to leave them in the shade, analysts say.

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Kuala Lumpur city skyline. Malaysia’s goal to become a digital economy faces challenges such as a shortage in skilled manpower. Photo: Shutterstock
Kuala Lumpur city skyline. Malaysia’s goal to become a digital economy faces challenges such as a shortage in skilled manpower. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Deadline diplomacy: Arab nations mobilise against Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ scheme

With lives at stake, the Arab world is rallying to counter what analysts described as the US president’s ‘deranged ethnic-cleansing plan’.

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Health & Environment

Toxic tides: life in Indonesia’s most polluted village

Once a pristine fishing hamlet, Tanjung Uma is now drowning in garbage and disease as it bears the brunt of unchecked waste and environmental collapse.

Politics

Analysis | ‘Chindia’ returns as India and China prepare for a Trump earthquake

With Donald Trump back in the White House, India and China are forging a quiet detente that could have seismic implications.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting on the sidelines of the Brics summit in Russia in October. Photo: India’s Press Information Bureau/Reuters
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Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA

Economics

Malaysia’s digital economy ambition faces disconnect in workplace and schools

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Kuala Lumpur city skyline. Malaysia’s goal to become a digital economy faces challenges such as a shortage in skilled manpower. Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

‘Severe blow’: over 10,000 Indonesians lose their jobs in Sritex collapse

A former Sritex textile factory worker weeps as she listens to a farewell speech on Friday in Sukoharjo, Central Java. Photo: AFP

People

Eye on the prize: paralysed Korean student blinks his way to academic success

South Korean student Jang Ik-sun received his master’s degree from Gwangju University on February 23. Photo: Instagram/eyestar2024

Politics

Why is Kuala Lumpur International Airport back in the corruption spotlight?

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A man looks at Malaysia Airlines’ aircraft parked on the tarmac at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on February 25, 2016. Photo: AFP

Politics

Philippines’ push for Asean-wide prisoner transfer treaty: will it spur reforms?

Newly released Filipino inmates make their way out of the National “Bilibid” Prison in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

Life inside Myanmar’s notorious scam centres

‘People are sold every day’: first-hand account of life inside a Myanmar scam centre
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Video

Why work-life balance is a struggle in Asia

Is it possible for people in Asia to adopt a 4-day working week?
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