In light of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Singapore has drawn attention to ‘chokepoints’, starting with the Strait of Malacca, through which nearly a third of the world’s oil and the majority of global trade passes. The “Malacca dilemma” has prompted China to diversify its routes and infrastructure to reduce its strategic vulnerability.
The nun, winner of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, passed away on 14 April at the age of 85. In 1986, she founded the Mission of Our Lady of Peace and established free health clinics, which have treated tens of thousands of people in need free of charge. Her compassion is celebrated as one of the pillars upon which to ‘build the nation’.
“Highway to Somewhere” is a TV series produced in Singapore but set in Malaysia, centred on an online scam network. It has drawn criticism from groups concerned about its impact on Malaysia’s image. The broadcaster that aired the series has dismissed the accusations, saying its goal was to raise awareness about the phenomenon of online scam centres in Southeast Asia.
A military-dominated government was approved today following elections deemed a sham by the international community. But while General Min Aung Hlaing consolidates his power by merely changing his clothing, the exiled opposition and the ethnic groups fighting on the ground are uniting in a common political structure.
The lights of Easter Vigil illuminated a community marked by suffering. After three years, some faithful returned to the Church of Christ the King. It had been occupied by the Myanmar military, forcing the local population to flee. Bishop Celso Ba Shwe has remained with the displaced in the forest. “We ask God for a time of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
On 6 April in Bantayan, artificial structures were installed to restore marine biodiversity and support a model of responsible marine management. The project is promoted by Archbishop Alberto S. Uy and Caritas Cebu. Fish habitats have been created and local livelihoods strengthened, in line with the teachings of the encyclical Laudato Si’.
