Mount Fuji rescue, Trump’s pick for Singapore envoy, Mahathir turns 100: 7 Asia highlights

From the secret past of Kim Jong-un’s mother to Mahathir Mohamad marking a milestone, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

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Mount Fuji in Japan seen from a mall in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:15pm, 15 Jul 2025Updated: 12:58pm, 15 Jul 2025

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. 2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

Two Americans have had to be rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji in separate incidents before the official climbing season began, prompting renewed calls for tougher penalties on rule-breaking hikers who endanger themselves and drain local resources.

2. ‘Do some homework’: Trump’s Singapore ambassador pick fails Senate grilling

Anjani Sinha at his Senate confirmation hearing. Photo: C-Span

US President Donald Trump’s ambassador-nominee to Singapore, orthopaedic surgeon Anjani Sinha, has drawn online backlash following a grilling at his confirmation hearing, with Senator Tammy Duckworth accusing him of not doing his “homework”.

3. Mahathir turns 100, still shaping Malaysia’s political landscape

Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad (centre) joins a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Kuala Lumpur, on March 28. Photo: EPA

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