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

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. ‘Godzilla El Nino’: Southeast Asia warned of punishing climate whiplashSoutheast Asia must brace itself for a punishing spell of climate whiplash, with an expected El Nino threatening drought-like conditions, flash floods, crop losses and haze across the region, experts have warned.2. Why airport at former US naval base in Philippines has Washington’s backingA proposed airport on a former US naval base in the Philippines near the entrance to Manila Bay is drawing fresh strategic attention after Washington agreed to fund a feasibility study, a move analysts say fits into US efforts to strengthen logistics, access and interoperability with the country in the South China Sea.3. Reality deficit: how South Korea lost the plot on AIA screenshot of the “baseball goddess” from an AI-generated video. Photo: X/kangminleeThe young woman in the stands simply sighed, turned her head and sat there, looking impossibly composed, while 15 million strangers fell briefly in love with someone who had never existed.4. Singaporeans refute lack of hunger stereotype, warn of ‘self-fulfilling bias’A recruiter’s comment on Singaporean workers supposedly lacking drive has sparked a fierce debate on evolving career goals and pay.5. Why India, Pakistan cannot afford another war right nowParamilitary soldiers patrol a street in Srinagar, Indian-run Kashmir, on May 7. Photo: EPACalls by hardline Indian political figures to resume backchannel talks with Pakistan, a year after their latest conflict, reflect the realisation that both countries cannot afford another war for the time being, analysts say.6. Thailand bars Chinese tourist for life after airport auto-gate outburstA Chinese tourist has been barred from returning to Thailand for life after he allegedly kicked and damaged automated passport control gates at Bangkok’s main airport, in a case that comes amid a wider Thai crackdown on foreign visitors accused of disorderly behaviour.7. Japan’s new spy agency: a shield against China or ‘militarist surveillance’?Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves as she departs from Canberra on May 5 after a three-day official visit to Australia. Photo: AFPJapan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pushing through legislation to establish the country’s first centralised intelligence agency since the second world war, driven by concerns that its existing set-up is too fragmented to keep pace with espionage, cyberthreats and “grey zone” operations.Further Reading