On August 5, Cambodia launched the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Peace Boat Programme, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional dialogue and advancing practical cooperation for sustainable development across the sub-region.
Category: Politics
Philippine Senate Scrutinises Millions in Vice President’s Confidential Funds
On August 3, the Philippines’ Senate Impeachment Court heard testimony from a Commission on Audit (COA) auditor who said Vice President Sara Duterte was the only Vice President and the only Department of Education (DepEd) secretary to receive confidential funds during her tenure with the Commission’s Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (ICFAO), as the House prosecution continued presenting documentary and financial evidence in the impeachment trial.
Indonesia Leads ASEAN Push for Long-Term Disaster Resilience
On July 29, Indonesia called on ASEAN to shift its disaster management approach from disaster risk reduction towards long-term sustainable resilience, urging stronger international cooperation to better prepare the bloc for future crises.
Indonesia Bolsters Village-Level Prevention to Counter Human Trafficking
On July 30, Indonesia strengthened efforts to combat human trafficking by combining tougher victim protection measures with village-based prevention and economic empowerment programmes. Authorities warned that traffickers are increasingly exploiting digital technology to recruit victims, as the country marked World Day Against Human Trafficking 2026 in Jakarta.
Why Cooling the Planet Means Removing Carbon, Not Just Emitting Less
Johanna has always been drawn to big challenges and to the simple solutions that are often underestimated. When it comes to the question of climate change, her answer is putting to use what is already around her.
Anti-Scam Law Becomes the First Political Test of Myanmar’s New Government
Myanmar’s military-backed Union Parliament has approved an Anti-Online Scam Law that introduces tougher penalties for online fraud on July 28, including a mandatory death sentence in cases where victims die after being forced to participate in scam operations. It is also the first legislation passed under the government of President Min Aung Hlaing, who moved from junta chief to head of state in April following an election that the pro-democracy party National League for Democracy did not contest.
Papuan Rebels’ Killing of Three Indonesian Civilians Sparks Fierce Condemnation
On July 20, three Papuan civilians were brutally murdered by the notorious separatist group, the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), on the pretext of a false allegation that the indigenous people were secret intelligence operatives for the Indonesian military force (TNI) tasked with locating rebel hiding spots.
Myanmar Approves Death Sentence for Cybercrime Offences
On July 28, Myanmar’s military-backed Union Parliament passed a green light to an “Anti-Online Scam Bill,” a law that regulates capital punishment for those who run online scam centers and force, violate or torture another person to commit to the scam.
Continuity, Not Innovation, to Define President Macros’ Final Two Years
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 to outline his administration’s priorities for the remainder of its term, placing governance, economic competitiveness, public services and national security at the centre of the government’s agenda.
Malaysia to Host Rescheduled Formula One Race in October
On July 26, Formula One confirmed that Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit will stage the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix from October 2 to 4, slotted between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix.