Malaysia’s first home-grown EV sparks debate: local innovation or pricey Chinese ‘rebadge’?
By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia’s first home-grown electric vehicle (EV) has triggered a debate on whether it is great value for money or a pricey Chinese knock-off, as locals remain unconvinced over the ability of the country’s flagship carmaker to keep pace in the hypercompetitive EV market.
Proton, Malaysia’s first car company, launched its e.Mas7 on Monday, stepping up to the EV plate with a sports utility vehicle crafted with clean panels that wrap seamlessly around the body, all for an entry price of under US$25,000.
The roll-out came less than two years after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mandated that Proton and fellow national marque Perodua develop and bring to market their own EVs by 2025.
The push was part of the government’s efforts to get a foot in the door for local industry players, as well-capitalised Chinese EV makers increasingly crowd out markets in Southeast Asia to cushion hundreds of millions of dollars in potential losses from damaging tariffs imposed by the US and European nations.
The e.Mas7 received “more than 1,000 units of pre-launch bookings”, according to a spokesperson from PRO-NET, Proton’s new energy vehicle arm in charge of the EV’s marketing.
But the e.Mas7 appeared to have struggled to win over fans on Malaysia’s often bellicose social media, with many dismissing it as a watered down and overpriced “rebadge” of the Galaxy E5 built by Chinese carmaker Geely.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia’s first home-grown electric vehicle (EV) has triggered a debate on whether it is great value for money or a pricey Chinese knock-off, as locals remain unconvinced over the ability of the country’s flagship carmaker to keep pace in the hypercompetitive EV market.
Proton, Malaysia’s first car company, launched its e.Mas7 on Monday, stepping up to the EV plate with a sports utility vehicle crafted with clean panels that wrap seamlessly around the body, all for an entry price of under US$25,000.
The roll-out came less than two years after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim mandated that Proton and fellow national marque Perodua develop and bring to market their own EVs by 2025.
The push was part of the government’s efforts to get a foot in the door for local industry players, as well-capitalised Chinese EV makers increasingly crowd out markets in Southeast Asia to cushion hundreds of millions of dollars in potential losses from damaging tariffs imposed by the US and European nations.
The e.Mas7 received “more than 1,000 units of pre-launch bookings”, according to a spokesperson from PRO-NET, Proton’s new energy vehicle arm in charge of the EV’s marketing.
But the e.Mas7 appeared to have struggled to win over fans on Malaysia’s often bellicose social media, with many dismissing it as a watered down and overpriced “rebadge” of the Galaxy E5 built by Chinese carmaker Geely.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Seoul lawmaker says at least 100 North Koreans killed in Russia-Ukraine war
By Reuters
At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said on Thursday citing the country’s spy agency.
The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where they are taking part in the battle, a member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters.
Lee was speaking after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to parliament.
The discrepancy in the estimate of the troops killed from that made by a US military official who cited several hundred casualties is because of the relatively conservative analysis by the NIS, Lee said.
“There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000,” he said.
There are indications that the North is preparing for additional deployment, Lee said, including intelligence of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un overseeing training.
The report echoed comments by US and Ukrainian officials that North Korean losses are heavy and that Russia was using them in large numbers in assaults in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion in August.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Reuters
At least 100 North Korean troops deployed to Russia have been killed with another 1,000 injured in combat against Ukrainian forces in intense fighting in the Kursk region, a South Korean lawmaker said on Thursday citing the country’s spy agency.
The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain where they are taking part in the battle, a member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters.
Lee was speaking after a closed-door briefing by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to parliament.
The discrepancy in the estimate of the troops killed from that made by a US military official who cited several hundred casualties is because of the relatively conservative analysis by the NIS, Lee said.
“There was a report that there have been at least 100 deaths and the injured are approaching 1,000,” he said.
There are indications that the North is preparing for additional deployment, Lee said, including intelligence of the country’s leader Kim Jong-un overseeing training.
The report echoed comments by US and Ukrainian officials that North Korean losses are heavy and that Russia was using them in large numbers in assaults in Kursk, a Russian region where Ukraine launched a cross-border incursion in August.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese President Xi Jinping tours Macau university on second day of visit
By Kahon Chan
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a university in Macau on the second day of his trip to the city.
He arrived at Macau University of Science and Technology at 10am on Thursday after he left Xinzhuyuan guest hotel, according to media reports.
During his speech at the airport on Wednesday, Xi pledged to “go around, take a look and deliberate” on Macau’s development plans during his three-day tour.
He also described Macau as the “cherished pearl of the motherland”, saying the city’s development “gradually unleashes deep potential accumulated over time”.
The president is expected to make other community visits, and attend a gala dinner and cultural performance in the evening. He will swear in Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou-fai on Friday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will also travel to Macau in the afternoon for evening events.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Kahon Chan
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a university in Macau on the second day of his trip to the city.
He arrived at Macau University of Science and Technology at 10am on Thursday after he left Xinzhuyuan guest hotel, according to media reports.
During his speech at the airport on Wednesday, Xi pledged to “go around, take a look and deliberate” on Macau’s development plans during his three-day tour.
He also described Macau as the “cherished pearl of the motherland”, saying the city’s development “gradually unleashes deep potential accumulated over time”.
The president is expected to make other community visits, and attend a gala dinner and cultural performance in the evening. He will swear in Chief Executive-designate Sam Hou-fai on Friday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will also travel to Macau in the afternoon for evening events.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Operation Santa Claus: Hong Kong conglomerate upholds steadfast charity support
By Guy Haydon
One of Hong Kong’s major philanthropic-focused conglomerates has donated HK$200,000 (US$25,700) to a local Christmas charity drive this year.
John Swire and Sons (Hong Kong), the holding company for publicly-listed conglomerate Swire Pacific, also donated the same amount to Operation Santa Claus (OSC) in 2023.
It has supported the annual fundraising initiative, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, since 1995.
“Swire has been part of the Hong Kong community for over 150 years, and we are committed to serving this city that, in turn, has helped us thrive,” said James Tong, the holding company’s director of group public affairs.
“Giving back is in Swire’s DNA, which is why we are delighted to continue supporting Operation Santa Claus to encourage the spirit of giving love and care to the people around us.”
He said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, was very meaningful because it encouraged people to embrace the spirit of giving.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Guy Haydon
One of Hong Kong’s major philanthropic-focused conglomerates has donated HK$200,000 (US$25,700) to a local Christmas charity drive this year.
John Swire and Sons (Hong Kong), the holding company for publicly-listed conglomerate Swire Pacific, also donated the same amount to Operation Santa Claus (OSC) in 2023.
It has supported the annual fundraising initiative, which is jointly organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK, since 1995.
“Swire has been part of the Hong Kong community for over 150 years, and we are committed to serving this city that, in turn, has helped us thrive,” said James Tong, the holding company’s director of group public affairs.
“Giving back is in Swire’s DNA, which is why we are delighted to continue supporting Operation Santa Claus to encourage the spirit of giving love and care to the people around us.”
He said this year’s OSC tagline, “#EveryoneCanBeASantaClaus”, was very meaningful because it encouraged people to embrace the spirit of giving.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Japanese angered by Denmark’s refusal to extradite anti-whaling activist Paul Watson
By Julian Ryall
Japan has expressed its deep regret over Denmark’s refusal to comply with an extradition request to send anti-whaling activist Paul Watson to Tokyo to face trial after he was freed from prison.
Japan’s justice ministry had formally requested Watson’s return to answer a charge over the alleged stink bombing of a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.
Its Danish counterpart gave its reason for rejecting the request on Tuesday, citing inadequate assurances from Tokyo that Watson’s time in custody would count towards any sentence that he may receive in Japan.
Watson, who founded the Sea Shepherd environmental group, was detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in July following an Interpol warrant issued in 2012 for the 2010 incident. Japanese officials previously said they were confident that Watson would be handed over to Tokyo.
Watson was released on Tuesday after spending 150 days in jail.
In a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed his disappointment at Denmark’s decision.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Julian Ryall
Japan has expressed its deep regret over Denmark’s refusal to comply with an extradition request to send anti-whaling activist Paul Watson to Tokyo to face trial after he was freed from prison.
Japan’s justice ministry had formally requested Watson’s return to answer a charge over the alleged stink bombing of a Japanese whaling ship in 2010.
Its Danish counterpart gave its reason for rejecting the request on Tuesday, citing inadequate assurances from Tokyo that Watson’s time in custody would count towards any sentence that he may receive in Japan.
Watson, who founded the Sea Shepherd environmental group, was detained in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, in July following an Interpol warrant issued in 2012 for the 2010 incident. Japanese officials previously said they were confident that Watson would be handed over to Tokyo.
Watson was released on Tuesday after spending 150 days in jail.
In a press conference in Tokyo on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed his disappointment at Denmark’s decision.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Sumo wrestler Hiyori Kon brings sport to Argentina, fights for women’s place in the ring
By Yannis Tan
When opportunities for female sumo wrestlers were scarce in Japan, Hiyori Kon decided to bring her country’s sport to as far as Argentina.
While promoting the ancient Japanese sport in the South American country, Hiyori has battled for gender equality in the male-centric sport, which she hopes will one day become an Olympic event.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Yannis Tan
When opportunities for female sumo wrestlers were scarce in Japan, Hiyori Kon decided to bring her country’s sport to as far as Argentina.
While promoting the ancient Japanese sport in the South American country, Hiyori has battled for gender equality in the male-centric sport, which she hopes will one day become an Olympic event.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Man allegedly sets Hanoi karaoke bar on fire, killing 11 people
By Agence France-Presse
A fire ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital, killing 11 people and injuring two others in a case of suspected arson, police said on Thursday.
Pictures on state media showed the blackened multi-storey building in western Hanoi, mostly destroyed by flames, and piles of twisted metal strewn nearby.
Police said they received reports of a fire at 11:00pm Wednesday (local time) “with many people trapped inside”.
Rescuers rushed to the scene and managed to bring out seven people alive, two of whom were rushed to hospital. Eleven others were found dead, they said.
“The police suspect that the cafe was [deliberately] burned down and … have arrested the perpetrator,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
Witnesses told state media the fire was so large that no one dared to attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Photos from the scene showed that the building’s balconies were enclosed with metal bars, likely making escape difficult.
Nguyen Minh Hung, who was nearby at the time, told the Dan Tri newspaper: “We were shouting for the trapped victims, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building.”
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Agence France-Presse
A fire ripped through a karaoke bar in the Vietnamese capital, killing 11 people and injuring two others in a case of suspected arson, police said on Thursday.
Pictures on state media showed the blackened multi-storey building in western Hanoi, mostly destroyed by flames, and piles of twisted metal strewn nearby.
Police said they received reports of a fire at 11:00pm Wednesday (local time) “with many people trapped inside”.
Rescuers rushed to the scene and managed to bring out seven people alive, two of whom were rushed to hospital. Eleven others were found dead, they said.
“The police suspect that the cafe was [deliberately] burned down and … have arrested the perpetrator,” Hanoi police said in a statement.
Witnesses told state media the fire was so large that no one dared to attempt to rescue those trapped inside. Photos from the scene showed that the building’s balconies were enclosed with metal bars, likely making escape difficult.
Nguyen Minh Hung, who was nearby at the time, told the Dan Tri newspaper: “We were shouting for the trapped victims, but we heard no ask for help from inside the building.”
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago dinner with Shinzo Abe’s widow raises questions about Japan-US ties
By Maria Siow
United States president-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with the widow of a former Japanese leader while seemingly snubbing Shigeru Ishiba could be a bid to “humiliate” the current prime minister, raising anxieties of tensions between both countries.
Analysts also say Trump’s meeting with Akie Abe, wife of slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is aimed at sending a “message” to Ishiba to maintain good relations with the US.
Trump on Sunday reportedly met Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, hosting a private dinner with his guest and wife Melania.
“It was a privilege to host Mrs Akie Abe at Mar-a-Lago once again,” Melania said on X, posting a photo of the three of them.
“We fondly remembered her late husband, former Prime Minister Abe, and honoured his remarkable legacy,” she added, referring to the former Japanese leader who was assassinated in 2022 during a campaign speech.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Maria Siow
United States president-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with the widow of a former Japanese leader while seemingly snubbing Shigeru Ishiba could be a bid to “humiliate” the current prime minister, raising anxieties of tensions between both countries.
Analysts also say Trump’s meeting with Akie Abe, wife of slain former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is aimed at sending a “message” to Ishiba to maintain good relations with the US.
Trump on Sunday reportedly met Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, hosting a private dinner with his guest and wife Melania.
“It was a privilege to host Mrs Akie Abe at Mar-a-Lago once again,” Melania said on X, posting a photo of the three of them.
“We fondly remembered her late husband, former Prime Minister Abe, and honoured his remarkable legacy,” she added, referring to the former Japanese leader who was assassinated in 2022 during a campaign speech.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
As China urges couples to have children, reality TV shows tell a different story
By Phoebe Zhang
For weeks, a married friend has been watching a divorce reality show and telling me how much he wanted these couples to break up. One man was too manipulative, another didn’t appreciate his wife’s contributions and one woman was just needy.
I still wondered how a married man could wish for others to get divorced. So I watched the show myself. In the first 10 minutes of the first episode of the fourth season, when an interviewer asked Yang Zi, an entrepreneur and husband to actress Huang Shengyi, what his wife’s hobby was, he stuttered and asked her, “Do you really have any hobbies?”
Another couple wasn’t any better. The wife, a pet vlogger named Ge Xi, suggested that one of the most extraordinary things she had done in almost 10 years of marriage was to stay with her husband, internet celebrity Liu Shuang. This couple started bickering as soon as they got out of the car.
The reality show, See You Again, is produced by Mango TV and invites three celebrity couples on the brink of divorce on a trip for a few weeks, where they live together, discuss marital issues and at the end of this period, decide whether they want to get divorced or give marriage another try. During the show, a panel observes and comments on the couple’s interactions.
From this season’s very first episode, the show has dominated the charts. According to a media tally published last month, it has been viewed more than 800 million times on Mango TV, with a view rate of 40 to 50 million on the day new episodes are released.
On social media, it’s also one of the most discussed topics. People take the show quite seriously, debate it passionately and use powerful, emotional words to criticise these flawed relationships.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Phoebe Zhang
For weeks, a married friend has been watching a divorce reality show and telling me how much he wanted these couples to break up. One man was too manipulative, another didn’t appreciate his wife’s contributions and one woman was just needy.
I still wondered how a married man could wish for others to get divorced. So I watched the show myself. In the first 10 minutes of the first episode of the fourth season, when an interviewer asked Yang Zi, an entrepreneur and husband to actress Huang Shengyi, what his wife’s hobby was, he stuttered and asked her, “Do you really have any hobbies?”
Another couple wasn’t any better. The wife, a pet vlogger named Ge Xi, suggested that one of the most extraordinary things she had done in almost 10 years of marriage was to stay with her husband, internet celebrity Liu Shuang. This couple started bickering as soon as they got out of the car.
The reality show, See You Again, is produced by Mango TV and invites three celebrity couples on the brink of divorce on a trip for a few weeks, where they live together, discuss marital issues and at the end of this period, decide whether they want to get divorced or give marriage another try. During the show, a panel observes and comments on the couple’s interactions.
From this season’s very first episode, the show has dominated the charts. According to a media tally published last month, it has been viewed more than 800 million times on Mango TV, with a view rate of 40 to 50 million on the day new episodes are released.
On social media, it’s also one of the most discussed topics. People take the show quite seriously, debate it passionately and use powerful, emotional words to criticise these flawed relationships.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Paralysed Hong Kong Mirror dancer makes first Instagram post since accident
By Ambrose Li
Hong Kong dancer Mo Li Kai-yin has expressed gratitude to his father in his first social media post since he was left paralysed after being hit by a giant screen at a concert by popular Cantopop boy band Mirror in 2022.
On his Instagram account, the 30-year-old posted a photo of his father, Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam, in a face mask with what appeared to be his arm.
“Probably the only human being who loves me so much and actually cares about my every nano meter bit of improvement every single day,” the dancer said, ending his caption with a wounded heart emoji and a smiley face.
The social media post has attracted 25,902 likes and 852 shares so far.
His last post, which comprised three photos of him on stage, was made on July 27, 2022, just a day before the accident.
Last month, the father revealed that Mo Li was going through therapy “like a professional athlete”, saying he had lost all mobility and was currently paralysed in all four limbs.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Ambrose Li
Hong Kong dancer Mo Li Kai-yin has expressed gratitude to his father in his first social media post since he was left paralysed after being hit by a giant screen at a concert by popular Cantopop boy band Mirror in 2022.
On his Instagram account, the 30-year-old posted a photo of his father, Reverend Derek Li Shing-lam, in a face mask with what appeared to be his arm.
“Probably the only human being who loves me so much and actually cares about my every nano meter bit of improvement every single day,” the dancer said, ending his caption with a wounded heart emoji and a smiley face.
The social media post has attracted 25,902 likes and 852 shares so far.
His last post, which comprised three photos of him on stage, was made on July 27, 2022, just a day before the accident.
Last month, the father revealed that Mo Li was going through therapy “like a professional athlete”, saying he had lost all mobility and was currently paralysed in all four limbs.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong’s return to China endorsed as Sino-British Joint Declaration is signed – from the SCMP archive
By SCMP
This article was first published on December 20, 1984.
By Timothy Jim
Hongkong entered a new era at 5.30 pm today.
With a stroke of the pen, the Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, officially endorsed the return of Hongkong to China — to take effect after 155 years of British rule over the territory.
Within six months, the agreement will take official effect and a joint liaison group will be formed to oversee the transfer of sovereignty on July 1, 1997.
Both Chinese and British leaders hailed today’s signing as a fresh example for the solution through peaceful negotiation of problems between nations that are left over from history.
Nearly all influential members of the Chinese Politburo attended the signing ceremony in the western main hall of the Great Hall of the People.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By SCMP
This article was first published on December 20, 1984.
By Timothy Jim
Hongkong entered a new era at 5.30 pm today.
With a stroke of the pen, the Prime Minister, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, officially endorsed the return of Hongkong to China — to take effect after 155 years of British rule over the territory.
Within six months, the agreement will take official effect and a joint liaison group will be formed to oversee the transfer of sovereignty on July 1, 1997.
Both Chinese and British leaders hailed today’s signing as a fresh example for the solution through peaceful negotiation of problems between nations that are left over from history.
Nearly all influential members of the Chinese Politburo attended the signing ceremony in the western main hall of the Great Hall of the People.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Bangladesh said to be eyeing China’s J-10C fighters to upgrade ageing air force fleet
By Hayley Wong
Bangladesh appears to be considering an upgrade of its ageing fighter jets, and China’s J-10C is reportedly an option. But observers note the 4.5-generation multirole fighter would be a costly addition to the country’s fleet and risk inflaming tensions between China and India.
The assessment came after Bangladesh Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan visited China last month and told reporters that his country was “devotedly trying to acquire multirole combat aircrafts and attack helicopters”, according to defence news website Indian Defence Research Wing.
The report also cited sources saying that the Bangladesh Air Force was considering purchasing 16 J-10CE fighters, the export variant of the J-10C, in the first phase of the upgrade.
During the visit, Khan attended the Zhuhai air show, China’s biggest showcase for defence and commercial aerial platforms.
The Bangladeshi air chief’s visit aimed to “further strengthen the existing cordial relations” and expand the scope of cooperation, according to Bangladesh’s military.
He also visited the headquarters of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), a state-owned defence company focused on aviation.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Hayley Wong
Bangladesh appears to be considering an upgrade of its ageing fighter jets, and China’s J-10C is reportedly an option. But observers note the 4.5-generation multirole fighter would be a costly addition to the country’s fleet and risk inflaming tensions between China and India.
The assessment came after Bangladesh Air Force Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan visited China last month and told reporters that his country was “devotedly trying to acquire multirole combat aircrafts and attack helicopters”, according to defence news website Indian Defence Research Wing.
The report also cited sources saying that the Bangladesh Air Force was considering purchasing 16 J-10CE fighters, the export variant of the J-10C, in the first phase of the upgrade.
During the visit, Khan attended the Zhuhai air show, China’s biggest showcase for defence and commercial aerial platforms.
The Bangladeshi air chief’s visit aimed to “further strengthen the existing cordial relations” and expand the scope of cooperation, according to Bangladesh’s military.
He also visited the headquarters of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), a state-owned defence company focused on aviation.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
