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SCMP

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. US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?

Washington has recently approved a proposed US$22.3 million sale of additional Hellfire missiles to Singapore, with the US State Department declaring that the transfer and associated arms support “will not alter the basic military balance in the region”.
2. Hong Kong’s loss is Malaysia’s gain in the housing market

A small but increasingly visible cohort of Hong Kong buyers – from families and entrepreneurs to pre-retirees – are turning to Malaysia as a second base. They are drawn by lower property prices, larger homes, international schools, private healthcare and a familiar linguistic environment spanning Cantonese, Mandarin and English.
3. Thai beer dynasty heir opens up about abuse, mother’s ‘ungrateful child’ lawsuit

For most of his adult life, Siranudh “Psi” Scott kept a dark secret. Allegedly abused by his older brother as a teenager, he buried the trauma, chose to remain silent and – outwardly at least – carried on as a scion of one of Thailand’s most powerful families.
4. South Korea’s World Cup loss spurs anger over ‘cartel’ of elites, favouritism
When South Korea’s national football team returned home after their shock group-stage exit from the 2026 World Cup tournament, the fury of fans was not targeted at captain Son Heung-min or other players. It was aimed at head coach Hong Myung-bo.
5. ‘Purple gold rush’: Philippine ube farming looks to cash in on craze

Grown in Bohol province and nearby areas in central Philippines, ubi kinampay, dubbed the “Queen of Philippine yams”, is prized for its nutty, vanilla-like flavour and distinctive aroma. But supply is struggling to keep pace with surging demand, a shortfall felt even back home.
6. Anwar vows Malaysia to pursue Jho Low over 1MDB despite potential US pardon
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday said Malaysia would maintain its legal pursuit of Jho Low even if the fugitive financier were to receive a US presidential pardon.
7. No free lunch: Indonesia’s Bali targets barter deals in immigration sweep

Indonesia has intensified supervision of digital nomads, lifestyle influencers and travel content creators on the resort island of Bali, warning that even unpaid barter deals with local businesses would be classified as illegal work if they visit the country on tourist visas.


Thai beer heir opens up, Philippine ube’s ‘purple gold rush’: 7 Asia highlights

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SCMP Highlights

“Ubi kinampay” is especially prized for its distinctive taste and aroma. Photo: Facebook/National Museum of the Philippines Bohol

F-15SG fighters of the Singapore military perform during the National Day celebrations on August 9 last year. Photo: Xinhua

A model of a Hellfire missile attached under the wing of an MQ-9 Reaper military drone during a demonstration in Chateaubernard, France. Photo: AFP

Kuala Lumpur at twilight. Hong Kong ranked as the third-largest source of applications last year under the Malaysia My Second Home long-stay visa scheme. Photo: Getty Images

Siranudh “Psi” Scott, a fourth-generation member of the billionaire Thai family that founded the Singha beer brand, pictured in Bangkok last month. Photo: AFP

Tourists spend time at a beach in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

Philippines’ impeachment showdown: why removing VP Sara could be uphill battle

Protesters against Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpion carry posters bearing her photo during a rally near the Senate in Pasay city on Monday. Photo: AP

Congresswoman Gerville Luistro (left) delivers an opening statement during proceedings for the impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte at the Philippine Senate on Monday. Photo: AFP

The building of the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City, where the impeachment trial against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio is being held. Photo: Xinhua

Senator-judges are seen at the start of the impeachment trial against Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Manila’s record minimum wage rise leaves workers hungry for more

A protester holds a sign during an anti-corruption rally in Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on June 28. Photo: EPA

A government worker prepares bags of subsidised rice to be sold market in Quezon City, Metro Manila, last year. Photo: EPA-EFE

A Filipino mother helps her daughter with homework at their house in Manila as temperatures reach 38.8 degrees Celsius in 2024. Photo: AFP

A man works on his laptop at his home in Kawit, the Philippines, on June 26. Photo: Reuters

News

Asia

From Hongkongers looking to Malaysia for housing to a Thai beer heir opening up, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From Hongkongers looking to Malaysia for housing to a Thai beer heir opening up, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


Thai beer heir opens up, Philippine ube’s ‘purple gold rush’: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Hongkongers looking to Malaysia for housing to a Thai beer heir opening up, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?

From Hongkongers looking to Malaysia for housing to a Thai beer heir opening up, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting