New ASEAN strategy urgently required for Myanmar crisis, say experts

13 Sept 15:57 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN ministers convene an emergency meeting to formulate a robust strategy for Myanmar, acknowledging the failure of the five-point consensus amidst the ongoing post-coup crisis.
Experts advocate for a radical shift, suggesting ASEAN review its consensus, directly engage Myanmar's opposition, and appoint a permanent, non-ASEAN special envoy.
Proposed solutions emphasize prioritizing humanitarian aid and adopting a phased approach to address less contentious issues, aiming to initiate dialogue and de-escalate violence.
With Indonesia poised to adopt a firmer stance, the efficacy of traditional diplomacy is questioned, urging broader engagement with all Myanmar stakeholders, including the National Unity Government.

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.