On July 14, the Philippine National Police (PNP) established a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to probe the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist Kent Carpenter and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipina partner at their home in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
Category: Society
Sadao Border Link Strengthens Thailand–Malaysia Tourism Connectivity
On July 13, Thailand officially opened a new road linking the Sadao Customs House in Songkhla Province with the Bukit Kayu Hitam checkpoint in Kedah, Malaysia, marking a significant step towards improving cross-border tourism, trade and regional connectivity.
Myanmar’s Fruit Gathering Won Crystal Globe at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
On July 11, Myanmar filmmaker Aung Phyoe won the Crystal Globe, the highest award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (KVIFF), for his debut feature Fruit Gathering. The prestigious prize was presented during the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday in the Czech spa town of Karlovy Vary.
Indonesia’s Candrani Yulis Showcases “Passage” Solo Exhibition Ahead of Lyon Biennale Debut
Indonesian contemporary artist Candrani Yulis will present Passage, a solo exhibition at the Institut français d’Indonésie (IFI) Yogyakarta from 14 to 24 July, ahead of her appearance at the 18th Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art later this year. Organised by the Embassy of France in Indonesia, IFI and Ellipse Art Projects, the exhibition marks a significant milestone in the Yogyakarta-based artist’s growing international career.
Philippines’ Marriage Rate Falls as More Couples Delay Weddings
On July 7, the Philippines’ Commission on Population and Development (CPD) announced that the number of registered marriages in the country has continued to fall over the past decade, suggesting that more Filipinos are changing how they build families. Instead of marrying early, many couples are choosing to delay marriage or live together without formalising their relationship.
At the World Cup, Why Does Indonesia Cheer for Other Nations More Than Its Neighbours?
The crowd comments flooded the section. It was on June 26, the day when the Netherlands proceeded to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Something telling happened in the largest Southeast Asian country. Indonesia cheered for the victory over its former colonial ruler as if it were its own. This phenomenon points to an interesting paradox. The World Cup 2026 lacks any Southeast Asian representatives, yet the region is among the top (edging on being fanatic, even) football fans on the entire globe.
Vietnam Seeks to Expand Halal Tourism
Vietnam is looking to strengthen its foothold in the global Halal tourism market, with government officials and industry leaders highlighting new opportunities to attract more Muslim travellers during a conference in the central province of Khanh Hoa on July 8.
Laos Recorded 2.1 Million Foreign Visitors in Early 2026
On July 6, Laos reported strong tourism growth during the first five months of 2026, welcoming more than 2.1 million international visitors, according to a government report presented at the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly. The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8% and reaches 47% of the country’s annual target of 4.46 million foreign arrivals.
BINI Named Philippines’ Newest Tourism Ambassador
On July 3, The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that the Filipino girl group BINI will serve as its newest tourism ambassador, marking a fresh effort to promote domestic travel through the country’s growing entertainment industry.
Indonesia Pushes Inclusive HIV and Tuberculosis Healthcare
On July 5, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health renewed its call for more inclusive healthcare services for people affected by HIV and tuberculosis (TB), warning that stigma, discrimination and fragmented care continue to prevent vulnerable groups from receiving timely treatment.