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This Week in Asia
A container ship docks at Singapore’s port on April 14. Photo: Xinhua

Southeast Asia

Singapore, New Zealand ink world first deal to secure essential supplies

Both governments committed not to impose unnecessary export restrictions on crucial goods such as food, fuel and healthcare products.

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South Korean team behind new stroke research, treatment cites Chinese interest

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Panic in Philippines as Mayon volcano ashfall blankets towns in total darkness

East Asia

Japan’s FamilyMart gives old clothes new lease of life to reduce textile waste

Some 560,000 tonnes of clothes are estimated to be thrown away in Japan each year – about 70 per cent of new clothing supplied to the market.

FamilyMart executives launch boxes to collect used clothing and goods at a convenience store in Tokyo on April 13. Photo: Kyodo
FamilyMart executives launch boxes to collect used clothing and goods at a convenience store in Tokyo on April 13. Photo: Kyodo

People

In Malaysia, Anwar’s former ally Rafizi Ramli grilled over Arm chip deal

The MACC is investigating power abuse claims and irregularities linked to the alliance between the economy ministry and the UK chip designer.

East Asia

‘Stay to end’: South Korean agency pledges funeral support for foreign workers

Foreign workers, who comprise roughly 3.5 per cent of the workforce, account for over 10 per cent of annual workplace fatalities.

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Economics

‘No longer nice-to-have’: AI skills boost Singapore software engineer pay by 25%

Companies are increasingly prioritising engineers who can work effectively with AI tools, especially in senior roles.

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Men work with the help of AI. Salaries of AI-savvy software engineers have shot up in Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock
Men work with the help of AI. Salaries of AI-savvy software engineers have shot up in Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

Australasia

Takaichi bound for Australia to strengthen economic, security ties

The Prime Minister’s three-day visit will focus on defence, critical minerals and broader economic security as Japan takes a more assertive military stance.

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Lifestyle & Culture

The cost of cute: how ‘petfluencers’ are driving Asia’s wildlife crime

Thailand is a key pipeline in a lucrative global trade that animal activists warn risks spreading zoonotic diseases and erasing biodiversity.

Lifestyle & Culture

Indonesia’s aim to lure more K-pop concerts spurs chorus of doubts

While Indonesian K-pop fans applaud Jakarta’s intention, they cite safety, venue capacity and bureaucracy as some of the key hurdles.

Indonesian K-pop idol Carmen poses for photos alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung at a state luncheon in Seoul on April 1. Photo: Instagram/2_jaemyung

People

In Philippines, youth suicide crisis exposes struggle for mental health support

Manila faces a rise in youth suicides linked to emotional distress, prompting calls for the nationwide expansion of well-being resources.

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Manila’s youth suicide surge has sparked calls for urgent mental health interventions across the Philippines. Photo: Shutterstock
Manila’s youth suicide surge has sparked calls for urgent mental health interventions across the Philippines. Photo: Shutterstock

Southeast Asia

Crowd disarms knife-wielding woman at Malaysia water festival

The suspect was later arrested at the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur.

Southeast Asia

Thai vendor crackdown threatens to gobble up Bangkok’s street food culture

Many stalls in the Thai capital face an uncertain future as officials clear footpaths and relocate sellers to hawker centres.

Politics

From Malaysia’s book bans to Iran war, Anwar’s reform agenda faces sternest test

Anwar’s government has tilted to the right in recent years in a move to win the support of Malay voters, analysts say.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya earlier in April. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP/dpa

Politics

Why India’s logistics pact with Russia signals its Arctic ‘footprint’ ambition

The pact allows up to ‘five warships, 10 aircraft and 3,000 troops’ to be stationed in each other’s territory for five years.

Melting ice on the North Pole in the Arctic. Photo: Getty Images
Melting ice on the North Pole in the Arctic. Photo: Getty Images

Health & Environment

Rapidly ageing Japan’s ‘macho carers’ lend muscles to benefit elderly, disabled

Japan’s care industry is facing a shortage of workers, and one company is plugging the gap by deploying ‘cool’ and well-toned staff.

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Economics

Why Singapore, Thailand are among the world’s ‘happiest’ economies

Southeast Asian countries outdid larger economies in the 178-nation Hanke’s Annual Misery Index for 2025.

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Politics

From Malaysia’s book bans to Iran war, Anwar’s reform agenda faces sternest test

Anwar’s government has tilted to the right in recent years in a move to win the support of Malay voters, analysts say.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya earlier in April. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP/dpa
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya earlier in April. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP/dpa

Economics

Mixed bag: Indonesia’s 8% growth dream hits a plastic ceiling

Soaring packaging costs amid the Iran war hint at a deeper malaise as the middle class contracts and growth hits a plateau.

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Health & Environment

Shock therapy: war forces oil-addicted Asia to finally go green

Burned by soaring energy prices, Southeast Asian nations are racing to future-proof themselves against the volatility of war.

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Politics

Japan’s Middle East oil habit gets an Iran war reality check

Almost all of Japan’s oil comes from the Middle East. A closed strait turned that dependence into a trap.

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Storage tanks are seen at an oil refinery in Yokohama, Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture, as Mount Fuji looms in the background. Photo: AFP
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Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA

Politics

From Malaysia’s book bans to Iran war, Anwar’s reform agenda faces sternest test

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya earlier in April. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP/dpa

Health & Environment

South Korean team behind new stroke research, treatment cites Chinese interest

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A South Korean team has published a new study that could potentially lead to the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Photo: Shutterstock

People

In Malaysia, Anwar’s former ally Rafizi Ramli grilled over Arm chip deal

Rafizi Ramli (centre) speaks to reporters during a protest on April 25. Photo: Facebook/Rafizi Ramli

Economics

‘No longer nice-to-have’: AI skills boost Singapore software engineer pay by 25%

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Men work with the help of AI. Salaries of AI-savvy software engineers have shot up in Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

People

In Philippines, youth suicide crisis exposes struggle for mental health support

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Manila’s youth suicide surge has sparked calls for urgent mental health interventions across the Philippines. Photo: Shutterstock
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