How monarchies stay relevant; Pakistan’s new defence pact: 7 Asia highlights

From Southeast Asia’s monarchies to a shoving incident in Singapore, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

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World’s longest-reigning living monarch, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, returns a salute during his 80th birthday celebrations at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on July 15. Photo: Reuters

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 .
The Malaysian king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (centre), attends his coronation at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. Photo: Reuters
The Malaysian king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (centre), attends his coronation at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur in 2024. Photo: Reuters

The kings in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei have to be attuned to societal or economic changes to survive, analysts say.