Marcos family scandal, Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers: 7 Asia highlights

From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

Reading Time:2 minutes

Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters

Published: 1:55pm, 2 Dec 2025

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. Accountability test for Philippines’ Marcos family as budget scandal widens

A former prominent lawmaker now in hiding has released new videos accusing Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s family of orchestrating massive corruption, escalating a scandal that is fast becoming a test of accountability for one of Southeast Asia’s most politically influential dynasties.

2. Why Anwar faces uphill task to win back voters after Sabah election trouncing

People gather at a market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The outcome of the Malaysian state’s election on Saturday shows that Sabahans “don’t believe” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, political analyst James Chin says. Photo: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim faces a more complex political landscape ahead after his coalition was routed in Sabah’s polls, as analysts warn he would need to craft a compelling narrative to win over voters ahead of the next general election.

3. Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth

Amid the diplomatic fallout between Tokyo and Beijing, Hunanese accountant Echo He feels relieved she has chosen Southeast Asia for her year-end trip with her husband and colleagues, instead of the popular choice, Japan.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00