An uproar broke out after Truong My Lan, Vietnam’s richest female tycoon, was found guilty of the biggest fraud and money-laundering case in the country, and sentenced to death. The case goes beyond white-collar crime and it pushed Vietnam’s anti-corruption campaign to a crescendo as collusion between business and government, political factions, and power struggles in the country were all exposed.

With the third plenary session of the 20th Chinese Communist Party Central Committee slated for July, the high-level members of the Politburo have been making their rounds across the country and urging for action in various aspects of the economy. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan takes a look at the calls for action ahead of the session.

Academic Kang Jun-young explains why, while the resumption of the South Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit at the end of this month is a positive development, obstacles stand in the way of the three countries working together on common issues affecting them and the region.

With its strategic relevance in Southeast Asia diminishing, how can India enhance its image as a trusted partner in the region?

The sudden surge in Taiwan’s stock market index along with inflows to ETFs have left officials and analysts concerned. This could signal a wider wealth gap once markets return to normal and greater home ownership woes for youths. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang looks into the matter.

Chinese youths are giving pared-down weddings their thumbs up, knowing that this would rid them of impractical customs, high wedding costs and unnecessary angst. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Meng Dandan examines this trend.

US academic Zhu Zhiqun reviews Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s tenure over the past 20 years under the prism of Singapore-China relations. He notes that unlike some US allies and partners which have aligned their policies closely with the US to counter China’s rise, Singapore under Prime Minister Lee has skillfully handled great power rivalry and successfully managed friendly relations with both powers.

Lianhe Zaobao senior correspondent Chew Boon Leong speaks with Alice Yin Hung, entrepreneur and founder of Paeonia Group, who moved to Singapore from Hong Kong four years ago. Having been at the lowest rung of society in her early years, Hung seized the opportunities brought about by China’s economic takeoff to build her fortune. Hung also shares insights on her career and on investing, as well as her sense of connection with Singapore.

The mounting pressure on China extends beyond the digital realm and into manufacturing, especially in areas involving critical technologies such as semiconductors and electric vehicles. The US then intensified its focus on maritime security, which included directives aimed at China’s shipbuilding industry.

Chinese academic Han Heyuan takes a look at the prevalence of “political families” in China at the grassroots level. The disadvantages of such a system are obvious, including the obstruction of social mobility, corruption and abuse of power. Furthermore, if a specific family or group monopolises official positions and resources for a long time, it may lead to a decline in the quality of officials, thereby reducing administrative efficiency.

Strolling through the 8th Yokohama Triennale held mainly at the Yokohama Museum of Art, former director of the Singapore Art Museum Kwok Kian Chow reflects on the historical woodcut connections between Japan and China and in the wider Asian region.

While the mainstream view in the Philippines is that China is to blame for the flourishing Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) industry, both countries have common cause in rooting out the ills of POGOs.