ASEAN weighs review of Myanmar peace plan, long-term envoy

11 Sept 13:29 Key points summarised by AI

ASEAN contemplates reviewing its 'Five-Point Consensus' on Myanmar, with member states proposing "recalibration" for the peace plan.
The bloc discusses establishing a long-term special envoy position to ensure consistent engagement and institutional memory, replacing the current annual appointment system.
Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, current ASEAN chair, advocates for this permanent envoy role, emphasizing the need for continuity and building on past efforts.
Despite potential adjustments, the 2021 Five-Point Consensus, calling for violence cessation and inclusive dialogue, remains the foundational guide for ASEAN's Myanmar strategy.

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.