Last week brought a flurry of intriguing news stories from across the Asia-Pacific region, with headlines ranging from turbulent flights to controversial casino developments. Here are the top highlights from the South China Morning Post’s coverage:
1. Cathay Pacific’s stormy flight:
Passengers on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo were in for a harrowing experience when their aircraft encountered severe turbulence mid-flight. The turbulent conditions caused the plane to shake violently, prompting the crew to issue a warning to passengers to remain in their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Despite the frightening ordeal, the flight eventually landed safely in Tokyo, with no reports of any serious injuries.
2. Malaysia’s Forest City casino:
In Malaysia, controversy continues to swirl around the development of the Forest City integrated resort, which includes plans for a massive casino complex. Local residents have raised concerns about the potential social and environmental impacts of the project, while government officials have defended the development as a much-needed boost to the economy. The debate over the Forest City casino is likely to continue in the coming months as construction progresses.
3. Japan’s underarm onigiri:
In a quirky culinary development, a Japanese company has introduced a new twist on the traditional rice ball snack known as onigiri. The company’s latest creation features onigiri shaped like underarms, complete with small pieces of seaweed to resemble hair. While the unusual snack has sparked some bemusement among consumers, it has also garnered attention for its innovative and playful approach to food.
4. South Korea’s gender reveal outrage:
A gender reveal party in South Korea has sparked outrage after a video of the event went viral on social media. The video shows a couple using explosives to reveal the gender of their unborn child, causing a large explosion and sending debris flying into the air. The dangerous stunt has been widely condemned by netizens, who argue that such displays of gender reveal parties are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
5. Hong Kong’s plastic waste crisis:
Hong Kong is facing a mounting crisis related to its production of plastic waste, with the city’s landfills nearing capacity and recycling rates remaining low. Environmental groups are calling for urgent action to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices in order to mitigate the environmental impact of the city’s plastic waste problem. The Hong Kong government has vowed to tackle the issue, but challenges remain in implementing effective solutions.
6. Thailand’s elephant tourism ban:
Thailand has announced a ban on elephant rides and performances at tourist attractions, in a move aimed at promoting more ethical and sustainable practices in the country’s tourism industry. The decision follows years of lobbying by animal rights activists, who have raised concerns about the mistreatment and exploitation of elephants in the tourism sector. The ban has been welcomed by conservationists and animal welfare advocates, who hope it will lead to positive changes in the treatment of elephants in Thailand.
7. China’s mooncake controversy:
In China, a mooncake manufacturer has come under fire for packaging its traditional pastries in boxes that feature controversial political slogans. The slogans, which include references to Chinese nationalism and historical events, have sparked a backlash from consumers who view the use of political messaging on mooncake packaging as inappropriate. The incident highlights the intersection of food and politics in Chinese society, and underscores the sensitivity of public discourse in the country.
