ASEAN want to discuss tariffs with Trump as a unified bloc - Malaysia PM

29 Sept 18:28 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN, led by Malaysia, plans to form a unified front to discuss US tariffs with Donald Trump, establishing a taskforce to coordinate economic responses.
The bloc aims to address the ongoing civil war in Myanmar through "quiet engagement" and an informal advisory group, despite the military's non-compliance with peace plans.
Philippines President Marcos Jr. urged for a legally binding "code of conduct" with China to manage maritime disputes in the South China Sea.
ASEAN seeks to bolster its economy through new cooperation, including tripartite meetings with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and will launch a new 20-year vision for deeper integration.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.