Myanmar coup

The Tatmadaw has mass surveillance technology, but how well is it used?

Following Myanmar’s coup, the junta’s surveillance abilities have been touted based on Chinese and Russian tech imports. But experts say despite this equipment, a lack of capacity and infrastructure in the outdated institution keeps low-tech methods at the forefront
By Kiana Duncan and Allegra Mendelson • Jun 07, 2021

Editorial

House of 1,000 stories: The mysterious Hotel Renakse

We explore the rich history of the unlikely birthplace of Cambodia’s post-war independent newspapers and dive further into the economic and educational effects of Covid-19
By Andrew Haffner • Jun 05, 2021

In the jungle, Myanmar rebels teach anti-coup protesters to fight

In Myanmar's rebel-held jungles young protesters are training to fight back against the country's military, with many learning to fire rifles for the first time. The hope is to build an opposition force that could topple the regime once and for all
By Agence France-Presse • Jun 04, 2021

History

Inside the decrepit Hotel Renakse, Cambodia’s free press was reborn

Today the crumbling Hotel Renakse sits empty in the shadow of Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, being slowly reclaimed by nature. But in the early 1990s, the hotel played host to three decisive moments in the reintroduction of press freedom to Cambodia
By Alastair McCready • Jun 04, 2021

Music

Indonesia’s hijab-wearing music lovers trade village life for heavy metal

Indonesia's Voice of Baceprot, an all-female heavy metal band, is popular among many rock music enthusiasts. But selling their parents on their dreams is an ongoing battle
By Agnes Anya/AFP • Jun 03, 2021

As school closures bite, Cambodian families cope with strain at home

The resurgence of Covid-19 in Cambodia has again shuttered schools, intensifying family dynamics as children spend more time at home. Managing this stress and mitigating the worst effects of the shutdown on a generation of kids has become more vital than ever
By Stew Post • Jun 03, 2021

South China Sea

China says military flight off Malaysia was ‘routine training’

Following the sighting of Chinese air force planes off Malaysian Borneo on Monday May 31, China has defended the flights, claiming they were being used for training purposes and therefore did not breach sovereignty
By Agence France-Presse • Jun 02, 2021

Covid-19

Malaysia imposes lockdown as Southeast Asia battles virus surge

As countries across Southeast Asia struggle with a resurgence in Covid-19 cases driven by infectious variants, Malaysia, among the worst hit, imposed a nationwide lockdown on Tuesday June 1
By M. Jegathesan/AFP • Jun 01, 2021