Philippines to deport 40,000 Chinese workers in online gaming crackdown

13 Sept 23:55 Key points summarised by AI

The Philippines will deport an estimated 40,000 Chinese workers employed by unlicensed Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) as part of a nationwide crackdown.
This decisive action addresses rampant criminality, including reports of kidnapping, prostitution, and murder, alongside concerns over tax evasion and social friction caused by the booming POGO industry.
China, where gambling is illegal, welcomed the crackdown, emphasizing that crimes linked to online gambling harm both Chinese interests and bilateral relations.
The move sparks an economic debate, with some officials citing declining revenues and social costs as reasons for a complete ban, while others warn of significant economic losses from POGO expulsions.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.