On May 20, Timor Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta highlighted major improvements in the country’s public healthcare sector since the restoration of its independence in 2002.
Author: Sadina Aimee
Culture and Society Correspondent
The Bond between A Migrant Domestic Worker and A Kid in Singaporean Film Ilo Ilo
Ilo Ilo is a 2013 Singaporean drama film. It is written and directed by Anthony Chen. In this debut film, Chen explored the relationship between Teresa, a domestic worker; and Jiale, a 10 years old child cared for by Teresa. Ilo Ilo premiered in Cannes Film Festival 2013 and won Camera D’Or. The Award set a new record as the first Singaporean film to win a category in the festival.
Ocean Week Brunei returns with competitions and grants for ocean advocates
On May 20, organisers of Ocean Week Brunei announced the opening of submissions for several initiatives aimed at promoting marine conservation and public engagement ahead of the annual event later this year. The programmes include the Brunei Ocean Arts – Photography Competition 2026, the Ocean Voices: Video Competition 2026, as well as nominations for the Ocean Hero Award 2026 and applications for the Ocean Youth Grant 2026.
Cambodia and China deepen tourism cooperation by launching Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour
On May 18, the start of the Mekong-Lancang Caravan Tour was marked by the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism’s partnership with relevant stakeholders. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation in the tourism sector between Cambodia and China.
Bangkok train driver tests positive for drugs after fatal collision
On May 18, Thai revealed that the driver of a freight train involved in a fatal collision in Bangkok had tested positive for drug use and allegedly did not hold a valid railway operating licence.
Thailand promotes film tourism at Cannes Film Festival 2026
On May 14, Thailand strengthened its international film tourism profile during the Cannes Film Festival by hosting “Amazing Thai Night in Cannes 2026”, a promotional event aimed at highlighting the country as a leading destination for global film productions.
Indonesian court sentences man to death for child murder
On May 13, the Majalengka District Court in West Java province, sentenced Gin Gin Ginanjar (24) to death. He is the defendant in the case of premeditated murder of a 11 year-old primary school student, identified by the initial MRS. The tragic crime occurred on October 18, 2025.
Is Indonesia becoming Southeast Asia’s new online gambling hub?
A recent police raid in Jakarta uncovered a large online gambling operation involving 320 non-Indonesian nationals and dozens of gambling website\s. The case quickly drew national attention because of the international scale of the network.
11 dead after migrant boat sinks near Malaysia’s Pangkor Island
On May 11, a boat carrying 37 undocumented migrants from Indonesia sank near Pangkor Island while travelling towards several destinations in Malaysia. As of May 15, search and rescue teams had recovered 11 bodies about 5.6 nautical miles from the island.
France and Indonesia deepen literary cooperation through Choix Goncourt Indonesia
On May 11, Indonesia officially joined the international Choix Goncourt network with the launch of the first-ever Choix Goncourt Indonesia, held in Jakarta.