AirAsia chief’s jab backfires, Singaporeans going ‘car-lite’: 7 Asia highlights

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. AirAsia chief mocks Singapore Airlines’ food – and social media hits back

AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes has caused a stir online after taking aim at Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) in-flight meals, claiming the food served by the carrier lagged behind his own airline’s offerings.

2. Going ‘car-lite’: why more Singaporeans are quitting driving

When the time came to renew his certificate of entitlement (COE), Andrew Tan hit the brakes on coughing up an eye-watering S$112,000 (US$87,400) to keep his car on Singapore’s roads for another 10 years.

3. No more welcome mat? Japan’s tough visa rules spur foreigners to look elsewhere

Five years ago, Sarah and her husband were optimistic about Japan’s economic future and were expanding their small businesses across several sectors. Today, that optimism has been replaced by concern over a sense of hostility towards two hard-working foreigners who feel they have contributed to the society that they have worked hard to fit into.

4. Philippines’ uranium find a ‘vital’ boost for nuclear energy ambitions

Researchers have identified a potential source of uranium in a long-explored mining district in the southern Philippines, as Manila moves to establish nuclear power and expand its critical minerals industry.

5. From Ed Sheeran to Massive Attack: Gaza rows spark Southeast Asia backlash

American rapper Macklemore lost his spot on British pop star Ed Sheeran’s US tour after speaking up for Palestinians, but in Malaysia it was Sheeran’s music which ended up being pulled from the airwaves.

6. Sinking city, rising rage: Bangkok’s floods fuel fury over government inaction

Bangkok, a city long plagued by a sinking feeling, went fully underwater. Not all of it, but enough of the city’s east and northeast to offer a terrifying teaser of what may lie ahead as this year’s “super” El Nino climate pattern intensifies into 2027.

7. Indian pride swells as Flydubai pilot who saved 174 lives hailed as hero

An Indian pilot’s extraordinary bravery during an apparent mid-air hijack attempt has ignited a wave of national pride, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the pilot as a hero for saving 174 lives on a Flydubai plane – adding a dramatic chapter to a career that began almost by chance.