China doubts Musk’s Starship future; ex-TSMC chip prodigy returns: SCMP’s 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond 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. Concerns mount in China’s space sector that Musk’s Starship will be a failureThere are growing doubts within China’s space sector that Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket being developed by SpaceX in the United States, will ever overcome its engineering and financial challenges and deliver for founder and CEO Elon Musk.2. Chip prodigy Da Bo returns to China after his role in TSMC’s 3nm plant in JapanA Chinese chip pioneer who made his name in Japan – sweeping its top awards and developing the core components of the world’s most advanced production line – has returned to China, along with his team of researchers.3. Actress Lin Chi-ling quits Taiwan culture board amid backlashActress and model Lin Chi-ling at a jewellery promotion event in 2023 in Taipei. Photo: VCG via Getty ImagesChinese authorities praised the decision of Taiwanese actress and model Lin Chi-ling to quit her position as a new board member of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), after her appointment drew backlash.4. What India’s ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier’ near Malacca means for its China tiesThe global energy crisis stemming from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has added complexity to already competitive China-India maritime relations.5. Hong Kong principal who swore at Singapore security guards resigns, apologisesLee Cheuk-hing had been on school trip to Singapore when the incident occurred. Photo: HandoutA Hong Kong secondary school principal filmed swearing at security guards during a student trip to Singapore has resigned and apologised for his failure to “lead by example”.6. Malaysia’s ruling coalition faces test over Selangor non-Muslim worship rulesA dispute over where churches and temples can operate in Malaysia’s richest state has become an awkward political test for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling coalition, which came to power promising to protect the country’s multiracial and multi-faith society.7. China mum makes son pedal sewing machine during homework for focus, sparks debateA mother in China has improved her son’s focus while he is doing homework by having him peddle a sewing machine as he works. Photo: WeiboA mother in central China has captivated mainland social media with an unconventional homework hack that has her restless son pedalling an old sewing machine while studying.Further Reading