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This Week in Asia

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A person walks past debris at the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad on June 12. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Will Air India’s crash in Ahmedabad derail its revival plans?

The airline must hold open investigation into the accident to regain customer trust amid efforts to overhaul the company to spur growth, analysts say.

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‘Important step’: fatal crashes prompt Malaysia to curb speeding lorries, buses

1 survivor found in Air India flight AI171 crash that killed more than 240

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Politics

Japan warns of collision risks after Chinese fighter jet manoeuvres

Such actions by the Chinese jet should be viewed as ‘threats’, as any error could escalate tensions in the Pacific, analysts say.

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A J-15 fighter jet from the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong making an unusual approach to a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force P-3C patrol aircraft that was conducting surveillance above the Pacific Ocean on June 8. Photo: Japan’s Ministry of Defence / AFP
A J-15 fighter jet from the Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong making an unusual approach to a Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force P-3C patrol aircraft that was conducting surveillance above the Pacific Ocean on June 8. Photo: Japan’s Ministry of Defence / AFP

Politics

Former Anwar aide acquitted of drug and firearms charges, claims persecution

Muhammed Yusoff Rawther has earlier filed a civil suit against the Malaysian prime minister for sexual harassment.

Politics

Pakistan eyes more Chinese weapon systems after ‘clear-cut victory over India’

Islamabad is looking to buy more Chinese warplanes and anti-ballistic missile systems to deter future Indian attacks, analysts say.

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Health & Environment

‘Overflowing with faeces, urine’: 150 dead cats found in Japanese woman’s home

The rescue group staff member had been taking in the cats without its knowledge.

A stray bobtail cat rests at a park in Nagasaki, southern Japan. Photo: AP
A stray bobtail cat rests at a park in Nagasaki, southern Japan. Photo: AP

Politics

End to inter-Korea ‘loudspeaker war’?

Pyongyang’s cessation of loudspeaker broadcasts does not signal a shift in its indifferent policy towards ties with Seoul, analysts say.

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Politics

Philippines’ Marcos softens stance amid economic pressures but will China bite?

The Philippine president’s close ties with the US could prove a stumbling block to better relations with Beijing, observers say.

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Lifestyle & Culture

Malaysians demand action against Facebook group exploiting schoolgirls’ images

A social media influencer unmasked the ‘dirty group’ after discovering an old picture of herself in her school uniform posted on the page.

A screenshot of the Facebook group before it was taken down. Photo: Facebook/Malaysia Hari Ini

Politics

Outcome of Thailand-Cambodia border talks in the balance amid ‘trust deficit’

Bangkok’s resistance to Phnom Penh’s attempts to ‘internationalise’ the border dispute is likely to affect the meeting, experts say.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra inspects a bomb shelter, built by villagers, during a trip to the Kap Choeng border district on Wednesday. Photo: Thai Government Handout/EPA-EFE
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra inspects a bomb shelter, built by villagers, during a trip to the Kap Choeng border district on Wednesday. Photo: Thai Government Handout/EPA-EFE

People

BTS’ Jungkook faces break-in attempt hours after South Korean military discharge

The Chinese fan was caught trying to gain entry into his Seoul flat by repeatedly pressing the keypad door lock.

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Politics

Chinese vessel grounding: concern in Philippines over new grey-zone tactic

Experts say China could be ‘testing’ the Philippines’ operational response amid mounting pressure over Manila’s recent defence partnerships.

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Politics

Is Trump’s Myanmar, Laos travel ban a blow to US-Southeast Asia ties?

Observers say closed channel over terrorist threat ‘illogical’ and a setback to long-standing relations with affected countries.

People walk to transport arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. A new travel ban ordered by US President Donald Trump, restricting entry to citizens from 12 countries, took effect on Monday. Photo: AFP

Economics

Japan weighs tightening rules on visa popular among Chinese nationals

Tokyo mulls raising investment threshold for business manager permits amid concerns it is an ‘easy route’ to permanent residency.

Pedestrians walk through a crossing in Tokyo. A lawmaker says Japan’s business manager visa has become an “easy route” to residency. Photo: EPA-EFE
Pedestrians walk through a crossing in Tokyo. A lawmaker says Japan’s business manager visa has become an “easy route” to residency. Photo: EPA-EFE

Politics

Is Japan’s increased surveillance of remote islands a link to China activity?

Deployments may be to islands already with radar capabilities, but experts say the plan is not a response to recent Chinese maritime presence.

Economics

Rice imports, policy inertia put ‘future of Filipino farming’ at risk: report

Policy failures and under-investment among factors for exacerbating country’s import reliance to the detriment of the local farming industry, report says.

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Politics

What South Korea’s new president means for its US, China ties

Expect a nuanced approach to foreign policy as President Lee Jae-myung attempts to pull relations with Beijing back from their ‘lowest ebb’.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks on the phone at his residence in Incheon, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks on the phone at his residence in Incheon, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP

Politics

Battle for the Philippines’ 2028 presidency begins: ‘they’ve smelled blood’

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

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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.

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.

Malaysia’s early head start in semiconductors has eroded over the decades, but it is determined to reverse the trend. Photo: Shutterstock
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Economics

Will Air India’s crash in Ahmedabad derail its revival plans?

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A person walks past debris at the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad on June 12. Photo: Reuters

South Asia

What caused Air India crash? Experts focus on flaps, landing gear

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The wreckage of the tail section of an Air India aircraft that crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on June 12. Photo: Reuters

Politics

‘Important step’: fatal crashes prompt Malaysia to curb speeding lorries, buses

An accident scene after a minivan collided with a bus in Malaysia. Photo: Perak Fire and Rescue Department/AFP

South Asia

Only 1 passenger survived Air India crash. This miracle has happened before

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Local community members stand outside the British home of Ramesh Vishwaskumar, who survived the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Photo: Reuters

Southeast Asia

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Thailand after bomb threat

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A New Delhi-bound Air India flight made an emergency landing at Phuket airport on Friday. File photo: Getty Images
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OPINION
Andrew Cainey,Xie Chengkai

Opinion | China as a global conflict mediator: from ambition to action

Andrew Cainey
Phar Kim Beng

Asian Angle | Trump, Hegseth, Rubio: a triple threat to global stability – and Asia

Phar Kim Beng
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Biman Mukherji

My Take | Can Southeast Asia contain growing threat of cyber scams?

Biman Mukherji
Alexander M. Hynd

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

Alexander M. Hynd
Chandran Nair

Opinion | Why US exceptionalism, export of crassness are losing their shallow appeal

Chandran Nair
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

Air India plane crashes moments after take off in Ahmedabad

Air India plane bound for London crashes moments after take off in Ahmedabad
02:40
Video

South Korea halts propaganda broadcasts aimed at North Korea

South Korea suspends propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along border to North Korea
01:22
Video

Filipinos protest after senators delay VP Duterte’s impeachment trial

Philippine senators face mounting pressure over delays to VP Duterte’s impeachment trial
02:25
Video

BTS members complete military training

K-pop stars RM and V of boy band BTS discharged from South Korea military, sparking fan frenzy
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Asia
Local community members stand outside the family home of Ramesh Viswashkumar, a British survivor of the London-bound Air India aircraft crash near Ahmedabad Airport in India, in Leicester, Britain on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Plane crashes and aviation accidents

How 1 man survived the Air India plane crash that killed 241

‘There were dead bodies around me. I got scared. I got up and ran,’ said UK citizen Ramesh Vishwaskumar, who lost his brother in the crash.

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Air India plane crash makes 2025 deadliest for air travel in years

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Air India crash is latest test for new Boeing leadership

Indonesia’s Prabowo skips G7 summit in Canada for talks with Putin in Russia

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin (left) shakes hands with Indonesia’s president-elect Prabowo Subianto during a meeting at the Kremlin on July 31, 2024. Photo: AFP

South Korea, US push for dialogue with North amid Kim’s snub of Trump letter

US President Donald Trump holds up what he described as a letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un outside the White House in June 2019. Photo: Reuters

Australia ‘confident’ Trump won’t sink Aukus deal after review

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A Virginia-class submarine is seen off the coast of Western Australia in March. Photo: Reuters

‘Extreme fear’ grips Filipinos in Northern Irish town as violence rages

Fire burns near a demonstrator as riots continue in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on June 11. Photo: Reuters
Politics
Protesters call for the start of the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte outside the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay, Metro Manila on Monday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

‘Sara has momentum’: how Philippine VP won round 1 of impeachment row

The deliberation process on whether to impeach the vice-president has been thrown back to the Lower House for consideration.

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Japan eyes 80% cut in 298,000 death toll for potential Nankai monster quake

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Is acceptance by India’s Modi to attend G7 summit in Canada a ‘Pyrrhic victory’?

Fans of Malaysia’s Rafizi face police probes as internal party feud intensifies

Will Kim Jong-un reciprocate first move by South Korea’s Lee to ease tensions?

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Economics
The latest image of a Chinese J-36 fighter started circulating on social media on Saturday. It is also the first to show the aircraft on the ground, reportedly on a Chengdu Aircraft Corporation tarmac. Photo: X/@WZZJWZ
SCMP Highlights

China’s next-gen stealth jets, Qin Shi Huang’s western expedition: 7 highlights

From China’s next-gen stealth jets to Qin Shi Huang’s western expedition, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Jetstar Asia’s exit signals turbulent times for low-cost airlines

Japan eyes 80% cut in 298,000 death toll for potential Nankai monster quake

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How Indonesian fintech firm is bridging funding gaps for women entrepreneurs

Amartha CEO Andi Taufan Garuda Putra’s (centre) firm connects borrowers in remote communities with financial institutions. Photo: Handout

Eye on the prize: bags of rice, daily essentials up for grabs at Japanese arcade

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Two women try their luck at a claw machine. An amusement centre in the Japanese city of Kawagoe has offered bags of rice as a prize to be won at its claw machines. Photo: Shutterstock

India expected to maintain robust growth despite Pakistan tensions, trade woes

Containers are unloaded at the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Thiruvananthapuram. The State Bank of India estimated in a recent report that the economy would grow by 6.3 per cent to 6.5 per cent this financial year. Photo: AFP

Fresh tax on luxuries a hard sell for Malaysia’s Anwar as popularity wanes

People walking in a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Xinhua
People
Tedy Teow being extradited to China on August 20, last year. Photo: Ministry of Public Security
Malaysia

US$900 million seized as China helps Malaysia dismantle Tedy Teow’s scam empire

MBI Group’s Malaysian founder has been called ‘Jho Lo 2’ because of the sheer scale of his operation.

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‘Uncertainty has costs’: the Asian students rethinking US education plans

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Fans of Malaysia’s Rafizi face police probes as internal party feud intensifies

Malaysia’s Anwar given second chance to prove immunity from sexual assault suit

‘Symbol of hope’: LGBTQ Singaporeans to seal stories of love inside time capsule

Opinion
Students walking together with backpacks at a university campus. Photo: Shutterstock
India

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

As US visa changes worry Asian students, India sees a chance to boost education, research, and economic growth amid shifting global academic dynamics.

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

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

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

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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

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

Japan’s former prime minister, the late Shinzo Abe, shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House in 2017. Abe helped give political voice to the Indo-Pacific concept. Photo: Reuters

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

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US President Donald Trump announces his new tariff regime on April 2. Photo: AP

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

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People drive on a motorbike past a collapsed building in Mandalay on March 28 after the earthquake in central Myanmar. Photo: TNS
Health & Environment
A leopard coral grouper and soft corals in the waters of the Raja Ampat Islands. Indonesia revoked permits on June 10 for four mining companies operating in Raja Ampat. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia’s green groups welcome move to axe mining permits in Raja Ampat

Prabowo cancels four mining permits in Raja Ampat, but concerns remain over nickel exploitation on Gag Island and other small islands in Indonesia.

Japan’s Osaka Expo water shows suspended as Legionella levels top safety limit

Nara’s famed deer could face food crisis in winter as acorn trees cut down

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Malaysia faces searing heatwave as temperatures hit high of 37 degrees

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Singapore’s 1880 shuts in Hong Kong, Japanese men on staying young: 7 highlights

Lifestyle & Culture
The waterfront area of Expo 2025 Osaka. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japan’s Osaka Expo water shows suspended as Legionella levels top safety limit

Resumption of the shows will depend on the results of stepped-up sanitisation measures, including pipe cleaning and chemical disinfection.

Restaurant chain in Thailand in hot soup over buffet shortage complaints

Thailand’s Pattaya deploys AI drones as cries grow to tackle rising crime

‘Unacceptable’: Japan group under fire for holding combat drills for students

An organisation in Japan’s Saitama prefecture is under fire for holding “junior survival school” events featuring combat drills for students at public facilities in Tokyo. Photo: Handout

South Korean court fines woman for sexual misconduct over ‘pantsing’ prank

The Wonju branch of the Chuncheon District Court in South Korea. Photo: Handout

15 killed in Malaysian university bus crash near Thailand border

A minivan is seen after it collided with a bus in Gerik-Jeli, in Malaysia’s Perak state. Photo: Perak Fire and Rescue Department/AFP

Malaysians resist censorship as book bans increase, include rom-com novels

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Despite a reading revival in Malaysia, a surge in book bans has alarmed writers and readers. The government cites morality, but critics decry censorship. Photo: Shutterstock