ASEAN bloc seeks dialogue with US on tariffs but won't retaliate

13 Sept 14:08 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN economic ministers commit to *not retaliate* against recent US tariffs, instead seeking "frank and constructive dialogue" to address trade concerns.
The bloc, the world's fifth-largest economy, expresses deep concern over the unilateral US tariffs but acknowledges the US as its largest foreign investor and second-largest trading partner.
Various ASEAN members, including Vietnam (46% tariff) and Cambodia (49% tariff), have been significantly impacted by the US levies, which recently saw a 90-day pause.
Malaysia, chairing the special meeting, affirmed the bloc's united stance against retaliation, with its trade minister noting the "uncertainty" surrounding Trump's tariff policies.

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.