This Week in Asia /
Lifestyle & Culture
Related Topics:
K-pop, Mandopop and other Asian pop
Asia travel
Fame and celebrity
Indonesia
Is 12 too young? Rare matricide case tests Indonesia’s juvenile justice system
The girl, often threatened with a knife by her mother, was inspired to use one after playing online games and watching anime, police say.
4 hours ago
videocam
Singapore
Singer Henry Lau calls out Singapore concert venue over blocked views
6 Jan 2026 - 11:06PM
Japan
Japan’s fix for a shrinking workforce? Corporate dating apps
6 Jan 2026 - 5:04PM
videocam
Singapore
Small market, global competition: can Singapore’s filmmakers break out abroad?
The government has rolled out a US$155.6 million programme to help local filmmakers reach wider markets amid shrinking cinema audiences.
5 Jan 2026 - 8:01AM
videocam
The Projector, an independent cinema at Golden Mile Tower in Singapore, closed in 2024 amid rising costs and falling attendance. Photo: Handout
Japan
Japan’s shoplifters hate a simple ‘hello’ more than cameras
Experts say that in an age of urban isolation, the pressure of ‘real human eyes’ creates more panic in thieves than hi-tech security.
4 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM
videocam
Singapore
‘Deeply distressing’: Singapore’s animal shelters struggle with costs
Cases of animal cruelty and poor welfare have also surged, with the SPCA reporting 961 confirmed cases last year.
8 Jan 2026 - 9:07AM
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Tourism
Asian travellers brace for ‘chilling’ US social media scrutiny
The proposal, which requires visa-exempt visitors to provide five years of social media history, comes amid moves to toughen US borders.
1 Jan 2026 - 5:45PM
7
Travellers walk through the arrival hall at La Guardia Airport in New York on December 23, 2025. Photo: AFP
Singapore
‘Felt left out’: ex-students’ videos on Singapore’s elite schools spark debate
When she was in an elite primary school, her classmates were shocked to find out that most Singaporeans lived in public flats.
1 Jan 2026 - 2:10PM
videocam
11
The Philippines
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
The Philippines
How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition
Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.
30 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM
Malaysia
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
13
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
Indonesia
Power, protests and policy shake-ups shape Indonesia’s 2025
President Prabowo Subianto asserts his authority as he navigates the global stage and domestic challenges in his first full year in office.
26 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
videocam
South Korea
In South Korea, vouchers to curb county’s falling population draw new residents
Officials in Okcheon, however, are looking to identify fake residents who change addresses without moving in.
26 Dec 2025 - 3:56PM
videocam
Malaysia
Hair-raising: Malaysia arrests 2 over video of man in headscarf drinking alcohol
The pair are being investigated for causing religious disharmony and misusing social media.
25 Dec 2025 - 11:41AM
Singapore
Gaffes, breaches and sinkhole stars: Singapore’s 2025 social storms
Passionate online discussions have revealed concerns about power, accountability and how the country sees itself.
25 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM
A still from a social media video shows a submerged car after it fell into a sinkhole in Singapore on July 26. Social media users hailed migrant workers for their quick response in saving the driver. Photo: X/HaggerDarren
South Korea
South Korean webtoon slammed for heroine resembling Kim Jong-un’s daughter Ju-ae
Critics say the romantic comedy ‘Princess Goes to School’ risks softening perceptions of North Korea’s regime.
24 Dec 2025 - 4:53PM
videocam
Singapore
Singapore’s athletes debate on funding after official’s ‘come to party’ review
The debate was prompted by a sports official’s underwhelming assessment of Singapore’s performance in athletics at the recent SEA Games.
24 Dec 2025 - 3:17PM
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Indonesia
Rafflesia flower rediscovery in Indonesia revives push to drop colonial name
The giant flower find has renewed calls among researchers to rename its genus, which honours British colonial official Thomas Raffles.
23 Dec 2025 - 7:04PM
A close-up of the rare Rafflesia flower rediscovered in West Sumatra last month by flower-hunter Septian Andriki, a team led by researcher Joko Witono, Oxford scientist Chris Thorogood and local guide Iswandi. Photo: X/Chris Thorogood
Japan
Mind your language: Japan considers new fluency bar for permanent residents
While some say Japanese knowledge is a fair demand, others worry it will introduce ‘roadblocks’ at a time when the country needs more workers.
23 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
videocam
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Chingay parade dazzles George Town as Unesco bid gains steam
Once tied to Taoist deity processions, the parade has grown into one of Penang’s largest and most multicultural street festivals.
22 Dec 2025 - 6:32PM
Singapore
How Singapore’s unforgiving food scene can go hot and cold on brands
Over 3,000 eateries shut their doors last year, the highest since 2005, in one of the world’s most competitive dining markets.
21 Dec 2025 - 1:41PM
6
Malaysia
‘We just want to live’: fear grips Malaysia’s LGBTQ community
With drag clubs closed and spas raided, the shrinking space for queer life in Malaysia leaves a community with nowhere left to turn.
21 Dec 2025 - 2:35PM
“Anti-LGBT” and “nation destroyer” stickers are seen plastered outside the entrance of a men’s only spa in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, by a Malay nationalist group after the venue was raided by police in November. Photo: Facebook/pekidamalaysiarasmi
South Korea
Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols
When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out.
21 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
Japan
More Japanese favour having an empress as Princess Aiko’s public appeal rises
Japan’s conservative politicians are against changing the centuries-old tradition of a male heir for the throne.
20 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM
4
SCMP Highlights
US singer marries sultan, paraglider’s 28,000ft stunt: 8 viral stories in 2025
From US singer marrying Malaysian sultan to Chinese paraglider cheating death, here are our stories that have gone viral in 2025.
20 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
