Women in the Philippines are having fewer children than ever before, with the country’s fertility rate continuing to fall below the level required to sustain population growth, according to a new survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Category: Society
Thailand to nominate Nang Yai shadow play for UNESCO
Thailand’s Ministry of Culture announced on March 28 that Nang Yai, a centuries-old Thai shadow play will be registered on the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.
Vientiane launches new water plant amid ongoing supply shortages
Residents in several areas of Vientiane have reported prolonged disruptions to tap water supply, with some communities saying their water has not been running for weeks.
Kitchen suspended after food poisoning linked to free meals program
Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency has confirmed a food poisoning incident linked to the government’s Free Nutritious Meals programme in East Jakarta, leaving more than 70 teachers and students ill and prompting the suspension of a food preparation facility.
Singapore detects first domestic cases of transmitted Mpox
Singapore has confirmed its first locally transmitted cases of mpox involving the more severe clade 1b variant, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) announced on April 2.
Laos and Vietnam launch inter-provincial partnership
On March 29, the Laos provinces of Champasak, Salavan, Xekong and Attapeu signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Gia Lai province in Southern Vietnam.
Cambodia works to preserve traditional Khmer stone carving craft
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia and the APSARA National Authority are supporting efforts to sustain traditional stone carving in Run Ta Ek Techo Sen City on April 1
Singapore launches deposit return scheme for beverages containers
On April 1, Singapore launched a new scheme which allows consumers to return empty beverage containers in exchange for a small deposit refund.
Indonesia’s Bali celebrates annual Nyepi ceremony
Nyepi, also known as the Balinese Day of Silence, is a sacred Hindu celebration observed annually to mark the Saka New Year. Held this year on 19–20 March 2026, the occasion sees the island of Bali come to a complete standstill — no travel, no work, no entertainment, and no artificial light. It is a day devoted entirely to stillness, self-reflection, and spiritual purification.
UNESCO commends Vietnam’s “people-centred growth model”
On March 20, marking the International Day of Happiness, Vietnam’s development achievements were highlighted as a strong example of how prioritising people can drive national progress. The country has gained global recognition for improving the well-being and happiness of its citizens, reflecting a model that extends beyond economic growth to embrace a more holistic vision of development. According to UNESCO Representative Jonathan Baker, Vietnam’s leadership consistently places the needs, lives, and future of its people at the centre of policymaking.