Archive: Feb 2023



STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 17, 2023 • 7 min read

Martial arts Cambodian martial art hits UNESCO heritage list and SEA Games

By Nasa Dip • Feb 17, 2023
Kun Bokator's recent addition to the UNESCO intangible heritage following a series of hurdles, and its inclusion for the first time in the upcoming Southeast Asia Games, has emphasised this martial art's relevance as more than just a sport

STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 16, 2023 • 9 min read

Rohingya Myanmar Bangladesh joint offensive cracks down on Rohingya

By Shafiur Rahman • Feb 16, 2023
Leaked documents from a senior meeting of Myanmar junta officials reveal an unexpected collaboration between the Myanmar military and Bangladesh forces on operations against the ARSA Rohingya insurgent group

STORY OF THE DAY • Feb 15, 2023 • 5 min read

Economics Singapore’s budget touts family values but overlooks single parents

By Chia Chi Hsu • Feb 15, 2023
Singapore's 2023 budget, announced by Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Valentines Day, held increased grants and support for new families and working mothers as living costs rise. But some fear single parents may miss out and are calling for greater inclusivity

Feb 15, 2023 • 8 min read
Khmer Rouge

No support for Cambodia’s former child soldiers

Cambodia’s former child soldiers continue living with trauma, resentment, and revenge as the lack of social support forced most of them into isolation and deep poverty
By Beatrice Siviero • Feb 15, 2023

Feb 13, 2023 • 7 min read
Press freedom

Cambodian government muzzles the Voice of Democracy

An abrupt Sunday night order from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to revoke the license of VOD, one of the kingdom's last bastions of independent journalism, casts a dark shadow over the future of press freedom in the country
By Andrew Haffner • Feb 13, 2023

Feb 13, 2023 • 7 min read
Analysis

What lies at stake as German President visits Southeast Asia?

The upcoming visit of German Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier to Cambodia and Malaysia comes at a critical turning point for Europe - ASEAN relations and an opportunity for increased engagement as Germany considers relaxing its reliance on Chinese markets
By Chhengpor Aun • Feb 13, 2023

Feb 11, 2023 • 3 min read
Editorial

Risky adoptions and palm oil tensions

Cambodia is close to resuming controversial intercountry adoption with Italy, Vietnam manufacturing layoffs reach the U.S., Indonesian small palm oil businesses strive for economic survival, communities fight for their urban housing rights in the Philippines.
By Beatrice Siviero • Feb 11, 2023

Feb 09, 2023 • 10 min read
Garment workers

Mass layoffs abound amid record economic wins for Vietnam

With low orders from overseas, tens of thousands of Vietnamese have lost factory jobs. The layoffs showcase worker precarity in the country's export-reliant economy
By Govi Snell and Nguyen Hao Thanh Thao • Feb 09, 2023