A recent conference explored practical steps toward restoring democracy in Myanmar, aiming to move beyond symbolic condemnation of the junta and coordinate actionable, rights-based interventions, amid Malaysia’s upcoming handover of the ASEAN Chairship to the Philippines. Charles Santiago, co-chair of the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, weighs in.

• PDRM sued for pastor's disappearance: The High Court ordered millions in damages for the families of Pastor Raymond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat, citing police misconduct and failure to investigate. Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee explains the implications and precedence this sets.

• Two teachers, one class: From 2027, schools will pair two teachers in a single classroom to improve engagement and reduce learning gaps, alongside curriculum reforms integrating subjects and character development. We discuss how this approach might pan out.

• Brazil to pay to rainforest saviours: The Tropical Forests Forever Facility aims to reward nations for maintaining tropical forests, verified via satellite, in a bid to combat deforestation and climate change. Environmental lawyer Preetha Sankar assesses whether a similar pay-for-protection model could work in Southeast Asia.

• Beauty queens walkout: Miss Mexico led a walkout after being publicly scolded by a Thai pageant official, drawing attention to respect, empowerment, and advocacy in competitions. We discuss the significance of the incident and its wider lessons for contestants.

Image Credit: Pexels

Produced by: Sudais Ferhard, Sneha Harikannan, Lim Sue Ann, Juliet Jacobs, Susan Tam

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Susan Tam

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Categories:  politics,  government,  international,  corruption,  Law/Activism,  controversies,  education,  environment

Tags:  brazil rainforest,  myanmar,  asean,  raymond koh,  amri che mat,  pdrm,  teachers,  character development,  COP30,  climate change,  beauty pageants,