Indomie carcinogen scare, Philippine flood scandal protests: 7 Asia highlights

From Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts to the Etomidate drug surge in Japan, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

Reading Time:1 minute

Indomie have been sold for over 30 years and are exported to more than 100 countries. Photo: Aisyah Llewellyn

Published: 12:19pm, 23 Sep 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. What Indomie carcinogen scare means for instant noodle safety

Indonesia’s beloved Indomie instant noodles are facing renewed scrutiny after Taiwanese regulators detected trace amounts of a banned carcinogen in a popular flavour variant.

2. ‘Naked imperialism’: will Trump’s US$350 billion demand bankrupt South Korea?

In Seoul, alarm bells are ringing. Washington is demanding an eye-watering US$350 billion in direct investment, a sum so vast that economists warn it could tip South Korea into a crisis unseen in its modern history.

3. ‘Truly shameful’: mass protests in Philippines as fury mounts over corruption

Protesters scuffle with anti-riot police in Manila on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Thousands of Filipinos gathered on Sunday in Manila to express their anger over a ballooning scandal involving bogus flood-control projects believed to have cost taxpayers billions of dollars.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x