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This Week in Asia

Health & Environment

Lifestyle & Culture

Illustration: Huy Truong

Politics

‘They’ve smelled blood’: battle for 2028 presidency begins in Philippines

A surprising Duterte-Marcos midterm stalemate has shifted focus to the vice-president’s impeachment fight – and the next presidential race.

31 May 2025 - 8:14AM

Meet India’s answer to Pakistan’s Chinese jets: the AMCA stealth fighter

2 hours ago

Singapore tells nations to ‘build bridges’ with China to avoid misconception

3 hours agovideocam

Economics

Will Indonesia’s Whoosh extension to Surabaya be derailed by Chinese debt?

With the current US$7.3 billion rail line not projected to break even for 40 years, analysts are urging caution on an extension.

1 Jun 2025 - 8:00AM

A high-speed train leaves Tegalluar Station on the Jakarta-Bandung “Whoosh” railway line in Indonesia on May 20. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

China’s absence felt at Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore’s defence chief says

Defence chief Chan Chun Sing urges dialogue to boost ‘clarity’ of intentions, says Singapore remains open, inclusive platform for frank discussions.

31 May 2025 - 6:50PM

Politics

‘Too little, too late’? Israel’s Western allies turn against it over Gaza

Britain, Canada, the EU – and even Trump – are finally changing their tune, but experts question if mere rhetoric can halt the suffering.

31 May 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

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Economics

Bitterness reimagined: Bali bomber seeks a second chance through coffee

Once one of the world’s most wanted men, Umar Patek is now launching a coffee brand in Indonesia – leaving a bitter taste for the bereaved.

31 May 2025 - 2:30PM

Convicted Bali bomber Umar Patek with a poster advertising his new coffee business in Indonesia. Photo: Aisyah Llewellyn

People

Hegseth draws parallels between Trump and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew

Both men showed a ‘willingness to work with others, while respecting mutual self-interest,’ the US defence secretary said.

31 May 2025 - 3:51PM

Politics

China’s overtures a ‘pointed signal’ to stabilise ties with Japan: analysts

Beijing has recently removed controversial maritime buoys, eased a politically charged seafood import ban and appeared to temper its rhetoric.

31 May 2025 - 10:00AM

Politics

Double standards in war condemnation would ‘kill our own credibility’: Macron

French president calls on world leaders to be consistent and form a coalition with a rules-based order during keynote address at Singapore forum.

30 May 2025 - 11:51PMvideocam

France’s President Emmanuel Macron gives the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday. Photo: AFP

Politics

Satirical comedy sketch fuels feud between South Korea’s would-be first ladies

A jab on ‘Saturday Night Live Korea’ has revived scrutiny on political spouses and their public roles.

30 May 2025 - 7:43PMvideocam

Seol Nan-young (right), wife of People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, embraces a comedian portraying Kim Hye-kyung during a satirical sketch on ‘Saturday Night Live Korea’ aired on May 24. The segment parodied a recent scandal involving the misuse of a government-issued credit card. Photo: Saturday Night Live Korea

Lifestyle & Culture

In Japan, a ‘Stop and Stand Squad’ aims to reduce accidents on escalators

Team members are paid for six hours a day to prevent people from walking up escalators in train stations and other areas in Nagoya.

30 May 2025 - 6:19PM

Politics

South Korean election video pulled after public outcry over misogyny

Local authorities in Gyeongsan issued an apology for a video that showed a male supervisor assaulting a female employee and subsequently removed the clip.

30 May 2025 - 6:10PM

Economics

Is Asia ditching the dollar? China’s yuan, gold, and bitcoin drive trade shifts

Asian economies are exploring de-dollarisation, amid geopolitical risks, signalling a monetary shift towards a multipolar monetary system.

30 May 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

Asian economies are progressively reducing their reliance on the US dollar. Photo: Shutterstock

Lifestyle & Culture

Netflix probes mistreatment claims on set of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

Users on X allege that extras lacked adequate protection during winter filming and were forced to cut their hair to accommodate wearing wigs.

30 May 2025 - 4:24PM

Park Bo-gum and IU in a still from “When Life Gives You Tangerines”. Photo: Netflix

Politics

US defence chief Hegseth meets Singapore PM Wong, reaffirms strong defence ties

Hegseth also met Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss US-Singapore security cooperation.

30 May 2025 - 5:32PMvideocam

Politics

Can Vietnam navigate China’s Mekong ambitions and regional ties?

China’s Mekong River projects pose strategic and environmental challenges for Vietnam, threatening regional influence and vital agricultural resources.

30 May 2025 - 3:16PMvideocam

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Politics

‘They’ve smelled blood’: battle for 2028 presidency begins in Philippines

A surprising Duterte-Marcos midterm stalemate has shifted focus to the vice-president’s impeachment fight – and the next presidential race.

31 May 2025 - 8:14AM

Illustration: Huy Truong

People

Anwar Ibrahim mints a dynasty – but Malaysia’s youth aren’t buying it

The rapid ascent of Anwar’s heir apparent Nurul Izzah has alienated many young Malaysians who are tired of old feuds and unfulfilled promises.

24 May 2025 - 8:00AM

Economics

Silicon rally: can Malaysia reclaim its semiconductor glory?

Outpacing regional chip rivals won’t be easy for ‘Silicon Malaysia’, but insiders say it has the subsidies, labour and will to succeed.

17 May 2025 - 8:08AM

Politics

Water wars: as India weaponises rivers, Pakistan thirsts for security

India’s suspension of a decades-old water treaty has left Pakistan’s farmers facing ruin. Rivers are becoming battlegrounds elsewhere, too.

10 May 2025 - 10:55AMvideocam

A parched stretch of the Indus River in Hyderabad, Sindh province, Pakistan. Photo: Shutterstock

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Alexander M. Hynd

Opinion | Will South Korea’s next president be able to heal a fractured nation?

Alexander M. Hynd

1 Jun 2025 - 12:00PM

Opinion | Why US exceptionalism and the export of crassness are losing shallow appeal

Chandran Nair

31 May 2025 - 12:29PM

My Take | Is India poised to rival US universities in a global academic shift?

Biman Mukherji

30 May 2025 - 10:30AM

Asian Angle | Preparing Malaysia’s toolkit to weather Trump’s tariff storm

25 May 2025 - 12:00PM

Indira Zahra Aridati

Asian Angle | In Southeast Asia’s climate battle, AI could prove a double-edged sword

24 May 2025 - 3:00PM

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People

Hegseth draws parallels between Trump and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew

31 May 2025 - 3:51PM

Singapore’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

‘I’m sad’: Blackpink fans in Malaysia lament tour snub, slam censorship

30 May 2025 - 11:17AMvideocam

Blackpink members perform at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

Politics

China’s absence felt at Shangri-La Dialogue, Singapore’s defence chief says

31 May 2025 - 6:50PM

Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (centre right) and other defence chiefs take part in a ministerial roundtable during the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

Netflix probes mistreatment claims on set of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

30 May 2025 - 4:24PM

Park Bo-gum and IU in a still from “When Life Gives You Tangerines”. Photo: Netflix

Economics

Bitterness reimagined: Bali bomber seeks a second chance through coffee

31 May 2025 - 2:30PM

Convicted Bali bomber Umar Patek with a poster advertising his new coffee business in Indonesia. Photo: Aisyah Llewellyn

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Why is China speeding up work on its dam in Pakistan?

Why is China speeding up work on Pakistan dam after India held Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance?

1st time voters divided among gender lines in South Korea

Political divide widens along gender lines for young first-time voters in South Korea

Malaysian PM warns of ‘unsettled’ international order

Asean leaders sign Kuala Lumpur Declaration as Malaysian PM warns of ‘unsettled’ international order

Indonesia praises China’s backing of Palestinian statehood

Indonesia’s Prabowo lauds China’s anti-colonialism record as Jakarta, Beijing deepen ties

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General Anil Chauhan (centre), Chief of Defence Staff of Indian Armed Forces, at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: AFP

India-Pakistan tensions

India confirms loss of fighter jets in recent Pakistan conflict

Defence chief declines to specify how many jets India lost, but calls Pakistan’s claims of downing six Indian warplanes ‘absolutely incorrect’.

31 May 2025 - 9:05PMvideocam

Brunei’s 78-year-old sultan discharged from hospital in Malaysia

31 May 2025 - 10:05PM

At least 22 dead as India monsoon rains wreak havoc in northeast

31 May 2025 - 10:20PM

Indonesia bans age limits in hiring in bid for fairer job market

31 May 2025 - 4:46PM

Jobseekers speak directly with representatives from companies they are interested in during a job fair in Jakarta on May 22. Photo: AFP

Swiss Birch glacier collapse is a chilling warning to Asia

31 May 2025 - 3:31PMvideocam

A helicopter flies above debris and destroyed houses of the village of Blatten now submerged after the huge Birch glacier collapsed on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

K-pop takes centre stage in South Korea’s presidential race

31 May 2025 - 1:50PM

Supporters of South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung dance during an election campaign event on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Malaysia taps seasoned diplomat to navigate US tariff tensions

31 May 2025 - 11:06AM

Shahrul Ikram Yaakob at his retirement ceremony in 2022. Photo: Facebook/Wisma Putra

AI preachers “AI-Dr Munir” (left) and “AI-Dr Munirah” are trained on more than 9,000 published articles by a former Malaysian minister. Photo: X/drzul_albakri

Malaysia’s first AI preacher stirs debate on Islamic principles

Former Islamic affairs minister and mufti unveils avatars built using ChatGPT and trained with thousands of published articles by him.

30 May 2025 - 12:02PMvideocam

‘Few options’: Japan minister heads to US with US$6.9 billion spending package

30 May 2025 - 3:26PMvideocam

Japan patches cybersecurity gaps with new laws, overseas tie-ups

30 May 2025 - 8:17AM

How is Singapore’s fake news law applied?

29 May 2025 - 11:40PMvideocam

UK carrier joins Australia’s F-35s for Five Power Defence drills

29 May 2025 - 8:28PM

A factory closure in Sri Lanka has blindsided 1,400 workers. Photo: AP

Sri Lanka workers in limbo after UK garment factory abruptly shuts

Labour rights advocates say Next Manufacturing’s move violated Sri Lankan law and risks undermining the country’s fragile economic recovery.

30 May 2025 - 2:24PM

‘Few options’: Japan minister heads to US with US$6.9 billion spending package

30 May 2025 - 3:26PMvideocam

Backlash in Indonesia as Danantara courts BlackRock amid Israel arms concerns

29 May 2025 - 4:00PM

Philippine Navy adds bases in Subic Bay, Mindanao amid South China Sea tensions

30 May 2025 - 4:48PMvideocam

Philippine Navy vessels docked at Subic Bay in Zambales. Photo: Jeoffrey Maitem

Can Asean overcome Trump’s tariffs and become fourth-largest economy by 2045?

29 May 2025 - 12:36PMvideocam

Trump’s surreal call to Ishiba not about tariffs, but jets, self-praise: report

29 May 2025 - 2:27PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump (left) made a surprise 45-minute phone call to Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba last week. Photo: AFP

Macron touts defence ties in Indonesia, backs Prabowo’s push for Palestine

28 May 2025 - 7:00PMvideocam

France’s President Emmanuel Macron (left) laughs with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at a joint press conference in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Johnny Somali is seen disturbing passengers on a Seoul subway. Photo: Instagram/johnnysomalia

Johnny Somali’s trial in South Korea puts spotlight on ‘nuisance influencers’

South Koreans are calling for authorities to severely punish these attention-seeking influencers and bar them from entering the country.

29 May 2025 - 5:17PM

Yunus’ resignation threat throws Bangladesh election timing into turmoil

28 May 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

Indian court allows rape accused out on bail to marry victim, sparks backlash

28 May 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Malaysia’s economy minister resigns after bruising loss in ruling party poll

28 May 2025 - 3:39PMvideocam

New Zealand’s rainbow capital sees rise in anti-LGBTQ hate

27 May 2025 - 2:35PMvideocam

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 14. Photo: EPA-EFE

My Take | From Russia with love: Anwar’s geopolitical play leaves a confusing trail

Recent diplomatic overtures have raised concern that Anwar is leaning too close to Russia and China in his bid to diversify Malaysia’s trade ties.

23 May 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

Opinion | How the Indo-Pacific got its name – and what China has to do with it

18 May 2025 - 10:00AM

Asian Angle | Seeking the silver lining in Trump’s tariff turmoil

17 May 2025 - 10:00AMvideocam

Opinion | How Myanmar’s devastating earthquake threatens to leave a lasting economic scar

11 May 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

People drive on a motorbike past a collapsed building in Mandalay on March 28 after the earthquake in central Myanmar. Photo: TNS

Asian Angle | Will Malaysia gravitate further towards China in ‘new golden era’ of ties?

10 May 2025 - 10:30AMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting in Putrajaya, outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 16. Photo: Pool via AP

My Take | Facing US tariffs, Asia can transform to lead the world in innovation

9 May 2025 - 10:30AM

An industrial drone flies over a green field and sprays useful pesticides to increase productivity and destroys harmful insects. If Asian economies leverage their strengths, they could be at the forefront of a new economic paradigm. Photo: Shutterstock

Asian Angle | Trump’s tariffs: can Thailand escape the US trade trap after 90 days?

4 May 2025 - 10:00AMvideocam

Cargo ships are loaded with containers at a port in Thailand last month. Photo: Reuters

Health & Environment

Tourists walking on Bangla Road in Patong in the southern Thai island of Phuket. Photo: AFP

Thai restaurant owner calls for more public toilets after defecation issues

Pannatat Asawapitakchon says he saw a female tourist defecating behind the Buddha statues outside his restaurant.

29 May 2025 - 9:23PM

Japan reschedules iconic summer festivals to avoid increasingly extreme heat

29 May 2025 - 6:42PMvideocam

Thai river turns orange as dangerous toxins from Myanmar mines flush downstream

28 May 2025 - 6:00PM

South China Sea tensions ‘won’t stop’ Asean’s blue economy growth: official

28 May 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

What’s in the air? Australian state reels from deluge of dust

28 May 2025 - 11:14AM

Lifestyle & Culture

Blackpink members perform at the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

‘I’m sad’: Blackpink fans in Malaysia lament tour snub, slam censorship

‘Our authorities seem to always make it hard for international acts to come here,’ a dejected Blink says.

30 May 2025 - 11:17AMvideocam

Japan reschedules iconic summer festivals to avoid increasingly extreme heat

29 May 2025 - 6:42PMvideocam

Johnny Somali’s trial in South Korea puts spotlight on ‘nuisance influencers’

29 May 2025 - 5:17PM

Shrek under fire: Russian lawmakers say Western cartoons ‘indoctrinating’ kids

28 May 2025 - 7:28PMvideocam

Shrek, the grumpy green ogre at the centre of DreamWorks’ hit animated franchise, was among the Western characters singled out by Russian lawmakers for having a “destructive” influence on children. Photo: AFP

Indian court allows rape accused out on bail to marry victim, sparks backlash

28 May 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

An Indian wedding couple. A court in India has allowed a man out on bail to marry his victim. Photo: Shutterstock

‘It’s not fair’: Indonesia’s Lion Air crash families decry Boeing 737 Max deal

28 May 2025 - 9:15AMvideocam

Family members of those killed in the Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 and Lion Air flight 610 crashes protest against Boeing at a hearing in Washington last year on the airline’s broken safety culture. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

New Zealand’s rainbow capital sees rise in anti-LGBTQ hate

27 May 2025 - 2:35PMvideocam

An aerial view of Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: AP