Asean collects US$1.2 billion in aid from dialogue partners

13 Sept 21:41 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN secured over US$1.2 billion in combined assistance from 11 dialogue partners, including the UK, primarily for COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response.
The European Union was the most significant contributor, providing US$941 million, followed by the United States, which gave US$158 million to member states and an additional US$500,000 to the ASEAN Response Fund.
Japan allocated US$50 million for establishing an ASEAN Center for Public Health Emergency and US$18.1 million for vaccine delivery logistics, while China contributed US$5 million for capacity building and 130 million vaccine doses.
The United Kingdom, as a new dialogue partner, made a notable contribution of US$69.4 million, including funds for the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, and expressed strong support for ASEAN centrality.
ASEAN plans to hold an international donor conference to raise funds for humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, addressing the escalating COVID-19 crisis in the country.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.