This Week in Asia /

People

Related Topics:
Anwar Ibrahim
Xi Jinping
Narendra Modi
Police officers inspect the scene of the attack in Osaka, western Japan, on Thursday. Photo: Kyodo News via AP
Japan

Resentful Japan man admits driving SUV into schoolchildren in Osaka

The 28-year-old suspect, who recently quit his job, told police he had deliberately targeted the children as they walked home from school.

South Korea

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

videocam
Malaysia

Malaysia’s evergreen Mahathir, older than Superman and sliced bread, eyes 100

Vietnam

50 years since the war ended, US-Vietnam ties show signs of strain again

As world leaders watched Vietnam celebrate reunification, Washington’s minimal turnout did not go unnoticed.

videocam
13
Vietnamese veterans take part in a parade on Wednesday during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Vietnam war. Photo: AP
Vietnamese veterans take part in a parade on Wednesday during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the end of the Vietnam war. Photo: AP
Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: PAP’s potential seat loss vs balanced parliament narrative

Political parties clash on cost of living, GST and need for more voices in parliament versus a stronger mandate for the PM.

20
Malaysia

Malaysia’s anti-graft agency seeks powers to claw back billions in illicit funds

The MACC is seeking new powers to negotiate the return of large sums of money without first having to press charges.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Thailand

‘Is this the Thailand we want?’ Brutal murder exposes tourist boom’s dark side

Police say a Chinese national confessed to the horrific killing of a transgender woman in Pattaya, fuelling concerns about visitor screening.

The body of Woranun Pannacha, 25, was discovered early on Saturday in a rented room in Pattaya. Photo: Handout
The body of Woranun Pannacha, 25, was discovered early on Saturday in a rented room in Pattaya. Photo: Handout
South Korea

Student in South Korea injures 7 during stabbing rampage at Cheongju high school

Police are investigating the motive behind the shocking attack that injured educators, staff and a parent.

videocam
Japan

Did Japan kill 30 million? US historian’s book ignites nationalist fury

Accusing US historian Bryan Rigg of ‘propaganda’, Japanese conservatives are actively working to discredit his account of WWII atrocities.

22
Japan

Man’s rescue from Mount Fuji twice after bid to retrieve phone sparks anger

Many in Japan are demanding that the 27-year-old Chinese man, who lives in the country, pay for the costs of rescuing him twice.

videocam
A man had to be rescued twice from Mount Fuji by Japanese authorities after he attempted to climb the mountain and felt ill. Photo: Getty Images
US-Asean relations

The Southeast Asians facing exile from the US to a land they’ve never known

After surviving a CIA-led war and building lives in America, Laotian migrants are now being detained and deported with little warning.

22
May of those who are deported to Laos from the US have no family ties or support networks in the country. Photo: Getty Images
May of those who are deported to Laos from the US have no family ties or support networks in the country. Photo: Getty Images
The Philippines

Remembering Nora Aunor: actress, ‘rebel’ and the Philippines’ ‘Superstar’

Filipino screenwriter Ricardo Lee pays tribute to Aunor, who spent her career fighting stereotypes and giving voice to the marginalised.

Bangladesh

Exclusive | Bangladesh’s new leader dreams big, with a little help from China

A popular revolt that ousted the kleptocratic Sheikh Hasina thrust Muhammad Yunus, 84, into power. Now he’s looking to China for help.

South Korea

‘I’m sorry’: man arrested after fatal Seoul supermarket stabbing spree

Local police are investigating whether the suspect has a history of mental illness and the reason for the attack.

videocam
A man has been arrested in South Korea following a stabbing spree in a supermarket in Seoul that left one woman dead and another injured. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Malaysian journalist in bribe scandal returns, vows to report ‘without fear’

B. Nantha Kumar has been allowed back to Malaysiakini after an internal inquiry cleared him, although he still faces a criminal trial.

Malaysiakini journalist B. Nantha Kumar has returned to work. Photo: Facebook/Nantha Kumar Balachandram
Malaysiakini journalist B. Nantha Kumar has returned to work. Photo: Facebook/Nantha Kumar Balachandram
Indonesia

Indonesians mourn Pope Francis’ death: ‘we were so proud of him’

Indonesians across the Muslim-majority nation share warm messages of support as they remember the late pontiff’s compassion and humility.

South Korea

Lee Jae-myung leads South Korea polls amid political turmoil and US tariffs

Support for Lee keeps rising while his rival, acting President Han Duck-soo, stays coy about his intentions for the June 3 snap elections.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines

‘We grieve like orphans’: Filipinos mourn death of Pope Francis

Many Filipinos recall the pontiff’s supportive and caring ways, saying he ‘gave voice to the marginalised, the voiceless and powerless’.

videocam
A Filipino offers a candle in front of a picture of Pope Francis, following the Vatican’s announcement of the pontiff’s death, at the Manila Cathedral in Manila, the Philippines, on Monday. Photo: Reuters
A Filipino offers a candle in front of a picture of Pope Francis, following the Vatican’s announcement of the pontiff’s death, at the Manila Cathedral in Manila, the Philippines, on Monday. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japan’s youth suicide crisis worsens with record student deaths reported in 2024

School anxiety, depression and family struggles were cited as major causes.

videocam
Malaysia

Malay-speaking Chinese journalists become overnight sensation in Malaysia

In soft-power win, viral video of Chinese journalists describing their lunch in fluent Malay has earned praise from Malaysians.

The Philippines

As Sara Duterte backs Imee Marcos, will it sway Philippine Senate elections?

A last-minute political gamble sees the president’s sister seeking to revive her campaign by tapping into the vice-president’s popularity.

videocam
Philippine Senator Imee Marcos presides over a Committee of Foreign Affairs hearing on March 20 following Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

‘Risking our lives’: Indonesians warn of dangers in Cambodian scam compounds

Indonesians promised employment in Cambodia say they were instead forced to work long hours in shadowy compounds scamming victims.

videocam
Indonesian authorities say there were 515 reported cases “related to online scams” from Cambodia in the first six months of 2023. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesian authorities say there were 515 reported cases “related to online scams” from Cambodia in the first six months of 2023. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea

North Korean phishing attack used K-pop and horoscope lures: South Korean police

The police said that over 120,000 emails laced with malware and links to spoofed websites were sent to nearly 18,000 individuals.

videocam
Indonesia

US tourist deported from Bali after rampage at medical clinic

Footage depicts the 27-year-old man screaming and destroying property in the clinic in Badung despite attempts to stop him.

4
Malaysia

‘Stamp out cross-dressing’: Malaysian sarong event under fire for LGBTQ exclusion

The organiser of Keretapi Sarong is facing backlash after saying gender-nonconforming participants are not welcome.

videocam
Participants of Keretapi Sarong 2023 at Independence Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: Ultron90 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW