Asia News Summary: Governing Party Triumphs in Singapore Elections, Plus Additional Updates
Here are some noteworthy stories from across Asia that you might not have seen this week.
TroibNews 
Here are some noteworthy stories from around Asia that may not have caught your attention this week.
Singapore's Ruling Party Secures 14th Successive Election
The People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore achieved a stronger mandate in the recent general election held on Saturday, capturing 65.57 percent of the popular vote, a significant rise from 61.24 percent in 2020, according to early Sunday results. This victory marks the party's 14th consecutive election triumph, continuing its six-decade-long governance and granting a robust mandate to the new premier as the nation prepares for economic challenges amid a global trade war.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong remarked that the resounding re-election would aid the country in navigating difficult times. The election was seen as a crucial test of the mandate voters would give Wong, who has been in office for a year.
The PAP secured 87 of the 97 available parliamentary seats. “The results will put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world," Wong mentioned early Sunday. Meanwhile, the opposition Workers' Party maintained its 10 seats, retaining its representation in three constituencies in eastern Singapore, with no other opposition parties gaining any seats.
Visitors to Japan Frustrated by Lack of Rubbish Bins
A recent survey conducted by the Japanese government revealed that international visitors to Japan are most frustrated by the absence of rubbish bins in public spaces, such as train stations. The Japan Tourism Agency reported that 21.9 percent of over 4,000 foreign visitors surveyed at five major airports identified this issue as their primary concern.
Historically, Japan had more trash receptacles in public areas, but many have been removed in recent years due to safety concerns following past terror incidents. Although this year’s figures showed an improvement of about 8 percentage points from the previous year, many respondents noted the inconvenience of having to carry their garbage back to their accommodations due to the lack of public bins.
While public sector trash cans have largely disappeared in Tokyo, some privately maintained bins still exist. In a move to combat overtourism, Nara Park—one of Japan's oldest parks—has installed public trash cans for the first time in 40 years. Initially, signs encouraged visitors to take their trash home, but with the increase in foreign tourists, the garbage issue in the park became more pronounced.
Malaysia Proposes Cargo Rail Link to Boost Trade with Bangkok
Malaysia is set to introduce a direct rail cargo service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Bangkok, Thailand, in 2025 to enhance bilateral and regional trade, according to state media reports citing the country’s Transport Minister.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the proposal has received Cabinet and Prime Minister approval, with operations expected to commence later in 2025. “A direct Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok rail link will also improve connectivity to other countries, including Laos, China and Central Asia,” Loke explained.
Myanmar Extends Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery
In Myanmar, the government has announced an extension of a temporary ceasefire until May 31 to assist in reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake that occurred in late March, which claimed at least 3,700 lives and caused significant destruction across the nation, according to state media on Wednesday. The government had originally declared the ceasefire in early April, shortly after the March 28 earthquake to facilitate relief efforts.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
Singapore's Ruling Party Secures 14th Successive Election
The People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore achieved a stronger mandate in the recent general election held on Saturday, capturing 65.57 percent of the popular vote, a significant rise from 61.24 percent in 2020, according to early Sunday results. This victory marks the party's 14th consecutive election triumph, continuing its six-decade-long governance and granting a robust mandate to the new premier as the nation prepares for economic challenges amid a global trade war.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong remarked that the resounding re-election would aid the country in navigating difficult times. The election was seen as a crucial test of the mandate voters would give Wong, who has been in office for a year.
The PAP secured 87 of the 97 available parliamentary seats. “The results will put Singapore in a better position to face this turbulent world," Wong mentioned early Sunday. Meanwhile, the opposition Workers' Party maintained its 10 seats, retaining its representation in three constituencies in eastern Singapore, with no other opposition parties gaining any seats.
Visitors to Japan Frustrated by Lack of Rubbish Bins
A recent survey conducted by the Japanese government revealed that international visitors to Japan are most frustrated by the absence of rubbish bins in public spaces, such as train stations. The Japan Tourism Agency reported that 21.9 percent of over 4,000 foreign visitors surveyed at five major airports identified this issue as their primary concern.
Historically, Japan had more trash receptacles in public areas, but many have been removed in recent years due to safety concerns following past terror incidents. Although this year’s figures showed an improvement of about 8 percentage points from the previous year, many respondents noted the inconvenience of having to carry their garbage back to their accommodations due to the lack of public bins.
While public sector trash cans have largely disappeared in Tokyo, some privately maintained bins still exist. In a move to combat overtourism, Nara Park—one of Japan's oldest parks—has installed public trash cans for the first time in 40 years. Initially, signs encouraged visitors to take their trash home, but with the increase in foreign tourists, the garbage issue in the park became more pronounced.
Malaysia Proposes Cargo Rail Link to Boost Trade with Bangkok
Malaysia is set to introduce a direct rail cargo service connecting Kuala Lumpur with Bangkok, Thailand, in 2025 to enhance bilateral and regional trade, according to state media reports citing the country’s Transport Minister.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the proposal has received Cabinet and Prime Minister approval, with operations expected to commence later in 2025. “A direct Kuala Lumpur–Bangkok rail link will also improve connectivity to other countries, including Laos, China and Central Asia,” Loke explained.
Myanmar Extends Ceasefire Amid Earthquake Recovery
In Myanmar, the government has announced an extension of a temporary ceasefire until May 31 to assist in reconstruction efforts following a devastating earthquake that occurred in late March, which claimed at least 3,700 lives and caused significant destruction across the nation, according to state media on Wednesday. The government had originally declared the ceasefire in early April, shortly after the March 28 earthquake to facilitate relief efforts.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
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