Topic
TOPIC
Nguyen Ngoc Anh was once an illegal logger in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province, but now he’s become a “protector of the forest”. His attitude changed after the effects of climate change devastated his community through extreme rains and flooding. Instead of contributing to the problem by selling logs from the thinning forest for timber, Ngoc Anh began leading conservation tours through jungles and caves, patrolling paths to stop illegal poaching, cleaning animal traps and removing rubbish left at the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Vietnam recently joined more than 100 countries in a pledge to stop deforestation by 2030.
On April 10, 2022, Tropical Storm Megi hit the central and southern Philippines. The storm’s heavy rains triggered secondary disasters like landslides and flooding, killing at least 28 people, according to local authorities. Rescuers could be seen weaving their way through flooded roads looking for survivors. Officials have said more than 13,000 people have fled to emergency shelters.
On April 10, 2022, Tropical Storm Megi hit the central and southern Philippines. The storm’s heavy rains triggered secondary disasters like landslides and flooding, killing at least 28 people, according to local authorities. Rescuers could be seen weaving their way through flooded roads looking for survivors. Officials have said more than 13,000 people have fled to emergency shelters.
Using a thin brush and resin, Jesstoni Garcia sprinkles strands of hair and clippings on a blank white canvas to create celebrity portraits.The Filipino artist, hair salon co-owner and cruise ship employee came up with the idea to deal with the stress of working on the large vessels.
Using a thin brush and resin, Jesstoni Garcia sprinkles strands of hair and clippings on a blank white canvas to create celebrity portraits.The Filipino artist, hair salon co-owner and cruise ship employee came up with the idea to deal with the stress of working on the large vessels.
A Malaysian teacher has gone viral after posting a video of himself on TikTok drawing multiple portraits at the same time using his hands, feet and mouth. The 39-year-old said the idea came about after seeing an artwork drawn by a disabled person with her feet.
A Malaysian teacher has gone viral after posting a video of himself on TikTok drawing multiple portraits at the same time using his hands, feet and mouth. The 39-year-old said the idea came about after seeing an artwork drawn by a disabled person with her feet.
Ahead of the Year of Tiger, a team of carvers led by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Tan Phat has spent months crafting 2,022 tigers in time to celebrate the start of the festival on February 1, 2022. They use natural materials such as jackfruit wood, laterite and shells found in the artist’s hometown to create a wide range of tiger figures, including some that require weeks of careful chiselling, painting and lacquering.
Ahead of the Year of Tiger, a team of carvers led by Vietnamese artist Nguyen Tan Phat has spent months crafting 2,022 tigers in time to celebrate the start of the festival on February 1, 2022. They use natural materials such as jackfruit wood, laterite and shells found in the artist’s hometown to create a wide range of tiger figures, including some that require weeks of careful chiselling, painting and lacquering.
A Malaysian man has again failed in his bid to evade pandemic travel rules by swimming across the Penang Strait. The first attempt by the 28-year-old in July 2021 landed him in hot water for violating travel bans. His second try on August 2 was made aboard a styrofoam raft, which failed to get him very far and ended in his rescue.
A Malaysian man has again failed in his bid to evade pandemic travel rules by swimming across the Penang Strait. The first attempt by the 28-year-old in July 2021 landed him in hot water for violating travel bans. His second try on August 2 was made aboard a styrofoam raft, which failed to get him very far and ended in his rescue.
Thailand has held a welcome ceremony to mark the return of two 1000-year-old artefacts from the US. The two hand-carved sandstone temple lintels were smuggled out of Thailand and sent to the US more than 50 years ago. They were later held by a collector who then donated the items to San Francisco’s Asian Arts Museum. The ancient relics are now back in their home country after a three-year legal challenge.
Thailand has held a welcome ceremony to mark the return of two 1000-year-old artefacts from the US. The two hand-carved sandstone temple lintels were smuggled out of Thailand and sent to the US more than 50 years ago. They were later held by a collector who then donated the items to San Francisco’s Asian Arts Museum. The ancient relics are now back in their home country after a three-year legal challenge.
Reconstruction efforts are under way in the southern Philippine city of Marawi. The capital of Lanao del Sur province in the island of Mindanao was battered during a five-month war between government security forces and Isis-linked militants in 2017, displacing over 300,000 people. The city’s rehabilitation is expected to be completed by December 2021.
Reconstruction efforts are under way in the southern Philippine city of Marawi. The capital of Lanao del Sur province in the island of Mindanao was battered during a five-month war between government security forces and Isis-linked militants in 2017, displacing over 300,000 people. The city’s rehabilitation is expected to be completed by December 2021.
Filipino fisherman Marcial Gabutero has spoken up about the abuse he says he suffered as a migrant worker on a Taiwanese fishing vessel. He claims he was physically abused and had his wages withheld. But Gabutero is not the only one. Activists in Taiwan say it is a recurring situation and that stories of death have also emerged. They have criticised the Taiwanese government over a lack of basic labour law enforcement.
Filipino fisherman Marcial Gabutero has spoken up about the abuse he says he suffered as a migrant worker on a Taiwanese fishing vessel. He claims he was physically abused and had his wages withheld. But Gabutero is not the only one. Activists in Taiwan say it is a recurring situation and that stories of death have also emerged. They have criticised the Taiwanese government over a lack of basic labour law enforcement.
Indonesian authorities said on April 25, 2021, that the KRI Nanggala 402 submarine, which went missing off the coast of Bali, was found broken into three pieces. All 53 crew aboard the 44-year-old submarine were confirmed dead. The military ruled out human error as the cause of the accident.
Indonesian authorities said on April 25, 2021, that the KRI Nanggala 402 submarine, which went missing off the coast of Bali, was found broken into three pieces. All 53 crew aboard the 44-year-old submarine were confirmed dead. The military ruled out human error as the cause of the accident.
Vietnamese farmer Tran Ngoc Thang has been raising betta fish in individual bottles for the past 20 years. The colourful fighting fish is known to be aggressive and was once prized for its combative nature. The fish used to be pitted against each other in fights and were used in betting matches. Now they are bought mostly for ornamental purposes.
Vietnamese farmer Tran Ngoc Thang has been raising betta fish in individual bottles for the past 20 years. The colourful fighting fish is known to be aggressive and was once prized for its combative nature. The fish used to be pitted against each other in fights and were used in betting matches. Now they are bought mostly for ornamental purposes.
The death toll rose to at least 128 after flash floods and landslides caused by cyclone Seroja hit Indonesia and East Timor on April 4, 2021. As evacuation efforts continued and with dozens still reported missing, Indonesian president Joko Widodo expressed his deep condolences for victims of the disaster.
The death toll rose to at least 128 after flash floods and landslides caused by cyclone Seroja hit Indonesia and East Timor on April 4, 2021. As evacuation efforts continued and with dozens still reported missing, Indonesian president Joko Widodo expressed his deep condolences for victims of the disaster.
In a room filled with drawers of Lego, Vietnam’s Dang Hoang introduces his collection of millions of Lego pieces. A Lego collector for over a decade, his masterpieces are mostly inspired by scenes close to home. On the hunt for new designs, he also meets other like-minded builders to form a community of enthusiasts.
In a room filled with drawers of Lego, Vietnam’s Dang Hoang introduces his collection of millions of Lego pieces. A Lego collector for over a decade, his masterpieces are mostly inspired by scenes close to home. On the hunt for new designs, he also meets other like-minded builders to form a community of enthusiasts.
At least 18 protesters were killed in the latest round of anti-coup protests in Myanmar on February 28, 2021, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The UN said police used live rounds and tear gas during the Sunday crackdown on demonstrators. Dozens more were injured and over 1,000 people were arbitrarily detained, according to the UN body. The country has been gripped by protests since the military seized power on February 1, 2021.
At least 18 protesters were killed in the latest round of anti-coup protests in Myanmar on February 28, 2021, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The UN said police used live rounds and tear gas during the Sunday crackdown on demonstrators. Dozens more were injured and over 1,000 people were arbitrarily detained, according to the UN body. The country has been gripped by protests since the military seized power on February 1, 2021.
Rescuers were racing to hunt for survivors after a deadly collapse at an illegal gold mine in Indonesia’s central province of Sulawesi on February 24, 2021. Two days later, at least six people were confirmed dead, 16 others were rescued and one more person was still missing. Local disaster officials said the mine collapse may have been caused by intense rainfall and unstable soil structure at the scene.
Rescuers were racing to hunt for survivors after a deadly collapse at an illegal gold mine in Indonesia’s central province of Sulawesi on February 24, 2021. Two days later, at least six people were confirmed dead, 16 others were rescued and one more person was still missing. Local disaster officials said the mine collapse may have been caused by intense rainfall and unstable soil structure at the scene.
Tens of thousands of Burmese rallied over the weekend of February 6-7, 2021, in the wake of the coup in Myanmar. Protesters were angered after the military placed their civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior leaders under arrest on February 1. On February 6, the internet was cut across Myanmar for the second time since Suu Kyi’s arrest. Protesters were forced to communicate through word of mouth, SMS texts and phone calls.
Tens of thousands of Burmese rallied over the weekend of February 6-7, 2021, in the wake of the coup in Myanmar. Protesters were angered after the military placed their civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior leaders under arrest on February 1. On February 6, the internet was cut across Myanmar for the second time since Suu Kyi’s arrest. Protesters were forced to communicate through word of mouth, SMS texts and phone calls.
Underwater footage filmed by the Indonesian navy shows the wreckage of the passenger plane that crashed into the Java Sea. The video was shot on January 10, 2021, the day after the Sriwijaya Air jet crashed only minutes into its journey from Jakarta with 62 passengers and crew on board.
Underwater footage filmed by the Indonesian navy shows the wreckage of the passenger plane that crashed into the Java Sea. The video was shot on January 10, 2021, the day after the Sriwijaya Air jet crashed only minutes into its journey from Jakarta with 62 passengers and crew on board.
The Pondok Ranggon public cemetery in the eastern part of the Indonesian capital Jakarta that has been reserved for people who died from Covid-19, was nearly out of space on December 7, 2020. As coronavirus-related deaths continue to mount in the country, workers at the cemetery said the site had no more room for Muslim victims, and only about 60 graves left in an area set aside for Christians.
The Pondok Ranggon public cemetery in the eastern part of the Indonesian capital Jakarta that has been reserved for people who died from Covid-19, was nearly out of space on December 7, 2020. As coronavirus-related deaths continue to mount in the country, workers at the cemetery said the site had no more room for Muslim victims, and only about 60 graves left in an area set aside for Christians.
Torrential rain in Indonesia caused severe floods in North Sumatra’s Medan city on December 3, 2020. At least five people were killed and thousands were affected. Heavy rainfall has caused four rivers to overflow in the region.
Torrential rain in Indonesia caused severe floods in North Sumatra’s Medan city on December 3, 2020. At least five people were killed and thousands were affected. Heavy rainfall has caused four rivers to overflow in the region.
Typhoon Molave swept across Vietnam on October 28, 2020, after it passed through the Philippines. The storm is blamed for dozens of deaths and has left many people missing. The Vietnamese government said Molave was among the most powerful storms to hit the country in 20 years. The nation has been battered by heavy rains and storms since early October, and heavy rainfalls of up to 70cm (28in) are expected to continue in parts of central Vietnam until October 31.
Typhoon Molave swept across Vietnam on October 28, 2020, after it passed through the Philippines. The storm is blamed for dozens of deaths and has left many people missing. The Vietnamese government said Molave was among the most powerful storms to hit the country in 20 years. The nation has been battered by heavy rains and storms since early October, and heavy rainfalls of up to 70cm (28in) are expected to continue in parts of central Vietnam until October 31.
A two-year-old girl was lifted about 9 metres (30ft) into the air while tied to a pole during a shocking performance at Thailand’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival on October 23, 2020. During the show, the toddler was dangled upside down from on a line attached to the pole before being returned to the ground. The shocking performance was part of a Taoist religious ritual, which is held each year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
A two-year-old girl was lifted about 9 metres (30ft) into the air while tied to a pole during a shocking performance at Thailand’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival on October 23, 2020. During the show, the toddler was dangled upside down from on a line attached to the pole before being returned to the ground. The shocking performance was part of a Taoist religious ritual, which is held each year during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
Thailand’s protests began in March 2020 but lost momentum due to the Covid-19 pandemic before restarting in July. Tensions escalated in mid-October when tens of thousands of young protesters took to the streets, mostly in Bangkok but also in other parts of Thailand. The demonstrators demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a new democratic constitution and reform of the Thai monarchy. Police have responded with water cannons and by arresting protesters. The government has also issued an emergency decree and banned gatherings to curb the protests. But the unrest in Thailand has only intensified and spread.
Thailand’s protests began in March 2020 but lost momentum due to the Covid-19 pandemic before restarting in July. Tensions escalated in mid-October when tens of thousands of young protesters took to the streets, mostly in Bangkok but also in other parts of Thailand. The demonstrators demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a new democratic constitution and reform of the Thai monarchy. Police have responded with water cannons and by arresting protesters. The government has also issued an emergency decree and banned gatherings to curb the protests. But the unrest in Thailand has only intensified and spread.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Bangkok on October 15. The visit was the last of Wang’s tour shoring up alliances in Southeast Asia. He offered investment and economic support to the Thai government, including integration of the Eastern Economic Corridor with the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing’s embrace came at a crisis point for the country, an ongoing youth-led pro-democracy movement has called for curbs on the monarchy’s power and constitutional reform.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha in Bangkok on October 15. The visit was the last of Wang’s tour shoring up alliances in Southeast Asia. He offered investment and economic support to the Thai government, including integration of the Eastern Economic Corridor with the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing’s embrace came at a crisis point for the country, an ongoing youth-led pro-democracy movement has called for curbs on the monarchy’s power and constitutional reform.
For nearly nine decades, the Antong Coffee Mill in Malaysia, has been making coffee in a traditional way, mixing sugar into coffee beans in an ageing machine heated by a crackling fire. The mill, which produces wood-roasted Nanyang style coffee known as “Kopi O” (coffee without milk) as well as Malaysian white coffee, started operations in the northwestern town of Taiping in 1933.
For nearly nine decades, the Antong Coffee Mill in Malaysia, has been making coffee in a traditional way, mixing sugar into coffee beans in an ageing machine heated by a crackling fire. The mill, which produces wood-roasted Nanyang style coffee known as “Kopi O” (coffee without milk) as well as Malaysian white coffee, started operations in the northwestern town of Taiping in 1933.
Vietnamese police raided a warehouse on September 25, 2020 that was found to be reselling used condoms. During the raid, police found about 345,000 used condoms in the warehouse. A detained woman said the used condoms were boiled in water before they are resold. She said she was paid US$0.17 for each kilogram (2.2 lbs) of recycled condoms that she had washed, dried and reshaped.
Vietnamese police raided a warehouse on September 25, 2020 that was found to be reselling used condoms. During the raid, police found about 345,000 used condoms in the warehouse. A detained woman said the used condoms were boiled in water before they are resold. She said she was paid US$0.17 for each kilogram (2.2 lbs) of recycled condoms that she had washed, dried and reshaped.
China shares over 22,000 kilometres (13,670 miles) of border with 14 countries, but Beijing has disputes with many of its neighbours over where some of these international lines are drawn. The various territorial claims, citing history, politics and geography, have resulted in clashes and occasionally, outright military confrontations. Land borders aside, China also says its territory includes nearly all of the South China Sea, despite competing claims to parts of those waters made by many Southeast Asian countries. As tensions rise between China and the United States, Beijing has adopted a more aggressive attitude, pledging to defend China's “sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
China shares over 22,000 kilometres (13,670 miles) of border with 14 countries, but Beijing has disputes with many of its neighbours over where some of these international lines are drawn. The various territorial claims, citing history, politics and geography, have resulted in clashes and occasionally, outright military confrontations. Land borders aside, China also says its territory includes nearly all of the South China Sea, despite competing claims to parts of those waters made by many Southeast Asian countries. As tensions rise between China and the United States, Beijing has adopted a more aggressive attitude, pledging to defend China's “sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Bali is slowly starting to reopen after a three-month coronavirus lockdown which saw shops, bars and the airport close and tourists disappear from its famous beaches. While the Indonesian resort island will not start welcoming new foreign visitors until September 2020, locals and tourists already in Bali on extended stays were able to resume public activities as of July 9.
Bali is slowly starting to reopen after a three-month coronavirus lockdown which saw shops, bars and the airport close and tourists disappear from its famous beaches. While the Indonesian resort island will not start welcoming new foreign visitors until September 2020, locals and tourists already in Bali on extended stays were able to resume public activities as of July 9.
On May 20, 2020, Malaysian authorities arrested more than 200 undocumented immigrants during a raid in PJ Old Town, a section of the city of Petaling Jaya near the capital Kuala Lumpur. Officials said the raid targeting migrants was intended to help curb the spread of coronavirus and done in an area that is locked down to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia was expected to lift its controls on public movements on June 9.
On May 20, 2020, Malaysian authorities arrested more than 200 undocumented immigrants during a raid in PJ Old Town, a section of the city of Petaling Jaya near the capital Kuala Lumpur. Officials said the raid targeting migrants was intended to help curb the spread of coronavirus and done in an area that is locked down to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysia was expected to lift its controls on public movements on June 9.
A Phnom Penh theatre that has hosted shadow puppet performances for 26 years is being forced to close because of problems related to the coronavirus pandemic. The Cambodian capital’s Sovanna Phum Theatre will be taken over by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in hopes the troupe can eventually continue performing under the same name. The traditional Cambodian performance art dates back to the 7th century, and has been on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list since 2005.
A Phnom Penh theatre that has hosted shadow puppet performances for 26 years is being forced to close because of problems related to the coronavirus pandemic. The Cambodian capital’s Sovanna Phum Theatre will be taken over by the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, in hopes the troupe can eventually continue performing under the same name. The traditional Cambodian performance art dates back to the 7th century, and has been on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list since 2005.