Asia Pacific – Page 40 – Prologue Journal

How long can Singapore’s NMP scheme stay relevant? Why 2 resignations have raised eyebrows

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The resignations of two nominated members of parliament have sparked a debate on the scheme’s non-partisan integrity and future relevance. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299679/how-long-can-singapores-nmp-scheme-stay-relevant-why-2-resignations-have-raised-eyebrows?utm_source=rss_feed

Will Indonesia’s Bali adopt a Bhutan-style levy to deter ‘low-class foreign tourists’?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Officials are urged to look at tougher measures to ‘select’ tourists, such as Bhutan’s requirement for most travellers to pay a fixed daily charge. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3299695/will-indonesias-bali-adopt-bhutan-style-levy-deter-low-class-foreign-tourists?utm_source=rss_feed

Most Singaporeans say budget sweeteners inadequate to cushion rising living costs: survey

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Among 1,002 adults surveyed by a research firm, 55 per cent said the budget’s US$92.8 billion in spending was not enough to cover inflation. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299735/most-singaporeans-say-budget-sweeteners-inadequate-cushion-rising-living-costs-survey?utm_source=rss_feed

Tourists wearing this hat in Vietnam may face US$3,000 fine, entry denial

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A travel agency said sporting a Vietnam war veteran hat could also lead to ‘conflict with locals’. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3299733/tourists-wearing-hat-vietnam-may-face-us3000-fine-entry-denial?utm_source=rss_feed

India’s Outrage Machine Devours a Star YouTuber Over a Crude One-Liner

New York Times A joke made by Ranveer Allahbadia, a Joe Rogan for online Indians, has brought him death threats and criminal charges. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/world/asia/india-beerbiceps.html

Is Xi’s Sudden Embrace of Business for Real? China Is Left Guessing.

New York Times The uncertain reaction to Xi Jinping’s display of warmth made sense: Executives are eager for a reset after years in the cold but ever wary of meddling. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/22/business/xi-jinping-jack-ma.html

Malaysia rages at Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ gambit – but what can it do?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The US president’s provocative proposal was greeted with disbelief and disdain in Malaysia, yet quiet diplomacy may be the best path forward. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3299681/malaysia-rages-trumps-gaza-riviera-gambit-what-can-it-do?utm_source=rss_feed

I look Chinese but don’t speak the language. Is that so bad?

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. I may be missing out on a deeper appreciation of the culture, but I’ve learned to live with it – thank goodness for translation apps. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3299301/i-look-chinese-dont-speak-language-so-bad?utm_source=rss_feed

We need a new system that reflects the world’s complexity

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Sustainable internationalism would embrace diversity and evidence-based problem-solving, rather than reducing the world to a chessboard. https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3299094/we-need-new-system-reflects-worlds-complexity?utm_source=rss_feed

How Trump’s Tariffs Could Reorder Asia Trade and Exclude the U.S.

New York Times Asian countries are among the most vulnerable to President Trump’s economic grievances. But they are also best placed to make deals to minimize their exposure. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/business/trump-tariffs-asia-impact.html