9 m. ago Lifeline or trash? Taiwan safety guide sparks fierce debate amid Beijing threat

Taiwan’s updated crisis and war survival guide has ignited fierce political debate, hailed by officials as a lifeline amid Beijing’s mounting military pressure but blasted by critics as costly propaganda prompting fear rather than readiness. Mass distribution of In Case of Crisis: Taiwan’s National Public Safety Guide – quickly dubbed the “little orange book” – began late last month, targeting 9.83 million households. The 29-page comic-style publication explains how to stockpile food and water,...

Events

49 h. ago Japan idol posts belly photo, asks fans to retouch for more flattering look, sparks debate

A Japanese pop idol has gone viral after posting a photograph online showing her belly fat. The picture has attracted responses asking women to embrace their imperfect bodies. Shirasu Ayano, from the six-member idol group Melty BeaR, posted a photo of herself on stage on November 20. In the picture, she bends slightly to one side and the fat on her belly forms a small wrinkle. The 27-year-old from Kyoto reposted the image on the next day, inviting people to retouch it to beautify her tummy. The...

Sport

3 d. ago ‘Malaysian promoting Singapore’: viral video sparks debate over talent use

A high-gloss travel video created by a Malaysian visual-effects specialist to promote Singapore has gone viral, prompting some in Malaysia to ask why their own tourism board has not tapped local talent as effectively. The one-minute film, produced in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), features Mohamad Sofian Abdullah, better known as Sofyank, weaving his signature special effects into a tightly edited journey across the city state. The video shows the 29-year-old creator –...

Politics

5 d. ago China hotel guest dies after staff failed to deliver medicine, triggers liability debate

A hotel guest in central China died after the staff held on to life-saving medicine for five hours without delivering it, sparking heated online debate over the hotel’s responsibility. The 51-year-old man, surnamed Hu, was found dead in his room at a Yeste Hotel in Wuhan, Hubei province, on November 20. Hu’s death confused his friend, Han Shun, who delivered his medicine earlier that day. Han took Hu, a Wuhan local, to stay at the hotel the previous evening after he finished work in the district...

Events

1 week ago ‘Don’t sell loneliness’: Korean eatery refuses to serve solo diners, sparks debate

A restaurant in South Korea has caused controversy by refusing to serve solo diners as the country experiences an increase in the number of people staying single. A sign outside the noodle restaurant in Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province in the south of South Korea, went viral on social media after an internet user who visited the eatery posted it online on November 17, according to a report by the Korea Times. The notice said the restaurant provides four “options” for customers eating alone: pay...

Politics

2 w. ago Man who froze deceased wife sparks debate for dating new partner

Man who froze deceased wife sparks debate for dating new partner  BBC

Politics

3 w. ago As Zohran Mamdani takes over in New York, cities worldwide will be watching

The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York’s mayor has drawn worldwide attention, resonating well beyond US borders. His self-description as a “democratic socialist” has reignited familiar debates, sparking curiosity and concern. Critics have labelled him a communist and portrayed his political programme as a radical departure from the American mainstream. Meanwhile, supporters view his victory as a sign of a generational shift – a growing impatience with the inequalities present in many...

Politics

3 w. ago Why Zohran Mamdani’s New York election win resonates beyond the US

The election of Zohran Mamdani as New York’s mayor has drawn worldwide attention, resonating well beyond US borders. His self-description as a “democratic socialist” has reignited familiar debates, sparking curiosity and concern. Critics have labelled him a communist and portrayed his political programme as a radical departure from the American mainstream. Meanwhile, supporters view his victory as a sign of a generational shift – a growing impatience with the inequalities present in many...

Politics

3 w. ago Storm in a takeaway cup: Malaysia’s Zus Coffee backs barista after viral clash

Malaysia’s largest coffee chain has thrown its support behind a barista involved in a viral confrontation with a customer, saying it has launched a full investigation and will stand by the employee while reviewing the incident. Zus Coffee confirmed on Monday that it had begun an internal investigation after a 14-second video of the altercation, believed to have taken place on Sunday at one of its outlets, drew millions of views on TikTok and sparked intense online debate. In the video, a female...

Events

4 w. ago Chinese contestant loses consciousness during ‘Power Slap’ contest, sparks debate

The defeat of a Chinese contestant in a world slapping event, which left him with a broken cheekbone, has triggered a heated discussion on mainland social media. Power Slap is a global competition which features two opponents taking turns slapping each other in the face. It was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 31. In the first round, China’s Zhao Honggang was left with a bleeding brow and a swollen right eye after his rival Muhammad Amantaev from Kazakhstan hit him, the Red Star News...

Politics