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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. ‘Dirtiest town in Asia’: Malaysian MP told to clean up act after viral backlash

A lawmaker representing a Malaysian tourist town on the island of Borneo has come under fire after a viral video labelled it “Asia’s dirtiest town”, prompting condemnation from the public and fellow politicians.
2. ‘I’m scared he’ll snap’: Singapore’s high-rise noisy neighbour feuds turn deadly
A fatal dispute, reportedly over noise, has sparked a debate on the existing rules and enforcement measures for community dispute resolution.
3. First booze, now beef? Malaysia called to extend menu ban at government events

First it was alcohol, now it is beef facing calls for a ban from Malaysian government functions, out of respect for the country’s Buddhists and Hindus, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration is asked to appease the multiracial country’s different religions.
4. Nationwide epidemic declared in Japan as flu season hits early
An unprecedented early surge in influenza cases has compelled Japan’s health authorities to declare a nationwide epidemic, as medical experts warn the virus may be evolving faster and spreading more easily than ever before.
5. Malaysia’s Petronas CEO sorry for ‘misplaced exuberance’ at F1 champagne shower

Malaysia’s top state energy official has apologised after facing backlash at home for taking part in a champagne-spraying celebration at the Singapore Grand Prix, in the latest controversy over Islamic norms and the conduct of government-linked companies.
6. Japan is getting a new leader, but her government could be over before it begins
Sanae Takaichi is poised to make history as Japan’s first female prime minister, but her government may be imperilled before it even begins amid a deepening rift within the ruling coalition.
7. Singapore 2025 wage growth lowest in Southeast Asia, edges out Hong Kong: study

Wages in Singapore grew by 4.3 per cent this year, the lowest in Southeast Asia, but slightly higher than the 3.9 per cent rate in Hong Kong, a study has found.


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Leaders Xi, Putin meet over tea; rare earth find in northeast China: SCMP’s 7 highlights

SCMP Highlights

Malaysian CEO sorry for F1 champagne shower, Singaporean wages stagnate: 7 Asia highlights

Screenshot from a viral video by travel influencer Ben Frier describing the Malaysian town of Semporna. Photo: Instagram/backpacker.ben

People walk out for a lunch break in the Raffles Place financial business district in Singapore. The manpower ministry has said labour market adjustments will come mainly through slower hiring and moderated wage growth. Photo: AFP

A party in Malaysia is asking for beef not to be served during government functions. Photo: Shutterstock

Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz (left) celebrates on the podium with champagne during the Singapore Grand Prix on October 5. Photo: Formula 1/Getty Images

The central business district skyline in Singapore. Photo: Reuters

Asia’s youth lie flat, Indonesian megaproject downgrade: 7 Asia highlights

A young Korean job-seeker looks for employment opportunities at a women’s university in Seoul. Photo: AFP

Illustration: Huy Truong

People take photos in front of the presidential palace in Nusantara, East Kalimantan, in August. Photo: AFP

Fans dance inside a cinema during the screening of Indian actor Rajinikanth’s new Tamil-language movie “Coolie” on the first day of its release in Mumbai on August 14. Photo: AFP

Japan’s Nobel wins shine light on worrying brain drain, especially to ‘generous’ China

Shimon Sakaguchi is applauded on Tuesday after being named the winner of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine with two American scientists. Photo: Kyodo

Shimon Sakaguchi (left) speaks on the phone to Yoshinori Ohsumi, winner of the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 2016, on Tuesday. Photo: Kyodo

Singapore 2025 wage growth lowest in Southeast Asia, but edges out Hong Kong: study

Office workers relax along the quay during lunchtime next to the Raffles Place financial business district in Singapore. About 21 per cent of firms this year say they expect expansion of between 5 and 20 per cent, the Aon study has found. Photo: AFP

News

Asia

From backlash over the ‘dirtiest town in Asia’ to trouble for Japan’s new PM, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From backlash over the ‘dirtiest town in Asia’ to trouble for Japan’s new PM, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


Malaysian CEO sorry for F1 champagne shower, Singaporean wages stagnate: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From backlash over the ‘dirtiest town in Asia’ to trouble for Japan’s new PM, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. ‘Dirtiest town in Asia’: Malaysian MP told to clean up act after viral backlash

From backlash over the ‘dirtiest town in Asia’ to trouble for Japan’s new PM, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting