Asia Pacific – Page 55 – Prologue Journal

Chinese tourists flock to Japan this Lunar New Year, drawn by snowy mountains and warming ties

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The weak yen has spurred many Chinese nationals to visit Japan, while food is the biggest motivator for them to travel to the region. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3298421/chinese-tourists-flock-japan-lunar-new-year-drawn-snowy-mountains-and-warming-ties?utm_source=rss_feed

Japan’s SoftBank swings to a loss ahead of big AI infrastructure bet on Stargate Project

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The company posted a US$2.4 billion loss in the December quarter, as founder Masayoshi Son campaigns to raise US$500 billion for Stargate. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3298415/japans-softbank-swings-loss-ahead-big-ai-infrastructure-bet-stargate-project?utm_source=rss_feed

Myanmar Refugees’ Dreams of Living in America Dashed by Trump Orders

New York Times President Trump’s moves to pause refugee resettlement, freeze foreign aid and suspend funds to promote democracy have added more chaos to one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/world/asia/myanmar-refugees-ned-trump.html

Indonesia’s Prabowo launches another ‘quick-win priority’ – free health checks

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The programme provides a free voucher of basic health screening for every Indonesian and is set to cost US$287.3 million this year. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3298409/indonesias-prabowo-launches-another-quick-win-priority-free-health-checks?utm_source=rss_feed

Seoul’s Filipino carer programme faces uncertainty amid high costs, private sector take over

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. While the programme aims to provide affordable childcare, concerns over potential cost increases and carer wages have emerged, sparking debate about its future. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3298389/seouls-filipino-carer-programme-faces-uncertainty-amid-high-costs-private-sector-take-over?utm_source=rss_feed

Philippines feud heats up as Duterte camp hits back with corruption case against Marcos ally

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Complaint accuses House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers of corruption by illegally inserting US$4 billion into the 2025 budget. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3298406/philippines-feud-heats-duterte-camp-hits-back-corruption-case-against-marcos-ally?utm_source=rss_feed

New Season of ‘The White Lotus’ Brings a Tourism Boom in Thailand

New York Times Crowds of visitors descended on Maui and Sicily after the HBO show’s first two seasons. Is the tropical resort island of Koh Samui ready for Season 3? https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/travel/white-lotus-thailand.html

Philippines to modernise military with India’s BrahMos missiles amid China tensions

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. This move comes amid escalating tensions between Manila and Beijing, with the Philippines observing an increase in Chinese vessels within its maritime zone. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3298375/philippines-modernise-military-indias-brahmos-missiles-amid-china-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed

Bangladesh rights group exposes 12 deaths in detention since protests ousted PM Sheikh Hasina

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A leading rights organisation reported 12 deaths of people in detention since last year’s student-led protests, alleging torture and extrajudicial killings by security forces. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3298372/bangladesh-rights-group-exposes-12-deaths-detention-protests-ousted-pm-sheikh-hasina?utm_source=rss_feed

Malaysia given 30-day deadline to pay murdered Mongolian’s family damages

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. A court on Wednesday ordered the government to pay millions of ringgit to Altantuya Shaariibuu’s family, pending the outcome of an appeal. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3298364/malaysia-given-30-day-deadline-pay-murdered-mongolians-family-damages?utm_source=rss_feed