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.

1. Why Indonesia is ceding its role as Asean’s natural leader to Singapore

2. Why Japan’s earthquake has Bali on edge over magnitude 9 ‘megathrust’ risk

3. 3 killed in Japanese Type 10 tank blast that has military baffled

4. This retiree in the Philippines downloaded an...