Eat Just’s lab-grown chicken gets world’s first cultured meat approval
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has declared that the U.S.-based company Eat Just can sell its cultured “chicken bites” in the country, The Guardian reported Wednesday.
Southeast Asia
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.
Thailand gets fleet of electric ferries to help clean up Bangkok
27 zero-emission passenger ferries will soon replace a hodgepodge of aging diesels in Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River as part of an exploratory bid to improve air quality and clean up the water supply in the Thai capitol.
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.
Singapore to plant 1 million native trees
In an effort to restore Singapore’s once-rich mangrove forest ecosystems, the nation is embarking on a 1 million tree planting spree in hopes that they can save numerous bird, reptile, and tree species from extinction, and provide a ton of valuable ecosystem services.
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.
Vietnam ships 30 million masks to North America
Thirty million medical face masks have been transported from Vietnam to North America, where oronavirus continues to rampage. Industry insiders say the U.S. needs three billion face masks and is eyeing Vietnam as a supplier.
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.
‘Rice ATMs’ provide free rice for people out of work in Vietnam due to COVID-19
For these people who are suddenly without income, businessmen and donors have set up machines that dispense free rice at several cities across Vietnam.
Vietnam to ship 450,000 protective suits to United States to support COVID-19 response
“This shipment will help protect healthcare professionals working on the front lines against COVID-19 in the United States and demonstrates the strength of the U.S.-Vietnam partnership,” the U.S. embassy in Hanoi said.