Asia

This Week in Asia

A USDP supporter waves a party flag on the first day of the general election campaign in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, on October 28. Photo: AP

Southeast Asia

‘They always lie’: pro-military party claims big lead in Myanmar’s disputed vote

The overwhelming lead claimed by the USDP in the first poll phase is met with condemnation from rights groups warning of a rigged process.

3 hours agovideocam

Malaysia army chief on leave amid procurement scandal raids

3 hours ago

Bondi Beach attack hero wanted to protect ‘innocent people’

4 hours agovideocam

People

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.

4 hours agovideocam

Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Bangladesh Nationalist Party‘s acting chairman, addresses supporters during a rally after his arrival in Dhaka on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Southeast Asia

‘Master of Disaster’: Can a board game help Philippines face next catastrophe?

From typhoons to earthquakes, ‘Master of Disaster’ turns a roll of the dice into a life-saving lesson for the world’s most vulnerable.

6 hours agovideocam

Politics

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.

6 hours agovideocam

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Economics

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

6 hours ago

A vendor waits beside bottles of oil at a market in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. Inflation in the country has reached record highs of about 30 per cent over the past two years. Photo: AFP

East Asia

North Korea tests long-range cruise missiles after nuclear submarine progress

Days after unveiling a near-complete hull of a nuclear-powered submarine, North Korea shares photos of missiles being fired and hitting a target.

6 hours ago

Southeast Asia

Fire at Indonesia retirement home kills 16 elderly residents

Fast-moving blaze engulfed facility on the island of Sulawesi as residents were sleeping, police said.

29 Dec 2025 - 2:28PM

People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

29 Dec 2025 - 12:25PMvideocam

Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock

South Asia

Ex-rapper to run for Nepal PM after youth-led protests

Two popular leaders form an alliance ahead of Nepal’s March 5 elections.

29 Dec 2025 - 1:36PM

Rapper turned-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen. Photo: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Economics

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

6 hours agovideocam

Politics

‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war

The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.

29 Dec 2025 - 8:53AMvideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

How the Peranakan Chinese built one of Southeast Asia’s most powerful networks

Born of trade and migration, the Peranakan community has forged a distinct identity that has bridged China and Southeast Asia for centuries.

27 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM

The Khoo elders observe the Tung Chen prayer ceremony in the ancestral hall of the Long San Tong Khoo Kongsi on December 20. Photo: Ushar Daniele

Politics

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

28 Dec 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

Protesters wearing masks depicting the faces of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr march during a rally to mark the International Human Rights Day in Manila on December 10. Photo: AFP

East Asia

5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan

Safety concerns were previously raised over a lack of handrails and the lift’s design.

28 Dec 2025 - 9:10PM

Politics

From PM purge to border bombs: Thailand’s year of upheaval

As the country mourns the loss of Queen Mother Sirikit amid political chaos and a sluggish economy, Lisa’s global reign lights up Thai public.

28 Dec 2025 - 1:30PMvideocam

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Highlights from

THIS WEEK IN ASIA

People

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

4 hours agovideocam

Tarique Rahman, son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and Bangladesh Nationalist Party‘s acting chairman, addresses supporters during a rally after his arrival in Dhaka on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Politics

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

6 hours agovideocam

Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

6 hours ago

A vendor waits beside bottles of oil at a market in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. Inflation in the country has reached record highs of about 30 per cent over the past two years. Photo: AFP

People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

29 Dec 2025 - 12:25PMvideocam

Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

6 hours agovideocam

Filipino children walk to school on Isla Pugad in Hagonoy town, Bulacan province. Photo: AFP

MORE IN This Week in Asia

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Opinion | Seoul holds the key to US-North Korea denuclearisation talks

25 Dec 2025 - 5:30AM

Albert Bakhtizin

Opinion | Forget the US dollar. Watch water and energy resources instead

Albert Bakhtizin

23 Dec 2025 - 9:30AM

David Tingxuan Zhang

Opinion | Why China has moved to curb steel exports

David Tingxuan Zhang

23 Dec 2025 - 7:49AM

Mohammed Sinan Siyech

Opinion | As UK universities lose prestige, Asian institutions stand to benefit

Mohammed Sinan Siyech

22 Dec 2025 - 9:37PM

Asian Angle | Sabah’s election proves Malaysians want results, not slogans

Arnold Puyok

21 Dec 2025 - 10:30AM

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

Advertisement

TRENDING TOPICS

The Philippines

South China Sea

Advertisement

Advertisement