Japan’s Russia concern, businesses choose Malaysia over Singapore: 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. Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front warJapan’s call to maintain “impeccable” defences on its northern frontier reflects Tokyo’s deepening concern over growing Russian military activity in the region, analysts say.2. Rising costs in Singapore spur business migration as regional alternatives riseThe Kuala Lumpur city skyline in Malaysia. Analysts say Kuala Lumpur is a “highly complementary partner” to Singapore. Photo: ShutterstockRecent moves by companies such as Gardenia and H&M to shift some operations from Singapore across the Causeway have put the spotlight on Malaysia’s growing appeal as a more affordable base for businesses facing high costs and a tight labour market in the city state.3. After years in tiny cages, 27 moon bears finally taste freedom in LaosA moon bear rescued from an illegal bear bile farm in Laos. Photo: Free the BearsThe raid on a brutal bile extraction facility disguised as a zoo was believed to be the largest in Southeast Asian history.4. Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages PakistanFor many years, India was a key training ground for many of Bangladesh’s senior officials, as well as a source of support and regional guidance. Now, some are being trained in Pakistan, a symbolic shift that has unsettled New Delhi and offered an early clue to how Dhaka’s new government wants to deal with its neighbours.5. 17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absenceSeventeen countries have agreed to collaborate on defence strategies for critical marine infrastructure such as undersea cables, an effort that analysts warn may be undermined by the absence of superpower involvement.6. Reel politik: India tells filmmakers to drop ‘China-bashing’ as ties warmAs India and China work to steady their relationship after years of border tension, Indian filmmakers say projects inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes are being reworked, delayed or shelved following official warnings against “China-bashing”.7. Shotgun sacrifice: anger as Malaysian state leader shoots Eid cowA still from the 38-second clip showing Perlis chief minister Abu Bakar Hamzah shooting at a cow with a shotgun at an Eid ul-Adha event. Photo: XA Malaysian state chief minister is under police investigation after a viral video showed him shooting a sacrificial cow with a shotgun at an Eid ul-Adha event, triggering public anger and questions over gun use, animal welfare and Islamic slaughter rules.Further Reading