Social conditions and trends

Haunted houses are in demand in Japan

A Buddhist monk performing a ceremony for lost souls at a property which is classified as a “jiko bukken”, or “misfortunate property”, in Kawasaki, Japan.

The men embracing facelifts to get sculpted looks

American online streamer and influencer Braden Peters has for years been peddling a single idea: looking good at whatever the cost.

Field Notes from Malaysia

When durian prices crash, Malaysia throws parties

For many Malaysians, this durian season, a feast costs less than a cafe lunch.

Marriages in Singapore fall further in 2025, but most people say they are happily married: MSF

A total of 24,688 marriages were registered in 2025, a 6.2 per cent drop from 2024.

NZ man’s year-long challenge shows why it pays just to ask

Herman Jagpal has traded up to a collection of items worth an estimated NZ$83,000 (S$62,000), including a shirt signed by Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.

The economics of women’s weight

Most people know that richer people tend to be thinner. Less appreciated is that this divide is largely driven by women, says the writer.

Neil the 1,000kg southern elephant seal is back, sows mayhem in Tasmania

Neil, a 1,000kg southern elephant seal, “inspects” a roadside bollard in Hobart, Tasmania.

Laser pointer aimed at viral monkey Punch’s enclosure at Japan zoo

Punch, a macaque, went viral after he was seen clinging to a stuffed orangutan after his mother abandoned him at birth.

‘Hot podium guy’: The man that sends the internet into a meltdown each time a British PM quits

Tobias Gough, also known as the “hot podium guy”, is back in the spotlight again after he was spotted setting up the lectern outside 10 Downing Street on June 22.

We liked remote work. Then we looked at the data

People in remote-capable jobs worked from home three times more often in 2024 than in 2019.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.