7 h. ago Philippines badly needs more Catholic priests. Could a Filipino pope boost clergy ranks?

‘A pope speaking Filipino, plain Filipino, talking to you like he’s talking to you directly it will be an inspiration,’ a seminarian says.

Politics

29 h. ago Singaporean man faces death penalty in Malaysia on drug charges

Tan Ban Choon is accused of possessing and trafficking over 10kg of drugs at a flat in Johor.

Events

35 h. ago Blackpink’s Lisa stirs outrage with Met Gala lingerie that appears to show Rosa Parks’ face

Social media users slammed the K-pop star, calling her look ‘highly distasteful’.

Politics

50 h. ago Indonesian bus crash claims 12 lives, including 2 children, after apparent brake failure

The bus sped out of control on a downhill road and overturned after the brakes apparently malfunctioned in Indonesia’s West Sumatra province.

Events

55 h. ago From Imus to pope? Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s hometown reflects on his journey

Luis Antonio Tagle began his career in Imus, where residents have fond memories of the cardinal with a 3 to 1 shot at becoming the next pope.

Politics

55 h. ago Singapore’s opposition, Filipino in running for pope, India vs Pakistan: 7 Asia highlights

From a Filipino tipped to be pope to Indians rethinking their US study plans, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Politics

57 h. ago Singapore ministers Ong Ye Kung, Chee Hong Tat deny dealings with criminal Su Haijin

Photos circulated online showed the ministers at dinners with Su Haijin, who was later convicted in a massive money laundering case.

Politics

58 h. ago Philippine warship sinks prematurely, scuppering its use for Balikatan target practice

The 80-year-old BRP Miguel Malvar was supposed to be a target ship in the US-Philippines Balikatan drills – until it started taking on water.

Events

3 d. ago Philippines confronts Chinese ship’s ‘unlawful activities’ amid South China Sea tensions

Manila deployed a coastguard vessel and aircraft to challenge a Chinese research ship conducting illegal activities in its waters last week, the Philippines coastguard said.

Events

3 d. ago China rail link in Malaysia’s sights as Bangkok cargo route gets go

A direct service to Thailand set to begin operations this year would improve connectivity to China, Laos and Central Asia, officials said.

Transport

4 d. ago Philippine bishops defend Cardinal Tagle over pastoral sexual abuse concerns

Ahead of a papal conclave, a watchdog group has warned that front runners Tagle and Parolin cannot be relied on to protect children.

Events

4 d. ago The end of ‘Chimerica’ and what that means for Southeast Asia

The breakdown of US-China economic symbiosis leaves Southeast Asian nations bracing for unpredictable shocks.

Politics

4 d. ago Indonesian clove farmers’ hopes wither as climate change hits hard

Erratic rainfall is affecting yields as flowers can be harvested only in a small window that depends heavily on the weather.

Society

6 d. ago Indonesia emerges as new hub for Chinese solar firms amid Trump’s tariffs on Southeast Asia

Indonesia is now appealing to companies seeking to relocate operations due to high US tariffs on Chinese solar firms in Southeast Asia.

Politics

7 d. ago Indebted Malaysian man tells loan sharks to burn mum’s house, kidnap her grandchild

The woman said her gambling-addicted son asked the lenders to scare her into paying his debts after she cut all ties with him.

Events

8 d. ago Filipino cardinal tipped to become next pope: ‘if I were God, I wouldn’t choose me’

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines has a history of advocating for the poor, migrants and other marginalised people.

Politics

8 d. ago Vietnam celebrates 50 years of reunification, end of war with huge parade

Thousands thronged the streets of Ho Chi Minh City for the celebrations, with Chinese troops joining the commemoration for the first time.

Events

8 d. ago Singapore student arrested after cutting teacher with a penknife

The teacher is recovering after receiving medical attention, while police are investigating the incident.

Society

8 d. ago Malaysia delays sales tax expansion amid Trump’s tariff pressure, offering businesses respite

The Malaysian government’s decision to postpone its tax expansion, should provide relief for businesses amid trade war uncertainties.

Economics

9 d. ago Philippines to slash rice prices in half to aid voters amid May election campaign

The programme will cost the Marcos government about US$178 million to help the poor, but critics say it is a tool to support government candidates in midterm polls.

Politics