The Kingdom of Eswatini has received its fourth group of third-country nationals (TCNs) deported from the United States, bringing the total number of individuals transferred under a secretive bilateral agreement to at least 30. Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed the arrival of 11 migrants in a statement issued Thursday, asserting that the transfers align … Read more
ASEAN and China are deepening science, technology, and innovation (STI) cooperation to build regional economic resilience. During the 22nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-22) in Vientiane, officials prioritized the APASTI 2026-2035 framework, focusing on joint research, technology transfer, and talent mobility to navigate rapid technological shifts. What is the APASTI 2026-2035 … Read more
Russia is positioning itself as a strategic “third power” in Southeast Asia to help regional nations diversify energy supplies and manage geopolitical pressures from the United States and China. According to analysts, Moscow is leveraging energy diplomacy, including nuclear cooperation and oil supply agreements, to strengthen ties with Asean members seeking to avoid alignment with … Read more
Russia and Laos signed a framework intergovernmental agreement in Moscow on Monday to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, a move that authorizes preliminary discussions regarding the construction of a Russian-designed nuclear power plant. The agreement was finalized by Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev and Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong Kommasith, … Read more
The Future of High-Risk Cave Rescue: Technology and Climate Challenges The recent, harrowing rescue operation in Xaysomboun province, Laos, highlights a shifting reality for global emergency services. As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, the intersection of cave exploration, resource hunting, and climate change is forcing a rethink of how we conduct search-and-rescue … Read more
The recent, high-stakes cave rescue operation in Laos has once again thrust the specialized world of international cave diving into the global spotlight. When Adelaide-based diver Josh Richards returned home this week, he didn’t just bring back stories of flooded tunnels and vertical shafts—he brought a stark reminder of the extreme volatility inherent in subterranean … Read more
The Great ASEAN Super-Grid: Connecting Southeast Asia to a Green Future Imagine a seamless flow of clean, renewable energy coursing through a massive power grid that stretches from the bustling skyscrapers of Singapore all the way to the industrial heartlands of Southern China. This isn’t a futuristic dream; it is the emerging reality of the … Read more
Beyond the Summit: The Future of Energy and Food Security in Southeast Asia The global landscape is shifting. From the volatile waters of the Strait of Hormuz to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in power grids, the forces shaping Southeast Asia are no longer just local—they are deeply interconnected with global geopolitical shocks. For … Read more
The Choking Cycle: Why Southeast Asia’s Fire Crisis is Only Getting Worse For millions of people across Northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, the arrival of the dry season is no longer just a change in weather—it is a countdown to a public health emergency. The annual blanket of toxic smog, often reaching “dark purple” levels … Read more
The 80-and-Beyond Fitness Revolution: Why Age is No Barrier At 83, Charles Mammay’s mornings begin with stretching, followed by a rigorous exercise routine involving dumbbells, push-ups, and flutter kicks. He’s not an anomaly. A growing number of individuals in their 70s, 80s, and beyond are embracing intense fitness regimens, challenging conventional notions of aging and … Read more