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. Anwar’s Trump card: why Malaysia wants US president at Asean summit
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has prioritised pragmatism over ideology in sticking to his guns on inviting US President Donald Trump to attend the Asean summit this month, observers say.
2. ‘Singaporeans-first assurance’ needed after population hits record 6.11 million
With Singapore’s population at a high of more than 6.1 million, fuelled by foreign worker influx, more assurance should be given to locals on public infrastructure integrity and that they will remain the core of the labour market, according to analysts.
3. Lying flat or just resting? Asia’s Gen Z rejects the rat race
For decades, hard work and higher education promised a ticket to prosperity for Asia’s youth. But that old bargain is now breaking down