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SCMP

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week 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. Why Philippines struggles to tap its US$1 trillion mineral wealth
As the Philippines forms partnerships with several countries to harness its potentially huge wealth of critical minerals, analysts have called for a coherent road map to develop the country’s mining industry to globally competitive standards.
2. South Korea’s cut-price interceptor outshines US Patriot in Iran war debut
South Korea built the Cheongung-II to stop North Korean missiles. Now the system is stopping Iranian ones – and in doing so, has turned Seoul into one of the most sought-after defence suppliers on the planet.
3. ‘I’ve never held my son’: the Rohingya families Malaysia keeps apart

In a quiet suburb of the Malaysian city of Klang, Farouk* scrolls through his phone, replaying videos of a toddler learning to walk, laugh and reach out to steady himself – milestone moments of a son whom he is forced to love through a screen.
4. ‘Poor’ foreigners not welcome? Japan bets on AI while upping visa fee
Settling in Japan as a foreign national is about to become much more expensive after the government passed legislation to sharply increase visa application fees.
5. Trump’s Pearl Harbour joke falls flat in Japan over his ‘disrespectful remarks’

People across Japan have recoiled in shock over US President Donald Trump’s joke about the attack on Pearl Harbour in the presence of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the White House, perceiving the incident as an insult to a long-time ally of Washington.
6. Is Pakistan building ICBMs? Non-proliferation experts dispute US warning
A US intelligence assessment warning of a potential threat from Pakistan’s prospective intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) has been challenged by nuclear non-proliferation experts, who say Islamabad’s defence programme is focused on regional deterrence rather than targeting the American “homeland”.
7. ‘Super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to growing old well? Stay busy

The clack of mahjong tiles, the soft rattle of exercise bikes and the slow thrum of sewing machines are the soundtrack to Monday afternoons at the Yong-en Active Hub: a senior centre with the vibe of a social club, where new skills and friendships are the antidote to old age.


Cheaper durians for China, Hong Kong helpers camp in tents: 5 weekend reads you missed

King Charles’ gift amuses Chinese, anti-spy agency makes allegation: SCMP’s 7 highlights

A 60-year-old Singaporean pole dancer, Guizhou’s spicy food: 7 Lifestyle highlights

China’s EV makers to cut charging times; Tesla rival Li Auto’s expansion: 7 EV reads

SCMP Highlights

South Korean weapon outdoes US rival, Singapore’s secret to aging well: 7 Asia highlights

Visitors look at the KM-SAM Cheongung missile system during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in October last year. Photo: AFP

Farouk’s wife gave birth in a Malaysian immigration detention centre a day after the family was arrested. Photo: Ushar Daniele

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her fist while delivering remarks during a dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Elderly citizens gather at the Yong-en Active Hub to take part in art, language and exercise classes, or socialise with others over board games like Rummikub. Photo: Kolette Lim

Why Southeast Asian nations are vulnerable to the fuel crisis as Iran war rages on

People queue to buy petrol at a station in Hanoi amid disruptions in supply and price surges due to the Iran war. Photo: Reuters

Prices shown at a gas station in Phnom Penh. Photo: Aidan Jones

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul speaks at a press conference on March 20. He has warned against fuel hoarders amid the energy supply crunch brought on by the Middle East conflict. Photo: EPA

US eyes a Philippine ammo facility as opposition warns of ‘warmongering’

Philippine soldiers load ammunition into an Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (Armos) during a live-fire exercise in 2024. Photo: AFP

Philippine soldiers load ammunition into an Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System during a live-fire exercise in Tarlac province in 2024. Photo: AFP

Children play with ammunition from an attack helicopter on display during an event at Camp Aguinaldo, the Philippines, in 2014. Photo: AFP

Filipino protesters burn a composite picture of US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr center to condemn the Iran war during a rally in Manila on March 6. Photo: AP

News

Asia

From Trump’s Pear Harbour joke to ‘super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to aging well, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From Trump’s Pear Harbour joke to ‘super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to aging well, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


South Korean weapon outdoes US rival, Singapore’s secret to aging well: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Trump’s Pear Harbour joke to ‘super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to aging well, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. Why Philippines struggles to tap its US$1 trillion mineral wealth

From Trump’s Pear Harbour joke to ‘super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to aging well, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting