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SCMP

We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Foreigners who stayed during China’s Covid lockdowns are now leaving. Why?

Foreigners living in China who stuck it out through three years of strict Covid controls have spoken about why they finally decided to leave the country last year despite efforts to reopen to the outside world.
2. Hong Kong rebounds in expat liveability rankings but Singapore keeps top spot
Hong Kong has rebounded in liveability rankings for expatriates from Asia but is still way behind where it was a decade ago, according to an annual survey.
3. Singapore minister S. Iswaran resigns after being charged with taking bribes

Thursday’s charges conclude months of speculation surrounding the high-profile case that had shocked citizens when it first came to light last year that the politician of nearly three decades could allegedly be susceptible to bribery and corruption.
4. ‘US users top list’ after China’s state-of-the-art quantum computer goes global
China’s independently developed state-of-the-art quantum computer, Origin Wukong, was recently opened to global users — with those based in the US topping the list of visitors.
5. Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific signs up 100 new mainland Chinese cabin crew
Cathay Pacific on Monday said the new staff were the trailblazers for the 1,500 people it aimed to recruit from across the border by 2025.
6. Makers of banned Malaysian film may face jail for hurting ‘religious feelings’
Two Malaysian filmmakers could face jail after a Kuala Lumpur court on Wednesday charged them with insulting “religious feelings” over a movie exploring the afterlife.

7. Angry China plane passenger demands ‘free’ seat for son, delays flight by hours
A plane in China was delayed by three hours and 300 people were forced to rebook their flights after an angry passenger demanded three first-class seats but had only paid for two.


Western hypocrisy exposed over Gaza, China’s C919 a challenge to Boeing and Airbus and more from opinion writers

What Trump 2.0 means for Chinese EV makers, Africa’s green vehicle potential: 7 EV reads

Zhuhai car attack tragedy sees 35 die, Trump taps billionaires for China diplomacy, Toraji threatens Hong Kong and more

US women’s sex strike, Musk’s Trump bet, tough choices for Asia-Pacific leaders: opinions on US election fallout

SCMP Highlights

Why foreigners are leaving China, Singapore’s S. Iswaran resigns, Cathay Pacific’s new hires: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

China and the United States are among major world powers racing to be No 1 in utilising the key technology of quantum computing, which has the potential to transform many fields. Photo: Reuters

illustration by Lau Ka-kuen

Former minister S. Iswaran leaves the Singapore State Courts on January 18. Photo: Bloomberg

People waiting to enter the GSC cinema in Palm Mall shopping complex in Seremban, Malaysia. Photo: Shutterstock

Taiwan election, Filipinos turn on Jo Koy after Golden Globes, Year of the Dragon: 5 weekend reads you may have missed

Wong Tai Sin Temple in Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year holiday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

William Lai Ching-te (centre) celebrates at an election night rally outside the Democratic Progressive Party headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan. Photo: Elson Li

Wandering yaks are a constant on the roads of Tibet, adding another element of risk to the tour. Photo: Ian Neubauer

Jo Koy arrives at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. Photo: AP

The newly opened Costco megastore in Shenzhen, China. Photo: Eugene Lee

Boycott Maldives campaign, why Taiwan election matters, chaos at Cathay Pacific: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

On January 13, Taiwan will hold presidential and legislature elections that will help shape US-China relations for years to come. Photo: Bloomberg

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi promotes the islands of Lakshadweep in a photo released on January 4, 2024. Photo: X/Narendra Modi

The Y-20 military transport aircraft is nicknamed “chubby girl” for its large fuselage. It entered service in 2016. Photo: AP

As the Year of the Dragon approaches, what does 2024 have in store for you? Here are predictions for the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

News

Asia

Hong Kong

China

From an angry plane passenger in China demanding ‘free’ seats to Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific hiring 100 mainland Chinese cabin crew, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting


From an angry plane passenger in China demanding ‘free’ seats to Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific hiring 100 mainland Chinese cabin crew, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


Science

Hong Kong expats

Singapore

Cathay Pacific