Pornography is a controversial and divisive issue in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, where the consumption and production of pornographic materials are illegal and punishable by law.  The debate over pornography has been reignited recently, as the government has intensified its efforts to block and censor online porn sites, and as some religious and social groups have staged protests …

Vietnam has expressed its support for the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China over the South China Sea, a strategic and resource-rich waterway that is claimed by several countries in the region.  Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Le Thi Thu Hang, said on Tuesday that Vietnam “respects and supports” the Philippines’ stance on the South China Sea issue, and that …

Singapore has followed China’s footsteps and banned private tutoring for core school subjects, such as English, mathematics, science, and mother tongue languages.  The ban aims to reduce the academic stress and inequality among students, and to improve the quality and efficiency of the public education system. However, the ban has also sparked mixed reactions and consequences, as it affects the …

The political feud between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte has reached a new level of hostility, as they have been calling each other “drug lords” and accusing each other of being involved in the illegal drug trade. The exchange of insults and allegations has exposed the deep rift and animosity between the two leaders, who …

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year jail sentence for corruption convictions related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal, is seeking a royal pardon from the King.  His application, which was submitted in December 2023, could soon be decided by the Pardons Board, which is chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The outcome of the …

President Joe Biden has made a bold and unprecedented move by not appearing on the ballot of the New Hampshire primary, the first-in-the-nation contest that has been a crucial and symbolic part of the presidential nomination process for more than a century.  Biden’s decision is a result of his disagreement with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) over the order of …

The 2024 presidential election in Indonesia is heating up, as the three main contenders, Prabowo Subianto, Ganjar Pranowo, and Anies Baswedan, are vying for the support of various groups and segments of voters. One of the most influential and sought-after groups is the Islamic organization, which consists of various religious and social institutions that represent the interests and values of …

Japan has a long history of participating in international beauty pageants, but it has also faced controversies over the racial and ethnic identity of its representatives.  In recent years, some of the winners of Miss Japan have been bi-racial or naturalized citizens, sparking debates on what it means to be Japanese. However, in 2024, Japan has chosen a beauty queen …

The political feud between former president Rodrigo Duterte and current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has escalated to a new level, as Duterte launched a series of verbal attacks against Marcos, calling him a “drug addict” and threatening him with ouster.  Duterte spoke at a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday, January 28, 2024, where he was joined by his …

Japan is known for its aging population, shrinking workforce, and strict immigration policies. But in recent years, the country has been opening its doors to more overseas workers, especially from Southeast Asia. As of October 2023, there were more than 2 million foreign workers in Japan, a record high and a 13.6% increase from the previous year. The New Visa …