Philippines shuts door on new coal power proposals
The Philippines has stopped accepting new proposals for coal-based power projects to encourage investment in other energy sources like natural gas and renewables, the government’s energy chief said.
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia spans more than 600 million people across diverse nations, cultures, and ecosystems. This archive gathers milestones and solutions stories from the region — covering health, environment, governance, and more. Follow the progress happening across countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond.
Myanmar eradicates trachoma
The World Health Organization has validated that the disease has been eliminated from the country: This is extra impressive, because in 2005, trachoma was responsible for 4% of all cases of blindness there. The nation joins Nepal in the WHO South-East Asia Region and 12 countries globally to achieve this feat.
Endangered tiger populations in India and Thailand are rebounding
In a triumphant moment for the endangered species, new photos released today on World Tiger Day 2020, revealed sightings of numerous new tigers in a region of western Thailand for the first time in four years.
Malaysia close to attaining malaria-free status after reporting no cases since 2018
Malaysia has not recorded any domestic malaria cases since 2018 after recording than 5,000 cases in 2010. If it succeeds in preventing more cases, Malaysia would be eligible to apply for malaria-free status certification from the World Health Organization in 2021.
Borneo locals win a court battle to bar a coal miner from their land
After a two-year court battle, Indonesia’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of a lawsuit that claims the permit for the mining firm should be revoked.
Malaysia begins refusing shipments of plastic waste from rich countries
Malaysia has sent back 150 containers of plastic waste to 13 countries since the Q3 2019, with the environment minster warning that those who want to make the country a rubbish bin of the world can “dream on.”
Cambodia to teach LGBT+ issues in schools to tackle discrimination
Children in Cambodia will receive lessons on LGBT+ issues from 2020 in a bid to wipe out bullying and discrimination in the socially conservative country.
Thailand to ban imports of high-tech trash, plastic waste
Southeast Asia nations fear they are the new dumping ground for the world’s trash after China banned the entry of several types of waste as part of a campaign against foreign garbage.
Indonesia raises minimum age for brides to end child marriage
Indonesia’s parliament has revised the country’s marriage law to lift the minimum age at which women can marry by three years to 19, a move welcomed by campaigners as a step toward curbing child marriage.
Singapore abolishes school exam rankings, says learning is not competition
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said on Friday (Sept 28) that the change is to allow each student to focus on his or her learning progress and discourage them from being overly concerned about comparisons.