‘Made by China’ is what Chinese consumers want now

The rapid inroads made in China by domestic smartphone makers like Xiaomi, for example, suggest danger ahead for international brands. There’s a very real risk that the emergence of Chinese consumers will be more of a local story than a global one. Overseas companies that take them for granted do so at their own peril.

Men need more sex than women so decriminalise UK sex trade

Decriminalising prostitution in Britain could reduce levels of rape and sexual assaults on women, a think tank said, which described attempts to control the sex trade as ineffective and a waste of public money.

Claims that Mahathir’s cronies donated to opposition

Business tycoons close to former premier Mahathir Mohamad have been accused of giving money to the opposition in the 2013 general election, as questions continued to swirl around the US$700 million (S$960 million) donation deposited into Prime Minister Najib Razak’s personal accounts.

Japan revisionists deny WW2 sex slave atrocities

BBC

Luxury brands cut China sales forecasts

China’s economic slowdown is casting a long shadow over the glittering world of global luxury brands.

Jungle Vegas: How China’s gamblers are pouring into a casino in Laos’ notorious Golden Triangle

It’s nine in the morning and the gaming tables are still going strong. As croupiers take bets from the overnight die-hards, several exhausted gamblers sleep nearby, one still clutching a wad of betting slips.

China’s military needs to ‘upgrade weaponry, extend surveillance into western Pacific’

China’s People’s Liberation Army needs to broaden its air surveillance and attack capabilities to the western Pacific including the area near Japan to ensure its command of the air, according to an official study.

Singapore motorists entering Malaysia must register vehicles; RM20 entry fee starts on Oct 1

Singapore vehicles entering Malaysia are required to be registered with Malaysia’s Road Transport Department (RTD) or they would be refused entry in a new rule that will come into effect on Sept 1.