Advertisement
Advertisement
Highlights from
THIS WEEK IN ASIA
Chinese automaker BYD’s EV plant in Rayong, Thailand. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Malaysia eyes Southeast Asia’s EV hub with Hyundai’s US$500 million investment

videocam
A Ukrainian soldier drives a tank during military drills at a training ground in Chernihiv region, Ukraine, on November 22. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Will Seoul heed Ukraine’s call for arms aid amid Trump’s win, Russia warning?

videocam
A Philippine resupply vessel (in green) encounters a Chinese coastguard boat near the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea. China has repeatedly impeded Manila’s missions to repair and resupply the BRP Sierra Madre grounded at the shoal. Photo: AP

Politics

US task force backs Philippine Sea operations in ‘clear signal to China’

videocam
19
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the Convention Centre in Lima on November 16. Photo: AFP

Politics

Malaysian PM Anwar denies conflict of interest in corporate sponsor row

People walk past damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, in Lebanon on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

As Israel-Lebanon war intensifies, US-led ceasefire talks hang by a thread

videocam
6
MORE IN THIS WEEK IN ASIA
Advertisement
Advertisement
OPINION
Daniele Carminati

Opinion | Japan’s soft power renaissance will help it attract the talent it needs

Daniele Carminati
Charlie Grahn

Opinion | North American ports must automate or risk losing out to Asia and Europe

Charlie Grahn
Ya-chi Chiang,Lucio Blanco Pitlo III

Asian Angle | Asia’s digital future hangs by a thread beneath the ocean waves

Ya-chi Chiang
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
David Dodwell

Outside In | It’s goodbye to ‘peace dividend’, hello to wars and defence binges

David Dodwell
Joseph Sipalan

My Take | As Sabah faces new bribery case, will it pay dividends for power seekers?

Joseph Sipalan
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
MULTIMEDIA
Video

Dramatic bodycam footage of police chasing drug mules

01:44
Video

Fire engulfs hundreds of shanty houses in Manila

03:17
Video

How AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes is steering his budget airline toward post-pandemic recovery

12:27
Video

Black magic cult corpse rituals investigated in Thailand

01:41
Advertisement
TRENDING TOPICS
Singapore
Malaysia
South China Sea
The Philippines
Indonesia
Advertisement

Asia

Australasia
East Asia
Southeast Asia
South Asia
This Week in Asia
Chinese automaker BYD’s EV plant in Rayong, Thailand. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Malaysia eyes Southeast Asia’s EV hub with Hyundai’s US$500 million investment

Trade-dependent Malaysia is seeking new partners and markets as tariffs from the US-China trade wars bite.

videocam

Will Seoul heed Ukraine’s call for arms aid amid Trump’s win, Russia warning?

videocam

US task force backs Philippine Sea operations in ‘clear signal to China’

videocam
19

Southeast Asia

‘Young ones are not comfortable’: charm fades for Singapore’s rural oasis

The enclave, a treasure trove of biodiversity offering hikes amid lush greenery, fights for its survival in the face of shrinking population.

videocam
Singapore’s Pulau Ubin island is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Photo: Shutterstock
Singapore’s Pulau Ubin island is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Photo: Shutterstock

East Asia

South Korean man convicted of evading military service by binge eating

The man, who intentionally put on weight to avoid serving in combat, was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years.

videocam

Southeast Asia

Malaysian singer Syura’s husband suffers severe burns in gas cylinder blast

Syura said Muhammad Farizat Ismail was hospitalised with injuries to his face, legs and hands.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Asia

Video | Dramatic bodycam footage shows police chasing drug mules in Thailand

110 bags of crystal meth were seized, each weighing 1kg.

Photo: SCMP Composite
Photo: SCMP Composite

Politics

Malaysian PM Anwar denies conflict of interest in corporate sponsor row

Anwar says the government paid its share of flight expenses for a two-week overseas tour, amid accusations of favouritism and corruption.

Southeast Asia

Malaysian among 39 foreigners to flee Myanmar scam centre, seek refuge in Thailand

The foreigners include citizens of Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, and Russia. The incident highlights the growing problem of online scams in the region.

videocam

Politics

Big win in Maharashtra polls signals BJP’s renewed dominance of Indian politics

After losing its outright parliamentary majority earlier this year, analysts say the victory bodes well for the future of the ruling party.

Bharatiya Janata Party supporters shower confetti and flower petals as Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, centre, arrives to address them at the party headquarters after winning the state elections in politically significant Indian state of Maharashtra, in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: AP

Southeast Asia

Swatch wins court battle over seized LGBTQ-themed watches in Malaysia

The decision comes after the government banned LGBTQ references on Swatch products, citing concerns about morality and public interest.

Logo of Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group is pictured on a store in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Reuters
Logo of Swiss watchmaker Swatch Group is pictured on a store in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Outcry after Malaysian state issues public caning order under sharia law

Malaysia operates parallel civil and sharia legal systems, but critics argue authorities should not dictate people’s lives.

Southeast Asia

Landslide and flash floods hit Indonesia’s Sumatra, 16 dead, 6 missing

Rescuers use excavators, farm equipment and their bare hands to sift through the rubble looking for the dead and missing.

Asia

Malaysia’s nurses, Chinese ‘villains’ comment forces apology: 7 Asia highlights

From Malaysia facing a nursing crunch to AI-generated tourist attractions, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Chinese tourists carry their baggage on Myeongdong Street in downtown Seoul, South Korea. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap

South Asia

Bollywood’s Aamir Khan almost retired during Covid, but Kiran Rao changed his mind

Khan, famous for “Laal Singh Chaddha,” credits his ex-wife Kiran Rao for his comeback, saying he felt guilty and needed to re-evaluate his priorities.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and director Kiran Rao (left)) display ink marked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station on May 20. Photo: AFP
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and director Kiran Rao (left)) display ink marked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station on May 20. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Global Impact | New leaders in Asia, as well as the US, create questions as Trump return looms

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look at how the Trump administration will fare across a much-changed political landscape in Asia.

videocam

East Asia

‘Existential challenge’: South Korea hosts final round of global plastic treaty talks

Delegates from 175 countries gather in Busan for the fifth round of talks aimed at securing an international treaty to curb plastic pollution.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Economics

Will Trump’s ‘tariff tantrums’ spark a US-Southeast Asia trade war?

US protectionism was good for some Asian nations when China was the main target. But this time nowhere looks safe.

4
Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally last month. Photo: AP
Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally last month. Photo: AP

Politics

As Singapore’s ruling PAP turns 70, can its dominance last?

Amid rising living costs and shifting voter sentiments, the People’s Action Party faces unprecedented challenges on its 70th anniversary.

videocam
15

Health & Environment

‘Change is coming’: will Southeast Asia have to abandon universal healthcare?

Across Southeast Asia, rising costs and funding struggles are threatening the very foundations of public health systems.

Economics

Kuala London: aspiration, class and the Malaysian dream of a British education

In a country still shaped by its colonial past, the pursuit of a UK education by Malaysia’s elites reveals a stark opportunity gap at home.

19
Illustration: Huy Truong