ASEAN is more united and flexible

10 Sept 07:56 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN leaders demonstrated unity and flexibility by deciding to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member, showcasing the bloc's adaptive decision-making.
The summit advanced discussions on Myanmar, agreeing on modalities for a permanent special envoy and reiterating commitment to the five-point peace process and inclusive elections.
ASEAN completed its Community Vision 2045, focusing on strategic autonomy and resilience in a changing geopolitical landscape, alongside a collective economic strategy to negotiate tariffs and boost regional trade.

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.