Global tech giants urge Malaysia to halt social media licensing plan

SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - Meta, Google, Amazon, and X, formerly known as Twitter, have called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to suspend plans for mandatory licensing of social media platforms. The Asia Internet Coalition (AIC), representing these companies, sent an open letter expressing concerns about the lack of transparency in the government's proposal. The Malaysian government said last month that social media and messaging platforms with over 8 million registered

August 27, 2024

China, Philippines clash again in South China Sea

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - China and the Philippines have experienced another confrontation in the South China Sea, marking the second incident in less than a week. The latest clash occurred on Sunday, near Scarborough Shoal, which China calls Xianbin Reef. Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu claimed that a Philippine vessel deliberately rammed a Chinese ship while attempting to deliver supplies to another Philippine boat. China asserts it controlled the situation legally an

August 26, 2024

Survey shows Thai public skeptical of new prime minister's independence

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - A recent poll conducted by Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals that 74.4 percent of Thais believe Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cannot govern without the influence of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The survey, which questioned 1,310 adults nationwide on Aug. 20-21, found that 59 percent think it's "impossible" and 15.4 percent consider it "somewhat impossible&q

August 26, 2024

Laos hosts ASEAN women leaders' summit

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Laos welcomed women from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on Thursday for the second day of a Pre-Summit Event preceding the third ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit. Aly Vongnobountham, president of the Lao Women's Union, chaired the meeting. She emphasized the importance of discussing issues like violence against women and economic empowerment to combat poverty. Vongnobountham highlighted the economic impact of unpaid care work, stating

August 23, 2024

Thailand detects Asia's first case of new mpox strain

SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - Thailand has become the first Asian country to confirm a case of the new mpox virus strain, clade Ib, according to The Bankok Post. The patient, a 66-year-old European male who arrived in Bangkok from Africa, tested positive last week. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has identified 43 close contacts of the patient, who are now under 21-day surveillance. Thai health authorities are intensifying screening measures at all international entry point

August 23, 2024

Thailand holds steady on key interest rate amid political shifts

SEOUL, August 22 (AJU PRESS) - Thailand's central bank maintained its key interest rate at 2.5 percent on Wednesday, marking the fifth consecutive hold, amidst political changes and economic uncertainties. The Bank of Thailand's (BOT) monetary policy committee decided to keep the rate steady, aligning with most economists' expectations in a recent survey, according to Reuters. BOT Assistant Governor Piti Disyatat commented on the potential for future adjustments, sayi

August 22, 2024

Pita Limjaroenrat, former Thai opposition leader, heads to U.S.

SEOUL, August 21 (AJU PRESS) - Pita Limjaroenrat, the 43-year-old ex-leader of Thailand's Move Forward Party (MFP), is set to leave for the United States following a ban on his political activities. He plans to become a visiting fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, his alma mater, where he will write memoirs and participate in seminars. Pita led the MFP to a surprise victory in last year's election but failed to secure the prime minister position due to opposition from pro-mili

August 21, 2024

Malaysia, India agree to strengthen economic ties

SEOUL, August 21 (AJU PRESS) - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit to New Delhi marks a significant step in mending relations with India, which had cooled since 2019. The leaders agreed to expand trade, allow increased migration of Indian workers to Malaysia, and use local currencies for bilateral transactions. This trip, Anwar's first to India since taking office in November 2022, aims to reverse the negative impacts of previous tensions, including reduced palm o

August 21, 2024

Malaysia revises 'orangutan diplomacy' policy after protests

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Malaysia has modified its controversial "orangutan diplomacy" strategy following environmental group protests. Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, announced that while palm oil importing countries can still adopt orangutans, the primates will remain in their natural habitats. The government plans to establish a fund with adopting nations or companies to support forest conservation NGOs. This change comes after the init

August 20, 2024

Singapore expands parental leave, social support measures

SEOUL, August 20 (AJU PRESS) - Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced significant welfare policy enhancements during his inaugural National Day address. The government plans to increase paid parental leave and provide financial aid to low-income unemployed individuals. By 2026, couples will be entitled to a combined 30 weeks of paid parental leave, with the government covering the cost of an additional 10 weeks. Starting April 2025, each parent will be mandated one m

August 20, 2024