In an effort to “systematically cultivate” a sense of national identity among primary school pupils, Hong Kong’s Education Bureau has announced a new mandatory humanities subject that emphasises “patriotic education”. It is slated to replace general studies from September 2025. The comprehensive humanities curriculum encompasses Chinese culture, history and geography, with topics ranging from national security legislation to the achievements …

Netflix’s reality show, Squid Game: The Challenge, which is a real-life adaptation of the most popular South Korean series Squid Game, is set to release episodes 6,7,8 and 9 soon. The reality show, which involves 456 contestants fighting for a grand prize of $4.56 million, has become popular since its launch.  The first five episodes of Squid Game: The Challenge …

In a strong rebuke to China’s accusations of the Philippines “stirring up trouble” after joint patrols with the United States, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. labeled Beijing’s claims as “lies” and a “reversal of truth.”  Speaking at the Department of National Defense anniversary, Teodoro asserted, “Sino ba ang nananakop? (Who is the invader?) It is China. The Philippines is not …

In a digital landscape brimming with creativity, TikTok, the vibrant social hub, silently undertook a substantial cleanup during the second quarter of 2023. The revelation came to light through TikTok’s Community Guidelines Enforcement Report, where 4,596,796 videos in the Philippines faced the chopping block due to guideline infractions. Behind these numbers lies a meticulous effort to curate a space where …

In a landmark move aimed at fortifying its security measures, UnionBank, one of the Philippines’ largest banks, is set to become the country’s first financial institution to implement voice recognition biometric verification. The initiative, spearheaded by UnionBank’s Head of AI, Adrienne Heinrich, focuses on enhancing customer service and addressing the rising threat of fraud in the rapidly digitizing nation. Voice …

In a groundbreaking move, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is poised to implement a unique measure aimed at curbing potential fraudulent activities in the capital market. The imminent decision, set to be formally announced following endorsement by the SEC’s Capital Market Supervisory Board, marks a significant juncture in Thailand’s financial regulatory landscape. The focal point of this strategic move …

In the ever-shifting tapestry of Singapore’s rental scene, an intriguing trend quietly emerges, adding a unique hue to the dance between landlords and tenants. It’s the growing penchant for tenants who opt out of working from home (WFH). This nuanced trend is notably perceptible in single-room rentals, where landlords, aiming for simplicity in utility bill management and safeguarding privacy, express …

In a historic turn of events, the Seoul High Court in South Korea has handed down a verdict favoring a group of former “comfort women,” injecting renewed vigor into their protracted battle for justice against the Japanese government. This pivotal ruling defies the 2021 decision by a lower court, challenging the notion of “sovereign immunity” and asserting South Korea’s jurisdiction, …

In the shadow of a growing health dilemma, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sought elusive details from China concerning a mysterious surge in respiratory ailments, especially affecting the vulnerable demographic of children. Peculiar reports, notably one from the vigilant ProMED, have sounded the alarm about an upswing in undiagnosed pneumonia cases in the northern regions of China. This unforeseen …

In a real-life drama reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, the plight of Chinese dissident Kwon Pyong takes center stage as South Korea grapples with a decision that could have profound political and humanitarian implications. The 35-year-old, charged with immigration violations, made a daring escape on a jet ski, seeking refuge from the oppressive regime in China. As the South Korean …