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This Week in Asia

Asia
Politics
Economics
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Health & Environment
Lifestyle & Culture
People gathering at the Merlion Park in Singapore. Photo: Wang Gang/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Lifestyle & Culture

Who are ‘we’? Why some Singaporeans bristle at ‘we first’ inclusive society call

Several ministers have spoken about a “we first” society, prompting some Singaporeans to question whether it benefits foreigners more.

Bank Indonesia’s autonomy under scrutiny as Prabowo’s nephew joins leadership

Would you intervene? Singapore train-spitting case spotlights bystander culture

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Politics

Why US defence strategy may hurt leaders in South Korea, Japan

The National Defence Strategy states that the US will provide ‘more limited’ support to its allies in line with the ‘America-first’ policy.

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A US B-1B bomber, South Korean F-15K, Japanese F-2, and US F-16 jets fly in a joint drill over Jeju Island, South Korea, in 2024. Photo: AFP/US Air Force/South Korea’s defence ministry
A US B-1B bomber, South Korean F-15K, Japanese F-2, and US F-16 jets fly in a joint drill over Jeju Island, South Korea, in 2024. Photo: AFP/US Air Force/South Korea’s defence ministry

People

Filipino’s death fuels concern over coercive recruitment in Ukraine war

Observers say the case of John Patrick reflects human exploitation and the structural pressure on Russia’s manpower resources.

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Politics

As US carrier fleet sails near Iran, Trump faces ‘no easy levers’ against Tehran

Analysts evaluate the difficult options of a US air strike, killing of Iran’s top leaders, covert operations and counter-intelligence.

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Health & Environment

Nipah cases in India raise regional anxiety but experts say escalation unlikely

The virus’s high fatality rate has prompted precautionary measures across Asia, even as analysts say the outbreak remains limited.

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Quarantine doctors monitor thermal screening of passengers from India at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday after Thailand increased health checks due to Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Photo: AP
Quarantine doctors monitor thermal screening of passengers from India at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday after Thailand increased health checks due to Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Photo: AP

Politics

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

A court sentenced Kim for receiving luxury items from an official linked to the Unification Church.

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Politics

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

Politics

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

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Drilling of the Malampaya East-1 reservoir in Palawan province, Philippines, on January 19. Photo: Prime Energy via AP

Economics

Why Japan’s public is ‘happy’ to see a Chinese tourist drought

Travel operators say business has so far remained resilient, with strong demand from other parts of Asia, Europe and the US.

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A Chinese tourist group is led by a tour guide in Asakusa, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2025. Photo: Reuters
A Chinese tourist group is led by a tour guide in Asakusa, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2025. Photo: Reuters

Economics

As Malaysian ringgit strengthens, Singapore shoppers in Johor reap less savings

The ringgit’s appreciation is also bad news for Malaysian export-oriented sectors, such as gloves and electronics, analysts say.

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Economics

India, EU ‘make history’ as they seal trade pact amid US tariff pressure

Both sides are ‘set to benefit’ from the deal that analysts say will underscore broader shifts under way in the global order.

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Politics

Peace or chaos? Indonesia’s participation in Trump-led board stirs debate

Critics say the decision runs contrary to Jakarta’s support for Palestine and decades-old foreign policy strategy of multilateralism.

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US President Donald Trump (left) talks to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the “Board of Peace” meeting in Davos on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

‘Cruellest’ practice: Elephant rides banned in Bali parks over welfare concerns

Asian countries, such as Cambodia and India, have ended commercial elephant rides due to the same concerns.

Tourists ride on elephants at Mason’s Elephant Park and Lodge, Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Dave Smith
Tourists ride on elephants at Mason’s Elephant Park and Lodge, Bali, Indonesia. Photo: Dave Smith

Politics

Malaysia clarifies cash aid rules for frequent commuters to Singapore

Malaysians who enter and exit Singapore eight times or more each month will be treated as working overseas, but may still appeal, minister says.

Economics

South Korea tariff hike: is Trump ‘sending message’ to US court ahead of ruling?

Trump’s message appears more focused on pushing through the US-South Korean trade bill than on permanently raising tariffs, analysts say.

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Politics

Malaysia’s Islamists preach ‘racial domination’ to woo young voters

They govern the north, dominate the opposition and claim to soon be the undisputed home of Malay nationalism. Is Putrajaya next for PAS?

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Supporters of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) wave flags during a rally in Kedah in 2012. Photo: AFP
Supporters of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) wave flags during a rally in Kedah in 2012. Photo: AFP

Politics

Philippines enters its ‘hour of danger’ in Marcos vs Duterte clash

Analysts warn of a ‘very messy year’ ahead as coup fears swirl, the economy falters and political warfare rages out in the open.

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Economics

India overtakes Japan in economic size – while prosperity trails far behind

Becoming the No 4 economy is a source of pride. Now, the race is on to turn statistical success into 8 million new jobs a year.

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Economics

Fair or fowl? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact

Local chefs fume over ‘lousy’ US poultry flooding the market, as critics call the trade agreement hastily reached and unfairly lopsided.

A woman shops at a wet market in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is bracing itself for a surge in shipments of American poultry. Photo: Reuters
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LATEST Asia NEWS

South Asia

Plane crashes in India, killing Maharashtra deputy chief minister and 4 others

Emergency personnel and bystanders gather at the site of a plane crash in Baramati, Maharashtra, India, on Wednesday. Photo: ANI via Reuters

East Asia

‘Poisoned chalice’: Seoul’s ‘metropolitan visa’ for foreign labour faces backlash

Hyundai Motors plant in Ulsan, South Korea. Photo: Handout

Economics

Bank Indonesia’s autonomy under scrutiny as Prabowo’s nephew joins leadership

Bank Indonesia Deputy Governor-elect Thomas Djiwandono (right) reacts after lawmakers approved his appointment during a plenary session at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

Who are ‘we’? Why some Singaporeans bristle at ‘we first’ inclusive society call

People gathering at the Merlion Park in Singapore. Photo: Wang Gang/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Health & Environment

Nipah cases in India raise regional anxiety but experts say escalation unlikely

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Quarantine doctors monitor thermal screening of passengers from India at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday after Thailand increased health checks due to Nipah virus cases in West Bengal. Photo: AP
MORE Asia NEWS
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OPINION
William Choong,Joanne Lin

Asian Angle | What a US-China ‘grand bargain’ would mean for Southeast Asia

William Choong
Joanne Lin
Jean Iau

Singapore’s opposition chief debate draws comparisons with Westminster system

Jean Iau
Lee Hwok-Aun

Asian Angle | Malaysia’s PM term limits could backfire unless election cycles are set

Chandran Nair

Asian Angle | China has a worthy blueprint to improve the UN. Why is the West ignoring it?

Chandran Nair
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Iman Muttaqin Yusof

‘No oil here’: Malaysians turn US embassy space post into foreign-policy satire

Iman Muttaqin Yusof
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MULTIMEDIA
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Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters
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Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji
02:34
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Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport
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Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail
04:27
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