From what most people report, Starlux typically weighs the carry on but not the personal item, as long as the personal item clearly fits under the seat and isn’t oversized.
That said, enforcement can vary a lot depending on the departure airport and even the specific check in staff. In some airports in Southeast Asia, ground staff can be stricter and may put both items on the scale together, even if the airline policy technically separates them.
If your backpack looks reasonable, fits under the seat, and isn’t bulging, you’re usually fine. Heavy laptop and tablet weight isn’t visible, so that generally isn’t an issue unless they physically weigh it.
A few practical tips:
Keep the backpack looking compact and not overstuffed
If possible, check in online and use bag drop instead of full service check in
Wear heavier items (jacket with pockets, etc.) if you’re worried about weight
Starlux isn’t generally known for aggressive carry on enforcement compared to ultra low cost carriers, but local ground handling can sometimes interpret rules differently.