Tech developments

Malaysia and Indonesia may hold the key to saving the world from Bananageddon

Tech developments from around the region are taking on bananas threatened by a deadly fungus, while a Singaporean photo app is helping people take the perfect shot and music streaming giant Spotify is set to launch in Vietnam
By Southeast Asia Globe Editorial • Nov 30, 2017

Domestic workers

Cambodian maids working in Malaysia will receive cellphones with new protections

Cambodian maids will be returning to Malaysia after a six-year hiatus with new protections in place to prevent employers from abusing migrant workers 
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 30, 2017

Singaporean charged for protesting with no permit highlights country's strict laws

Amnesty International has said the charges brought against the Singaporean activist 'reinforces a climate of intimidation'
By Johanna Chisholm • Nov 30, 2017

Rohingya crisis

Pope avoids mention of Rohingya during his first speech in Myanmar

In his highly anticipated address, the Pope called for peace in Myanmar, but refrained from directly referencing the Rohingya crisis
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 29, 2017

Duterte explains why he terminated foreign-brokered peace talks with communist rebels

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte blamed the breakdown in talks on the Maoists guerrillas’ demand for a coalition government Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) salutes during the 67th anniversary of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) at a military camp in San Miguel, Bulacan province, Philippines, 24 November 2017. Photo: EPA/Simeon Celi
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 29, 2017

Acting out

Splashing Theatre is becoming one of Thailand's most talked about drama companies

Thailand’s Splashing Theatre Company has established itself as one of the Kingdom’s most unique and daring drama troupes. Last month, a few weeks before their performance at the Bangkok Theatre Festival, we grabbed a quick word with Thongchai Pimapunsri, a director, playwright, award-winning actor and co-founder of the critically acclaimed theatre company
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 29, 2017

Thai cadet

A Thai cadet's death sparks a national debate on military's culture of corporal punishment

Phakhapong Tanyakan's body was returned to his family with missing organs after a military autopsy, leading family members to suspect that he had not, as reported, died from heart failure
By Johanna Chisholm • Nov 28, 2017

Jong-nam murder

Kim Jong-nam's soiled pants suggest poison, says doctor in North Korean's murder trial

The doctor testifying in Malaysia said that VX nerve agent – the poison found on Jong-nam's body – can cause the body to lose control of its muscles
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 28, 2017