Chinese tourists high on Malaysia, why Europe is praising Lee Kuan Yew: 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. Malaysia has never had so many Chinese tourists. It wants moreAs Thailand loses its allure, Malaysia turns to viral algorithms to entice millions of independent Chinese travellers.2. Pakistan rattles India with new Chinese-built stealth submarineThe last time Pakistan’s navy operated a submarine in the Bay of Bengal, India sank it. That was 1971. Fifty-five years on, Islamabad is signalling its intent to go back.3. Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew seen as cool guy amid Europe’s deadly heatwavePeople cool down near water misters in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday. Photo: AFPSingapore’s cooling strategy, pioneered by founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, has come in for praise in Europe, which is sweltering under a deadly heatwave.4. No future at home? Inside the endless Filipino exodusVictor Lee is not the kind of man to leave behind his family without a reason, but the 34-year-old Filipino has done the sums and decided where life must take him next: Lithuania.5. South Korea’s World Cup early exit sparks fury, death threats, restaurant bansSouth Korean fans react after their team lost the 2026 World Cup football match against South Africa at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul last week. Photo: AFPFrom the president to K-pop stars, South Koreans demand an overhaul of the country’s football establishment and punishment for the failure.6. Iran survived 3 months of war. Can it survive the aftermath?Three months of war with the United States and Israel may not have broken Iran’s resistance, but its economy has been brought to its knees.7. Bangkok’s ‘Hulk’ governor wants a second chance to smash itBangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt hands out leaflets while on the campaign trail in the Thai capital. Photo: Aidan JonesYou hear “The Hulk” before you see him: Chadchart Sittipunt’s voice carries as he canvasses for a second term as Bangkok governor in the tight, twisting alleys of a working-class canalside community.Further Reading