Asia

This Week in Asia

Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year. Photo: Reuters

Australasia

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.

31 Dec 2025 - 11:33PM

Thailand releases 18 Cambodian soldiers held since July

31 Dec 2025 - 5:39PMvideocam

A toil for the toilet: Japan’s PM, women MPs, call for more lavatories

31 Dec 2025 - 8:22PM

People

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.

31 Dec 2025 - 6:27PM

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos

Politics

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.

31 Dec 2025 - 6:53PM

Politics

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account.

31 Dec 2025 - 7:26PMvideocam

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Economics

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

The growing presence of China’s Muslim entrepreneurs at a festival in Kuala Lumpur reflects their trust in Malaysia’s strong halal standards.

31 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

A vendor grills skewered meats at the Pasar Eatai Chinese Muslim Festival at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof

Southeast Asia

Will Ocean Infinity finally solve the flight MH370 mystery in Indian Ocean?

A new deep-sea search, armed with advanced tech and drones, restarts to find the Malaysia Airlines plane that vanished nearly 12 years ago.

31 Dec 2025 - 5:45PMvideocam

Politics

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

31 Dec 2025 - 4:35PMvideocam

Health & Environment

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

The winter smog has widened the affordability gap among residents, with many lower-income families lacking the means to buy an air purifier.

31 Dec 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

People take part in a protest against lack of action to control air pollution in New Delhi, India, in November. Photo: AP

South Asia

India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026

Government data shows India’s GDP at US$4.18 trillion, with projections it will surpass Germany by 2026 despite global trade challenges.

30 Dec 2025 - 7:27PMvideocam

People buy vegetables at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Economics

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

Experts say rising passenger volumes, including an influx of Chinese travellers amid visa-free schemes, have attracted gangs operating in the skies.

30 Dec 2025 - 8:02PM

Southeast Asia

Malaysian forced to scam Hongkongers recalls nightmare in Myanmar

Chew said he would be ‘beaten, electrocuted or starved for more than a week’ if he ‘failed’ in his task.

31 Dec 2025 - 2:35PMvideocam

Australasia

‘It’s worth a million dollars’: locals, tourists get gold fever in Australia

Lured by record gold prices, hobbyists flock to Australia’s ‘golden triangle’ to dig up potential riches.

31 Dec 2025 - 12:22PM

A shop worker holds three gold nuggets at The Gold Centre store in Maryborough, Australia. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.

30 Dec 2025 - 5:57PMvideocam

Former Malaysian prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin leaves the Gua Musang Sessions Court in Gua Musang on August 27, 2024. Photo: Reuters

Southeast Asia

‘It’s cheap and worth it’: Malaysia’s durian glut triggers ‘happy hour’ frenzy

Bumper harvests prompt traders to offer rock-bottom prices as locals and tourists grab time-based deals on the spiky fruit.

31 Dec 2025 - 9:22AMvideocam

Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

30 Dec 2025 - 5:53PMvideocam

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Economics

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

21 Dec 2025 - 12:33PM

Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.

15 Dec 2025 - 3:32PMvideocam

Health & Environment

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

6 Dec 2025 - 8:17AMvideocam

Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

30 Nov 2025 - 5:12PM

Illustration: Huy Truong

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Highlights from

THIS WEEK IN ASIA

People

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

31 Dec 2025 - 6:27PM

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos

Politics

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

31 Dec 2025 - 7:26PMvideocam

Independent Commission for Infrastructure chair Andres Reyes Jr (left) oversees the submission of investigation reports to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, Metro Manila, on October 29 as the panel probes alleged corruption in flood-control infrastructure projects. Photo: EPA

Politics

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

31 Dec 2025 - 6:53PM

Then acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman addresses his supporters after his return from London in Dhaka on December 25. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

31 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

A vendor grills skewered meats at the Pasar Eatai Chinese Muslim Festival at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof

Health & Environment

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

31 Dec 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

People take part in a protest against lack of action to control air pollution in New Delhi, India, in November. Photo: AP

MORE IN This Week in Asia

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31 Dec 2025 - 9:30AM

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31 Dec 2025 - 5:30AM

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25 Dec 2025 - 5:30AM

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23 Dec 2025 - 9:30AM

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Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

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TRENDING TOPICS

The Philippines

South China Sea

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