Malaysia’s state elections, China’s military scientists achieve laser ‘breakthrough’: 6 weekend reads you may have missed

1. Chinese scientists achieve laser weapon technology ‘breakthrough’

Chinese military scientists have announced a major breakthrough in laser weapon technology, claiming they have developed a new cooling system that allows high-energy lasers to operate “infinitely” without any build-up of waste heat.

2. No mainlanders: Taiwan counting on Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong tourists

Some landmark spots in Taiwan are relatively quiet compared with when sites were packed with mainland Chinese tourists before the pandemic, forcing those who depend on tourism to adapt to new trends.

3. ‘Huge blow’ for Malaysia’s Anwar in state polls despite apparent status quo

The results of Saturday’s regional polls in Malaysia are being read as a blow to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling alliance in its first real test with voters, analysts say, despite the vote yielding the status quo on the surface.