Malaysia’s state elections, China’s military scientists achieve laser ‘breakthrough’: 6 weekend reads you may have missed

3. ‘Huge blow’ for Malaysia’s Anwar in state polls despite apparent status quo

The results of Saturday’s regional polls in Malaysia are being read as a blow to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s ruling alliance in its first real test with voters, analysts say, despite the vote yielding the status quo on the surface.

4. Enthusiasts in Hong Kong risk arrest to photograph naked models in public

No location is off-limits, even in broad daylight, for a band of photographers shooting nude models. One such photographer said: “The dense urban feel of Hong Kong creates a greater sense of contrast between the crowded cityscape and the exposed body.” As far as Hong Kong law is concerned, however, the activity is illegal.

5. US wants Chinese chips 5 generations behind cutting edge, executive claims

The head of one of China’s leading semiconductor equipment makers believes Washington’s escalating export and investment restrictions betray the real goal of the US: keep China’s chip-making technology at least five generations behind the cutting edge.

6. She’s made her peace with terminal cancer — but not with her lack of choice

Newlywed Hongkonger Keren Goldman, 49, has known for months she will soon die — and laments the lack of options in the city for those at the end of their lives. “I don’t want to die,” she says. “But I also don’t want to be here on machines for days on end when I have no control of my life.”

South China Morning Post