Myanmar junta minister heads to Beijing for security talks

23 Sept 02:26 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's junta Home Minister, Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, is in Beijing for high-level security talks with China's public security minister, Wang Xiaohong, from April 24-29.
The discussions focus on law enforcement and security cooperation, specifically addressing China's concerns over online scam compounds operating within Myanmar.
Ties between the two nations have been strained due to these scam operations, which exploit trafficked foreign citizens, prompting China to demand a crackdown.
While joint efforts have led to many arrests and deportations, a significant number of scam syndicates have reportedly relocated to Karen State, near the Thai border, continuing the challenge.

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.