Asia’s ‘kidults’ redefine market for toys and games, from mini models to K-pop collectibles | South China Morning Post
The hobby toy industry’s commercial value is growing around the world, hobbyists and experts say, driven by ‘kidults’ with purchasing power.
Why China’s Taiwan-pop generation are drifting away from the island | South China Morning Post
Mainland youth raised on Taiwanese pop culture are curious about the island, but two-way travel ban and uneasy ties create barriers.
Hong Kong police make biggest cocaine bust of year, finding HK$200 million worth of drug in scrap metal from South America | South China Morning Post
Police say they intercepted two cargo containers from South American country Suriname and discovered 225kg of cocaine bricks in scrap metal.
‘Climate K.O.’: Thailand’s gentle dugongs die in Andaman Sea as global warming takes toll | South China Morning Post
Dugongs in Koh Libong have been forced to find new feeding grounds where they are vulnerable to threats such as fishing gear and propellers.
China’s diamond industry having a hard time, any way you cut it, as more consumers go for gold | South China Morning Post
With consumption taking a hit in fraught economic times, safe-haven investments are outshining discretionary diamond purchases in the eyes of many Chinese buyers.
China’s corruption watchdog targets Agriculture Minister Tang Renjian | South China Morning Post
Tang is the first member of the Communist Party’s current Central Committee to come under investigation for ‘discipline violations’.
China is key market for Singaporean biotech start-up’s stomach cancer early diagnosis kit | South China Morning Post
Mainland China will become the largest single market for Mirxes’ core product, a stomach cancer detection kit that was key to the company’s development, according to Zhou Lihan, its CEO and co-founder.
More effort needed to encourage senior Hong Kong pupils to study Chinese history, education centre head says | South China Morning Post
Having just 13 per cent of pupils taking DSE exam in subject is ‘far from ideal’, says Ho Hon-kuen of the Centre of National History Education (Hong Kong).
How Hong Kong graduate’s dream of teaching took hit because of her hijab
Saana Qalsoom, 24, says she was told in a job interview that the hijab should not be worn in the classroom.
China’s Gen Zers to sway marketing, retail trends as they become major force driving domestic consumption | South China Morning Post
The influence and spending potential of China’s Gen Z population make them a major target group for many brands, both large and small.
Hong Kong secondary school’s computer servers hacked, with access to 4 years’ worth of data blocked | South China Morning Post
Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity says IT staff on May 13 discovered access had been blocked to eight terabytes of data.
Why the ‘babi guling’ pork roast in Bali is no longer the real deal | South China Morning Post
Babi guling is one of the most iconic dishes in Balinese cuisine. Late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once called it "the best pig" he had ever tasted. The traditional pork roast that is…
Can Singapore’s opposition really win the next general election and form a coalition government? | South China Morning Post
Such a scenario is unlikely, observers say, noting it could be a gambit by new PM Lawrence Wong to make voters go for the safe option of returning the PAP to power.
How the ghost of Chiang Kai-shek haunts Taiwan’s next president William Lai and the island’s armed forces | South China Morning Post
In the run-up to William Lai’s inauguration on Monday, reluctance in the military to remove statues of the late leader raises questions about its loyalty.
Number of mainland Chinese 1-way permit holders joining Hong Kong schools jumped most on record last year | South China Morning Post
According to official data, 6,831 students joined Hong Kong’s primary and secondary schools from October 2022 to September 2023, coinciding with border reopening.
China’s rush to prop up housing sector aims to boost confidence ahead of third plenum: analysts | South China Morning Post
New measures certainly show desire ‘to put a floor under the property slump’ ahead of third plenary session in July, but focus certain to be on ‘new productive forces’, observer says.
Israel war cabinet member Benny Gantz threatens to quit unless there’s a new Gaza plan | South China Morning Post
The Netanyahu rival spelled out a six-point proposal that includes the return of scores of hostages, ending Hamas’ rule and demilitarising the Gaza strip.
Putin in diapers: deepfake film on Russian leader sells big at Cannes | South China Morning Post
Director Patryk Vega uses AI to put the ruler’s face on an actor’s body to create a biopic that depicts the ruler from age 10 up to his fictional death.
Trump ally Rudy Giuliani served Arizona indictment papers at own 80th birthday party | South China Morning Post
Shortly before being served, the ex-New York mayor had taken to social media to taunt officials, saying they must dismiss the charges if they couldn’t find him.
China property: Beijing launches US$41 billion of funds to buy unsold homes, repurchase of ‘idle’ land in drive to rescue housing market | South China Morning Post
Beijing has announced 300 billion-yuan in funds to help clear excess housing inventory, as well as measures to ensure developers have access to financing and that homes are delivered on time.
Georgia President Salome Zourabichvili vetoes controversial ‘Russian law’ | South China Morning Post
The ruling party, however, has a sufficient majority to override the veto, despite fears that the legislation will obstruct the country’s bid to join the EU.
How much would you pay for a premium Hong Kong pineapple bun? Pricey treats at market spark online debate | South China Morning Post
Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop defends range of premium treats which it says use high-end imported ingredients such as matcha from Japan and chocolate from France.
Ukraine’s divisive mobilisation law comes into force as new Russian push strains front-line troops | South China Morning Post
Ukraine has struggled for months to replenish depleted forces, as Russian troops push ahead with a ground offensive that opened a new front in the northeast.
Philippines replaces military commander overseeing South China Sea forces | South China Morning Post
Rear Admiral Alfonso Torres Jnr will replace Vice-Admiral Alberto Carlos as chief of the Western Command on Palawan island.
Why are Hong Kong taxi drivers going ‘undercover’ to target Uber and what’s behind their latest clash? | South China Morning Post
Drivers say they are being unfairly targeted by government crackdowns, but Hongkongers may not be on their side amid complaints over service quality.