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Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manobal, better known as Lisa of Blackpink, arrives for the 2025 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5 in New York. Photo: Reuters
Thailand

Lisa’s Thai fans lash out at rapper Azealia Banks after transphobic tirade

Banks’ offensive social media meltdown exploded into a racially-charged online battle with the K-pop star’s Thai supporters.

The Philippines

Philippines confirms US funding for railway project amid foreign aid freeze

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The Philippines

Philippines votes in midterm polls that could seal Sara Duterte’s fate

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SCMP Highlights

US-China talks in Geneva, why Indonesians are ‘flourishing’: 5 weekend reads

From China and the US’ trade talks in Geneva to why Indonesians are ‘flourishing’, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

A press briefing is held by the Chinese side following the US-China high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 11, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
A press briefing is held by the Chinese side following the US-China high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 11, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Mother’s Day heartbreak for Malaysian elephant mourning calf in viral video

Distressing footage shows the mother desperately trying to move the lorry that crushed her baby on a Malaysian highway.

Singapore

Is the Singapore dollar’s stellar run about to end?

The city state’s currency is up about 5 per cent versus the US dollar this year. But headwinds appear to be picking up.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ Duterte expected to win Davao mayor race from behind bars

The incarcerated ex-president is tipped to reclaim his mayoral seat in Monday’s midterm elections, while his allies fight for Senate control.

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Then-Davao City mayor Duterte raises a clenched fist to supporters while campaigning for the Philippine presidency in 2016. Photo: AFP
Then-Davao City mayor Duterte raises a clenched fist to supporters while campaigning for the Philippine presidency in 2016. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

Philippines crafts South China Sea strategy to survive political change

After swinging between Beijing and Washington, Manila seeks a steadier maritime policy that will endure beyond the current administration.

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Indonesia

In Indonesia, nickel miners warn of mass lay-offs as royalty rise hits profits

The Indonesian government’s bid to boost state revenue and fund projects with higher mining royalties is being met with an industry backlash.

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The Philippines

Philippine election: ‘Mr Malasakit’ on track for win on gratitude vote

Christopher Go is synonymous with one-stop healthcare centres that provide aid to the poor, garnering him ‘agnostic’ voter preference.

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Philippine Senator Christopher “Bong” Go with Rodrigo Duterte (left) in Manila in 2021. Photo: AFP
New Zealand

New Zealand’s Asian security footprint grows as it turns ‘hawkish’ on China

Analysts say Wellington’s new visiting forces agreement with the Philippines signals a more ‘alliance-like’ approach to foreign policy.

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New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins (left) and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr shake hands after a bilateral meeting in Metro Manila on April 30. Photo: EPA-EFE
New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins (left) and Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr shake hands after a bilateral meeting in Metro Manila on April 30. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

Marcos touts Philippines economic gains ahead of midterm election

The president also repeated his pledge to defend Philippine territory, as his government contends with lingering tensions with Beijing.

Malaysia

Malaysia extends term of anti-corruption head by one year

Azam Baki’s previous reappointments as chief commissioner agency led to public debate about Anwar’s pledges to improve Malaysia’s governance.

The Philippines

Tragedy on Philippine roads stirs grief, outrage – and calls for reform

From unlicensed drivers to substandard infrastructure, the deadly aftermath of recent crashes is forcing a reckoning on Philippine roads.

Workers tow a vehicle that crashed into the entrance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Manila on May 4, killing two and injuring several others. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Could ‘flourishing’ Indonesians teach even happy Nordic dwellers a thing or two?

Harvard researchers claim first-ever study measures factors that go beyond wealth, and is more encompassing than usual world happiness surveys.

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Indonesia has been ranked as the world’s “most-flourishing” country. Photo: Getty Images
Indonesia has been ranked as the world’s “most-flourishing” country. Photo: Getty Images
Singapore

Singapore actress accused of calling Chinese nationals ‘idiots’ in voice clip

Eleanor Lee is facing backlash after users on RedNote alleged she was the speaker in the leaked audio clip.

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The Philippines

Philippines to probe claims of sand dredging for China’s maritime expansion

A Philippine intelligence official says sand from Manila Bay and elsewhere may have been used as landfill for Chinese military outposts.

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Indonesia

Indonesian spirits soar in the Netherlands as Europe’s first Balinese temple opens

Constructed using materials brought directly from the Indonesian island, the temple was fully funded by the local Balinese community.

Guests attend the inauguration ceremony of the Santa Citta Bhuwana Temple in Kallenkote, Netherlands. Photo: Instagram/@tamanindonesia
Guests attend the inauguration ceremony of the Santa Citta Bhuwana Temple in Kallenkote, Netherlands. Photo: Instagram/@tamanindonesia
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Nurul Izzah Anwar aims for PKR’s No 2, rebuts ‘family party’ claims

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s eldest child says her family has faced nepotism claims since her father started the reform movement in 1998.

Electric & new energy vehicles

Chinese company may step in as LG exits Indonesia EV battery project

Indonesia’s state-owned Antara news agency reported that the Energy, Mineral and Coal Suppliers Association warned LGES’s exit could derail the EV industry road map.

Singapore

Singapore jails man for indecent act with foster son

The man, 63, pretended he had to ‘check’ the boy’s body before allowing him to use the computer.

The foster father, 63, was jailed for a year and a month on Thursday after he earlier pleaded guilty to committing an indecent act with a child. Photo: AFP
Thailand

Thailand suspends 2 doctors over ex-PM Thaksin’s hospital stay

The doctors were involved in issuing medical certificates for Thaksin, with supposed discrepancies between their reports and his condition.

Thaksin, 75, returned to Thailand in August 2023 after more than a decade overseas. Photo: AFP
Thaksin, 75, returned to Thailand in August 2023 after more than a decade overseas. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

‘Junta in the way’: Myanmar quake crisis worsens amid air strikes, scarce UN aid

Myanmar’s junta is conducting air strikes after a deadly earthquake, despite a ceasefire, while a US$275 million UN aid appeal has received only US$34 million.

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India-Pakistan tensions

Could India-Pakistan conflict mean empty rice bowls around Asia?

India is the world’s biggest and Pakistan the fourth-largest exporters of rice to import-reliant Southeast Asian nations.

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The Philippines

Philippines badly needs priests. Could a Filipino pope boost clergy ranks?

‘A pope speaking Filipino, plain Filipino, talking to you like he’s talking to you directly … it will be an inspiration,’ a seminarian says.

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Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a mourning mass for Pope Francis at the Vatican on May 4. Photo: Reuters
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