This Week in Asia /

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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
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.

Indonesia

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

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Singapore

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

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India

Indian woman’s ‘extremely creepy’ online job hunt sparks cyber abuse concerns

Women say they are subjected to inappropriate behaviour during online work interviews, with one even getting molested.

A 2023 survey by LocalCircles revealed that eight in 10 urban Indian women using the internet for a range of activities struggled with online harassment, abuse and trolling. Photo: Shutterstock
A 2023 survey by LocalCircles revealed that eight in 10 urban Indian women using the internet for a range of activities struggled with online harassment, abuse and trolling. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

Japan

Manga icons like Sailor Moon teach Japanese train etiquette to foreign tourists

The campaign follows a survey indicating that over 60 per cent of Japanese train users have been ‘annoyed’ by the behaviour of foreign tourists.

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Japan

Brazilian F1 fan’s death in Japan stirs nationalistic debate on foreign crime

Influencer Amanda Borges da Silva had posted about how much she loved Japan and told her mother that she felt safe in the country.

Amanda Borges da Silva at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Photo: Instagram/ammandaborges
Amanda Borges da Silva at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka. Photo: Instagram/ammandaborges
Japan

Red light to yellow alley? Street colour change in Japan reduces prostitution

Police believe the striking colour makes the streetwalkers and their potential clients feel uncomfortably conspicuous.

South Korea

Dolls’ ‘over-sexualised’ image sparks complaints in South Korean city

The ‘Dongtan Missy’ doll and similar ones are clad in provocative dresses with plunging cleavages, triggering calls to stop the sale of such figures.

Japan

Survey finds 45% of Japan’s workers are ‘quiet quitting’, defying grind culture

The poll found most who identified as quiet quitters were satisfied with doing just enough at work – and intend to continue.

According to the results of a new survey, 45 per cent of Japan’s full-time workforce is engaging in “quiet quitting” – doing just enough to get by without striving for promotions or recognition. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Japan’s low press freedom ranking signals self-censorship remains rife: analysts

Political pressure affects media coverage in Japan as journalists fear angering the government over their reporting, analysts say.

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Japan ranked 66th out of 180 countries and regions for press freedom in the annual Reporters Without Borders survey. Photo: AFP
Japan ranked 66th out of 180 countries and regions for press freedom in the annual Reporters Without Borders survey. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Kidnap of Malaysian witness by ‘police officers’ sparks public safety fears

Pamela Ling’s abduction while on her way to testify is the latest in a series of vanishings involving businesspeople and activists.

South Korea

‘Detrimental to K-pop’? How NewJeans saga upends South Korea’s music industry

Amid industry concern about similar moves by other artists, the group’s dispute may also prompt a review of the K-pop system, analysts say.

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Japan

Baker tops list of dream jobs for Japanese 6-year-olds but YouTuber rising fast

Survey shows girls still drawn to sweets and stardom, while boys look to badges, baseball and, increasingly, content creation.

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First-grade students and their teacher Teruko Takakusaki pose for a photo during lunch at Takinogawa Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Beauty and beast: is Malaysia’s booming beauty industry a front for drug gangs?

A beauty influencer has been arrested in Malaysia after police uncovered a kilo of methamphetamine and links to a major drug syndicate.

Malaysian police say drug syndicates are using beauty influencers to launder money for them. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysian police say drug syndicates are using beauty influencers to launder money for them. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia

Indonesians criticise public transport mandate for Jakarta’s civil servants

The civil servants have to take public transport every Wednesday in the capital, which is ranked the world’s seventh most congested city.

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South Korea

‘Not an easy path’: K-pop’s Bain breaks taboos as ‘first’ openly gay idol

South Korea remains deeply divided over LGBTQ acceptance, with 50 per cent opposing same-sex marriage, according to a survey last year.

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Malaysia

Mistrust of Malaysian healthcare by Orang Asli minority grows after leprosy death

The Orang Asli community is seeking answers after a teenager’s preventable leprosy-related death.

Close up of a person suffering from leprosy. Photo: Shutterstock
Close up of a person suffering from leprosy. Photo: Shutterstock
Japan

Fake Japanese police uniform, reportedly from China, sparks real-life concerns

Concerns have arisen over images of a man wearing a realistic Japanese police uniform, suggesting a risk of impersonating an officer, which is illegal in Japan.

Thailand

‘Life worth living’: an Irish man’s mission to save Thailand’s stray dogs

Niall Harbison aims to reduce Thailand’s street dog population through sterilisation and care, gaining global attention and celebrity support.

Japan

Naked man’s deadly rampage in Japan leaves public demanding answers from police

“I shouldn’t talk about it,” he said when arrested, leading people to speculate on the motive behind his bizarre behaviour.

A naked man went on a rampage stealing and crashing cars, and assaulting people in Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Philippines’ new digital nomad visa: a boost for tourism or Pogo loophole?

Strict laws should be put in place to prevent these visas from being exploited by banned offshore gaming operators, critics warn.

Philippines is looking to attract digital nomads with its new visa. Photo: Shutterstock
Philippines is looking to attract digital nomads with its new visa. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

Quick-thinking South Korean police rescue woman after silent 112 call for help

The wordless phone call received a rapid police response thanks to Senior Patrol Officer Kim Hye-jin’s instincts and training.

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Japan

‘Panda politics’: sorrow and suspicion in Japan as China recalls 4 pandas

With the animals’ return in June before the expiry of a loan agreement, Japan will be left with just two pandas at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo.

Japan

As tourist bookings plunge over earthquake prophecies, Japan shuts down rumours

The Chinese embassy in Tokyo inadvertently added to the fears by warning citizens to take precautions against natural disasters.

Foreign tourists gather on a platform at Kyoto station on April 16. Photo: AFP
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