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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. US call centre bill threatens Philippines’ US$30 billion outsourcing boom
As dusk settles over Angeles City, Justin Cunanan prepares for another long night. While the rest of the Philippines sleeps, he joins millions of his compatriots powering a global industry that is now facing threats from both Washington and Silicon Valley.
2. Why a US$70 day trip to Johor is now Singaporeans’ favourite leisure hack
Every month, Rachel Tan, a 53-year-old Singaporean tutor, boards a bus across the 1km (0.6 mile) causeway for a day trip to Malaysia’s Johor state, where she stocks up on groceries and treats herself to lunch and a film.
3. Price surge weighs on gold, silver sales in India’s Diwali market
Record-high gold and silver prices fuelled by US-China friction have dented demand for the precious metal in key consumer market India, in the lead-up to the peak buying period for the Diwali festival.
4. Asia’s youngest nation nears the end of its epic quest to belong

With East Timor finally poised to join the Asean family, its leaders and people are clear-eyed about the hard work ahead.
5. From ‘love hotel’ meetings to abuse, Japanese politicians get mired in scandals
As Japan grapples with an uncertain leadership transition, a rash of domestic scandals risks further contributing to its political circus.
6. Heart Evangelista: how a Filipino style icon’s wealth came under fire
As the Philippines reels from a deepening corruption scandal rattling its political elite, one of its brightest social media stars has found herself at the centre of a national reckoning over wealth, privilege and accountability.
7. South Korea bans travel to notorious scam complex zones in Cambodia
South Korea has banned travel to certain parts of Cambodia after the death of a college student, reportedly kidnapped and tortured by a crime ring, shocked the nation and led to calls for stronger government intervention.


Southeast Asia’s climate; Singaporeans and a work ethic stereotype: 7 Asia highlights

Trump’s China trip assessed, South Korea’s AI problem: 5 weekend reads you missed

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China hosts Trump at Temple of Heaven; Hong Kong sushi parasite video: SCMP’s 7 highlights

SCMP Highlights

Heart Evangelista’s wealth under fire, Singaporeans flock to Johor: 7 Asia highlights

Heart Evangelista at Paris Fashion Week in June 2023. Photo: Getty Images

East Timorese activists hold a pro-independence protest in the capital of Dili in 1999. Photo: Reuters

Japan arrests man in first AI porn case involving deepfakes of J-pop idols and actresses

Illustration of deepfake technology. Photo: Shutterstock

South Korean breast cancer event under fire for celebrity partying, lack of awareness

Celebrities drink and dine at W Korea’s “Love Your W 2025” breast cancer awareness campaign at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul on Wednesday. Photo: wkorea

Celebrities at W Korea’s “Love Your W 2025” breast cancer awareness campaign at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul on Wednesday. Photo: Instagram/wkorea

Australians charged with murder over Bali shooting, could face death penalty

Australian suspect Darcy Francesco Jenson (centre), one of three men accused of murder over the shooting of Australian citizens, is escorted back to a prison after being questioned by prosecutors in Badung, Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Australian suspect Mevlut Coskun (centre) is escorted back to a prison after being questioned by prosecutors in Badung, Bali, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Australian suspect Tupou Pasa I Midolmore (centre) is escorted back to a prison after being questioned by prosecutors in Badung, Bali, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

News

Asia

From Diwali’s dented gold demand to Asia’s youngest nation poised to join Asean, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From Diwali’s dented gold demand to Asia’s youngest nation poised to join Asean, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


Heart Evangelista’s wealth under fire, Singaporeans flock to Johor: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Diwali’s dented gold demand to Asia’s youngest nation poised to join Asean, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. US call centre bill threatens Philippines’ US$30 billion outsourcing boom

From Diwali’s dented gold demand to Asia’s youngest nation poised to join Asean, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting