Monday, 29 Sep 2025

Stay ahead of Asia’s biggest stories. Get our weekly news digest delivered to your inbox – it’s free!

Economy
EconomyShow More

Maruhachi Tonkatsu Boss Eyes Careful Comeback After Outlet Closures
From Kopitiam Experiment to Five-Stall MainstayWhen a $9.80 pork katsu don appeared…

September 29, 2025

Inland China is rising Wuhan Chongqing and Xining power a new map of growth
A turning point for the hinterlandInland China is moving into the spotlight.…

September 28, 2025

Rising Prices, Stretched Kitchens: Why Japanese Households Rank Inflation as Top Concern
Households put cost of living firstInflation is back as a kitchen table…

September 28, 2025

How Asian Dirty Money Keeps Finding a Home in UK Property
London under renewed scrutiny as Asian probes trace funds to prime addressesFor…

September 27, 2025

German Companies Select Japan as Asia Manufacturing Hub
A strategic pivot to Japan amid global uncertaintyGerman manufacturers are recasting Japan…

September 27, 2025
Education
EducationShow More

South Korea passes 250,000 international students as Study Korea 300K gains pace
A new milestone for Korean campusesSouth Korea has crossed a long anticipated…

September 29, 2025

Hong Kong to lift non local student cap to 50 percent, housing and integration in focus
Why the quota is rising nowChief Executive John Lee Ka chiu’s latest…

September 29, 2025

Confucius Institutes in Africa, Language, Soft Power, and Local Agency
From language classrooms to power and partnershipsMiradie Tchekpo recently turned a classroom…

September 28, 2025

Taliban Internet Blackout Devastates Afghan Girls’ Education
A sudden blackout that targets connectivityAt 7pm on a recent evening in…

September 27, 2025

Viral Happy Corner hazing at Miri youth institute triggers suspensions and anti bullying push
A viral video forces a hard line on campus bullyingA brief video…

September 27, 2025
Entertainment
EntertainmentShow More

One Million Gather as Seoul International Fireworks Festival Lights the Han River
A night of color, music and meticulous crowd controlThe Seoul International Fireworks…

September 28, 2025

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2025: Date, Show Highlights, and How to Navigate the Crowds
A blockbuster night on the Han RiverThe Seoul International Fireworks Festival returns…

September 24, 2025

Tempest ignites China backlash as Jun Ji Hyun and K culture come under fire
Early hopes for a thaw collide with a new storm over TempestDisney+'s…

September 23, 2025

Starbucks Japan teams with Gelato Pique for pajama inspired latte and cozy goods
A cozy collaboration that taps into Japans love of cute comfortStarbucks Japan…

September 23, 2025

Ueno Panda Mid-Autumn Festival draws big crowds and cultural energy in Tokyo
A lively start at Ueno ParkTokyo’s Ueno Park has opened its gates…

September 23, 2025
Environment
EnvironmentShow More

Green Hydrogen Proving Ground in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture
Why Yamanashi is becoming Japan's hydrogen laboratoryAt the foot of Mt. Fuji,…

September 29, 2025

Japan Widens Nankai Trough Megaquake Risk to 60 to 90 Percent, Stresses Readiness
New risk range, same urgencyJapan has widened its estimate of the chance…

September 28, 2025

How Japan’s LNG Bets Ripple Through Aboriginal Communities in Australia’s Northern Territory
A remote coastline at the center of a global gas tradeOn a…

September 27, 2025

Ingka Investments backs China recycler Remo to scale food grade plastic recycling
A fresh push to turn food packaging into high quality plastic againPlastic…

September 27, 2025

The Ganges River Is Drying Faster Than Ever: Causes and Consequences
A lifeline under pressureThe Ganges, or Ganga, flows more than 2,500 km…

September 25, 2025
Health
HealthShow More

Inside South Korea Hangover Cure Boom: From Hovenia to Human Trials
Why the market grows while drinking slowsSouth Korea has turned the morning…

September 28, 2025

Suicide Becomes Leading Cause of Death for Koreans in Their 40s
A record year exposes a widening mental health emergencySuicide now leads midlife…

September 27, 2025

Halal Concerns Fuel Measles Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia
Inside a nine month outbreak on Madura IslandEvery day in Sumenep, a…

September 27, 2025

Vietnam Confronts Food Safety Gaps Across the Food Chain
A silent threat in daily mealsCounterfeit labels, banned chemicals, and food with…

September 25, 2025

Why Mosquitoes Are More Active in Japan’s Autumn and How to Prevent Bites
Autumn brings a surge in mosquitoesSummer heat starts to fade across Japan,…

September 24, 2025
International
InternationalShow More

JICA Withdraws Japan-Africa Hometown Exchange Program
Why JICA withdrew the Africa hometown planJapan’s international aid agency has scrapped…

September 25, 2025

China edges the US in Southeast Asia as economies and diplomacy tilt toward Beijing
A narrow lead with wide reachChina has taken a slim but consequential…

September 25, 2025

Why a Taiwan invasion remains a high risk gamble for China
A narrow window and a costly betTalk of an imminent attack on…

September 24, 2025

Europe Steps Up Presence at Taiwan’s Defence Show
Europe broadens its footprint at Taipei’s defence expoEurope made a more visible…

September 24, 2025

Thailand Finalizes Chinese Submarine Purchase as Bangkok Balances Great Powers
A milestone deal after years of uncertaintyThailand, one of the oldest US…

September 22, 2025
Politics
PoliticsShow More

China drafts ethnic unity law to expand ideological control at home and abroad
A sweeping new law to engineer unityChina has unveiled a draft Law…

September 29, 2025

Why Singapore Turned Away Exiled Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law
A Sudden Turn at Changi AirportNathan Law, one of the most widely…

September 29, 2025

Gen Z Uprising in Nepal Leaves Dozens Dead and Brings a New Interim Leader
A nation stunned by its deadliest unrest in decadesAt least 72 people…

September 16, 2025

Flood Scandal Ignites Nationwide Protests in the Philippines as Marcos Backs a Sweeping Probe
Outrage builds as flood control scandal sparks nationwide ralliesRising public anger over…

September 16, 2025

Talks gather pace on easing Macau residency curbs for Portuguese citizens
Momentum builds for a fix after talks in MacauPortuguese Prime Minister Luís…

September 11, 2025
Science
ScienceShow More

David Baltimore and the Making of a China US Life Sciences Bridge
A scientist who built bridges across bordersDavid Baltimore, Nobel Prize winning American…

September 27, 2025

One Million Year Old Chinese Skull Recasts the Human Family Tree
A skull from China pushes human origins deeper in timeA crushed cranium…

September 27, 2025

Netherlands to Return Java Man Fossils to Indonesia
A Homecoming for the First Known Homo erectusThe Netherlands has agreed to…

September 27, 2025

Scandium Doping Revolutionizes Sodium-Ion Battery Performance
A practical leap for sodium batteriesResearchers at Tokyo University of Science report…

September 22, 2025

Korean solar desalination device reaches 3.4 liters per hour without electricity
An ultra efficient solar still from KoreaA research team at the Ulsan…

September 22, 2025
Society
SocietyShow More

Central Park opens as Bangkok’s newest urban landmark
A new centerpiece for Bangkok's CBDBangkok has a new focal point in…

September 29, 2025

Chinese Cities and Liveability Rankings: Method, Perception, and Reality
Inside the rankings puzzleGlobal lists of liveable cities often feature familiar names…

September 28, 2025

Shelter at home or evacuate? A guide for residents of reinforced concrete apartments in Japan
Who should use evacuation shelters and when home sheltering makes senseResidents of…

September 28, 2025

Silent Luxury in Asia Pacific Redefines Status Through Craft and Rare Experiences
From loud logos to quiet masteryAcross Asia Pacific, the richest are pivoting…

September 27, 2025

Influence of Buddhist Thought on the Cambodian Constitution
Buddhist ideas at the heart of Cambodia's basic lawCambodia’s modern constitution does…

September 27, 2025
Sports
SportsShow More

How S Vegiyathuman Turned Walks and Runs Into a National Bond
Unity on foot across a diverse nationFor half a century, scenes of…

September 16, 2025

Tokyo Police Boost Security Ahead of World Athletics Championships
A city on alert as global athletics returns to TokyoTokyo has tightened…

September 13, 2025

Singapore to Host 2026 MotoGP Season Launch
A new stage for MotoGP in SingaporeMotoGP will open the 2026 campaign…

September 9, 2025

No New JRA Jockeys in 2026 as Weight Limits and Phone Rules Bite
A rare gap year for new jockeys in JapanJapan’s central horse racing…

September 5, 2025

Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns Among Expats and Tourists
Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns…

August 31, 2025
Technology
TechnologyShow More

Hong Kong Considers Fridge Door Sensors to Monitor Elderly Living Alone
Why a simple fridge door ping could save a lifeAfter a string…

September 29, 2025

US judge upholds Pentagon listing of DJI as Chinese military company
Why a US court let the Pentagon keep DJI on its military…

September 29, 2025

Inside Tech World: Taiwan chip power takes center stage at Osaka Expo
A striking tech showcase outside the Grand RingWith the Osaka Expo entering…

September 29, 2025

Inside Zeta, the AI Chat App Redefining Teen Relationships in South Korea
Why a roleplay chatbot is beating video apps for attentionIn South Korea's…

September 27, 2025

China builds 37 billion Stargate AI data center network to centralize compute
A central hub on the YangtzeChina is turning a 760 acre island…

September 25, 2025
Travel
TravelShow More

Japanese Travelers Are Rediscovering Hong Kong, From Nostalgia to Kawaii Culture
A brisk rebound amid headwindsJapanese visitors are returning to Hong Kong in…

September 28, 2025

Hong Kong readies for Golden Week crowds: 8.8 million border trips, 23 minute harbour fireworks, and citywide transport boost
A holiday week set to test Hong Kong travel networkHong Kong is…

September 28, 2025

Shanghai Surpasses Hong Kong and Tokyo as Top Destination for Young Koreans
The new weekend habit sweeping South KoreaShanghai has vaulted ahead of Tokyo…

September 27, 2025

Safety Fears Shift Chinese Tourists to Vietnam as Thailand Tries to Rebuild Trust
Why Thailand Is Losing Ground With Chinese TravelersAcross the first half of…

September 25, 2025

KTO Launches K-Local Food Trip to Spotlight 33 Regional Flavors and Traditions
A fresh push to put local kitchens on the mapThe Korea Tourism…

September 25, 2025

Monday, 29 Sep 2025

Stay ahead of Asia’s biggest stories. Get our weekly news digest delivered to your inbox – it’s free!

Economy
EconomyShow More

Maruhachi Tonkatsu Boss Eyes Careful Comeback After Outlet Closures
From Kopitiam Experiment to Five-Stall MainstayWhen a $9.80 pork katsu don appeared…

September 29, 2025

Inland China is rising Wuhan Chongqing and Xining power a new map of growth
A turning point for the hinterlandInland China is moving into the spotlight.…

September 28, 2025

Rising Prices, Stretched Kitchens: Why Japanese Households Rank Inflation as Top Concern
Households put cost of living firstInflation is back as a kitchen table…

September 28, 2025

How Asian Dirty Money Keeps Finding a Home in UK Property
London under renewed scrutiny as Asian probes trace funds to prime addressesFor…

September 27, 2025

German Companies Select Japan as Asia Manufacturing Hub
A strategic pivot to Japan amid global uncertaintyGerman manufacturers are recasting Japan…

September 27, 2025
Education
EducationShow More

South Korea passes 250,000 international students as Study Korea 300K gains pace
A new milestone for Korean campusesSouth Korea has crossed a long anticipated…

September 29, 2025

Hong Kong to lift non local student cap to 50 percent, housing and integration in focus
Why the quota is rising nowChief Executive John Lee Ka chiu’s latest…

September 29, 2025

Confucius Institutes in Africa, Language, Soft Power, and Local Agency
From language classrooms to power and partnershipsMiradie Tchekpo recently turned a classroom…

September 28, 2025

Taliban Internet Blackout Devastates Afghan Girls’ Education
A sudden blackout that targets connectivityAt 7pm on a recent evening in…

September 27, 2025

Viral Happy Corner hazing at Miri youth institute triggers suspensions and anti bullying push
A viral video forces a hard line on campus bullyingA brief video…

September 27, 2025
Entertainment
EntertainmentShow More

One Million Gather as Seoul International Fireworks Festival Lights the Han River
A night of color, music and meticulous crowd controlThe Seoul International Fireworks…

September 28, 2025

Seoul International Fireworks Festival 2025: Date, Show Highlights, and How to Navigate the Crowds
A blockbuster night on the Han RiverThe Seoul International Fireworks Festival returns…

September 24, 2025

Tempest ignites China backlash as Jun Ji Hyun and K culture come under fire
Early hopes for a thaw collide with a new storm over TempestDisney+'s…

September 23, 2025

Starbucks Japan teams with Gelato Pique for pajama inspired latte and cozy goods
A cozy collaboration that taps into Japans love of cute comfortStarbucks Japan…

September 23, 2025

Ueno Panda Mid-Autumn Festival draws big crowds and cultural energy in Tokyo
A lively start at Ueno ParkTokyo’s Ueno Park has opened its gates…

September 23, 2025
Environment
EnvironmentShow More

Green Hydrogen Proving Ground in Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture
Why Yamanashi is becoming Japan's hydrogen laboratoryAt the foot of Mt. Fuji,…

September 29, 2025

Japan Widens Nankai Trough Megaquake Risk to 60 to 90 Percent, Stresses Readiness
New risk range, same urgencyJapan has widened its estimate of the chance…

September 28, 2025

How Japan’s LNG Bets Ripple Through Aboriginal Communities in Australia’s Northern Territory
A remote coastline at the center of a global gas tradeOn a…

September 27, 2025

Ingka Investments backs China recycler Remo to scale food grade plastic recycling
A fresh push to turn food packaging into high quality plastic againPlastic…

September 27, 2025

The Ganges River Is Drying Faster Than Ever: Causes and Consequences
A lifeline under pressureThe Ganges, or Ganga, flows more than 2,500 km…

September 25, 2025
Health
HealthShow More

Inside South Korea Hangover Cure Boom: From Hovenia to Human Trials
Why the market grows while drinking slowsSouth Korea has turned the morning…

September 28, 2025

Suicide Becomes Leading Cause of Death for Koreans in Their 40s
A record year exposes a widening mental health emergencySuicide now leads midlife…

September 27, 2025

Halal Concerns Fuel Measles Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia
Inside a nine month outbreak on Madura IslandEvery day in Sumenep, a…

September 27, 2025

Vietnam Confronts Food Safety Gaps Across the Food Chain
A silent threat in daily mealsCounterfeit labels, banned chemicals, and food with…

September 25, 2025

Why Mosquitoes Are More Active in Japan’s Autumn and How to Prevent Bites
Autumn brings a surge in mosquitoesSummer heat starts to fade across Japan,…

September 24, 2025
International
InternationalShow More

JICA Withdraws Japan-Africa Hometown Exchange Program
Why JICA withdrew the Africa hometown planJapan’s international aid agency has scrapped…

September 25, 2025

China edges the US in Southeast Asia as economies and diplomacy tilt toward Beijing
A narrow lead with wide reachChina has taken a slim but consequential…

September 25, 2025

Why a Taiwan invasion remains a high risk gamble for China
A narrow window and a costly betTalk of an imminent attack on…

September 24, 2025

Europe Steps Up Presence at Taiwan’s Defence Show
Europe broadens its footprint at Taipei’s defence expoEurope made a more visible…

September 24, 2025

Thailand Finalizes Chinese Submarine Purchase as Bangkok Balances Great Powers
A milestone deal after years of uncertaintyThailand, one of the oldest US…

September 22, 2025
Politics
PoliticsShow More

China drafts ethnic unity law to expand ideological control at home and abroad
A sweeping new law to engineer unityChina has unveiled a draft Law…

September 29, 2025

Why Singapore Turned Away Exiled Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law
A Sudden Turn at Changi AirportNathan Law, one of the most widely…

September 29, 2025

Gen Z Uprising in Nepal Leaves Dozens Dead and Brings a New Interim Leader
A nation stunned by its deadliest unrest in decadesAt least 72 people…

September 16, 2025

Flood Scandal Ignites Nationwide Protests in the Philippines as Marcos Backs a Sweeping Probe
Outrage builds as flood control scandal sparks nationwide ralliesRising public anger over…

September 16, 2025

Talks gather pace on easing Macau residency curbs for Portuguese citizens
Momentum builds for a fix after talks in MacauPortuguese Prime Minister Luís…

September 11, 2025
Science
ScienceShow More

David Baltimore and the Making of a China US Life Sciences Bridge
A scientist who built bridges across bordersDavid Baltimore, Nobel Prize winning American…

September 27, 2025

One Million Year Old Chinese Skull Recasts the Human Family Tree
A skull from China pushes human origins deeper in timeA crushed cranium…

September 27, 2025

Netherlands to Return Java Man Fossils to Indonesia
A Homecoming for the First Known Homo erectusThe Netherlands has agreed to…

September 27, 2025

Scandium Doping Revolutionizes Sodium-Ion Battery Performance
A practical leap for sodium batteriesResearchers at Tokyo University of Science report…

September 22, 2025

Korean solar desalination device reaches 3.4 liters per hour without electricity
An ultra efficient solar still from KoreaA research team at the Ulsan…

September 22, 2025
Society
SocietyShow More

Central Park opens as Bangkok’s newest urban landmark
A new centerpiece for Bangkok's CBDBangkok has a new focal point in…

September 29, 2025

Chinese Cities and Liveability Rankings: Method, Perception, and Reality
Inside the rankings puzzleGlobal lists of liveable cities often feature familiar names…

September 28, 2025

Shelter at home or evacuate? A guide for residents of reinforced concrete apartments in Japan
Who should use evacuation shelters and when home sheltering makes senseResidents of…

September 28, 2025

Silent Luxury in Asia Pacific Redefines Status Through Craft and Rare Experiences
From loud logos to quiet masteryAcross Asia Pacific, the richest are pivoting…

September 27, 2025

Influence of Buddhist Thought on the Cambodian Constitution
Buddhist ideas at the heart of Cambodia's basic lawCambodia’s modern constitution does…

September 27, 2025
Sports
SportsShow More

How S Vegiyathuman Turned Walks and Runs Into a National Bond
Unity on foot across a diverse nationFor half a century, scenes of…

September 16, 2025

Tokyo Police Boost Security Ahead of World Athletics Championships
A city on alert as global athletics returns to TokyoTokyo has tightened…

September 13, 2025

Singapore to Host 2026 MotoGP Season Launch
A new stage for MotoGP in SingaporeMotoGP will open the 2026 campaign…

September 9, 2025

No New JRA Jockeys in 2026 as Weight Limits and Phone Rules Bite
A rare gap year for new jockeys in JapanJapan’s central horse racing…

September 5, 2025

Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns Among Expats and Tourists
Hong Kong National Games Ticket Sales Begin Without English Option, Prompting Concerns…

August 31, 2025
Technology
TechnologyShow More

Hong Kong Considers Fridge Door Sensors to Monitor Elderly Living Alone
Why a simple fridge door ping could save a lifeAfter a string…

September 29, 2025

US judge upholds Pentagon listing of DJI as Chinese military company
Why a US court let the Pentagon keep DJI on its military…

September 29, 2025

Inside Tech World: Taiwan chip power takes center stage at Osaka Expo
A striking tech showcase outside the Grand RingWith the Osaka Expo entering…

September 29, 2025

Inside Zeta, the AI Chat App Redefining Teen Relationships in South Korea
Why a roleplay chatbot is beating video apps for attentionIn South Korea's…

September 27, 2025

China builds 37 billion Stargate AI data center network to centralize compute
A central hub on the YangtzeChina is turning a 760 acre island…

September 25, 2025
Travel
TravelShow More

Japanese Travelers Are Rediscovering Hong Kong, From Nostalgia to Kawaii Culture
A brisk rebound amid headwindsJapanese visitors are returning to Hong Kong in…

September 28, 2025

Hong Kong readies for Golden Week crowds: 8.8 million border trips, 23 minute harbour fireworks, and citywide transport boost
A holiday week set to test Hong Kong travel networkHong Kong is…

September 28, 2025

Shanghai Surpasses Hong Kong and Tokyo as Top Destination for Young Koreans
The new weekend habit sweeping South KoreaShanghai has vaulted ahead of Tokyo…

September 27, 2025

Safety Fears Shift Chinese Tourists to Vietnam as Thailand Tries to Rebuild Trust
Why Thailand Is Losing Ground With Chinese TravelersAcross the first half of…

September 25, 2025

KTO Launches K-Local Food Trip to Spotlight 33 Regional Flavors and Traditions
A fresh push to put local kitchens on the mapThe Korea Tourism…

September 25, 2025

Singapore border policy

Why Singapore Turned Away Exiled Hong Kong Activist Nathan Law

September 29, 2025