South East Asia

A demolition order was also served to 19 Buddhist sites in the city's "cultural zone," set to be razed to unearth ancient Ketumati. AsiaNews reports local Catholics are dismayed by the threat looming over the church dedicated to the Sacred Heart, built in the late 19th century by PIME missionaries. This is just the latest blow by the military to destroy places of worship. As many as 300 have been affected in Myanmar since the coup on 1 February 2021.

The Malaysian state applies discretionary punishments (takzir), while critics and human rights groups warn of growing religious conservatism. A recently enacted law imposes sentences of two years or fines of up to US$ 700. For Terengganu official, Friday prayers are an “expression of obedience among Muslims”.

Indonesians are shocked and astonished by the possible move by the Prabowo administration, which is seeking a 51 per cent stake in the country’s largest private financial institution. Industry experts say plans appear to be ready. The institution offers a wide range of services for individuals and institutions. The news quickly shook the stock market.

The Thaksin’s case will be heard on 22 August, while his daughter Paetongtarn’s case will be heard on 29 August after her prime ministership was suspended over the latest military confrontation with Cambodia. This marks a new chapter in Thailand’s long crisis; unable to turn the page, the country pursues its long decline.

Run by the Jesuit Conference of Asia-Pacific as a fruit of the Second Vatican Council, the EAPI promotes continuing education by welcoming priests, religious sisters, and lay people from various countries each semester. Its courses are a valuable tool for inculturating the faith in local contexts. FABC Chairman Cardinal Ferrao thanked the institute for its contribution to the missionary work of the Church.

The vote is set to start on 28 December, and subsequent rounds in January. Currently, 55 parties have registered, nine ready to run countrywide. Humanitarian NGOs and the international community are highly critical of the vote, but China wants stability. Meanwhile, the humanitarian emergency is growing, particularly in Rakhine State, where the WFP warns that resources are in dire shortage.

In his speech to parliament, the president highlighted savings in public spending, economic growth above 5 per cent, and new social policies, such as free meals and improved education. He reiterated his support for the Palestinian cause. But factory closures and low wages fuel doubts about the real value of the results of the president’s administration.

The Philippine Navy says video circulating online was produced by ‘artificial intelligence.’ Meanwhile, a warship from the archipelago has joined ASEAN exercises beginning today in Malaysia. The dispute is linked to unresolved territorial issues and the battle for security being fought (also) in the realm of information.

Malaysia and Bangladesh have decided to resume the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers, which was blocked after the discovery of criminal cartels defrauding migrants. The agreement provides for equal social security benefits for foreign workers and the possibility of filing complaints in Bengali.

ahead of the vote, they play a ‘crucial role’ in guaranteeing the electoral process. On 5 August, a MiRLeC meeting was considered a ‘moment of shared introspection’ and a ‘project for a fairer electoral future.’ StAengthening the process of knowledge, especially among young people, to prevent ‘manipulation.’

In his National Day speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recalled the city-state's difficult origins, which saw it rise “from Third World to First World” thanks to determination and cohesion. Faced with increasingly complex global challenges, he urged citizens to move quickly, innovate and renew the social contract, promising support for vulnerable families and more opportunities for all Singaporeans.

The aim is to correct misrepresentations or distortions regarding sexuality or HIV status. The story of a meeting promoted by doctors and professionals in the field that was mistaken for a “gay party,” with the police making twenty arrests. Pro-rights groups warn that this risks fueling stigma, discouraging treatment, and endangering vulnerable communities.