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Society
Kyrgyzstan among Asia’s top five in World Press Freedom Ranking 2022
By Habib Toumi BISHKEK: The lush greenery is nothing short of spectacular, providing a soothing and refreshing sentiment. Oak Park, one of Bishkek’s oldest parks, is home to very large trees, an open-air 90-sculpture exhibition, and several important monuments. I envy the journalists, photographers and the staff working at Kabar…
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Politics
Kazakhstan to move from super-presidential system to a presidential system with a strong parliament
NUR-SULTAN: Around 11.7 million Kazakhstanis are registered to cast their ballots on constitutional reforms that, according to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will bring big changes to the nation. The novelties the Kazakhstani people vote for today provide for big changes in the public life of the country, Tokayev said. “Indeed,…
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Society
In the wake of the Texas school shooting … Guns instead of Pens?
By Dr. Hassan Humeida KIEL: It has been days since the fatal shots were fired. This time in an elementary school. The casualties? 22 dead, including 19 schoolchildren, two teachers and the perpetrator, who was to die from police shots so that no more people, especially schoolchildren and teaching…
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Society
Singapore denies entry to ‘extremist’ Indonesian preacher
By Ivan Lim, Former AJA President, Contributor to AsiaN SINGAPORE: On May 16, an Indonesian preacher Abdul Somad Batubara travelled from neighbouring Batam island by boat and arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Point in Singapore. The cleric, who had been known to the authorities for his extremist religious views, was “interviewed”…
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Politics
Spotlight on Kyrgyzstan as first Eurasian Economic Forum kicks off in Bishkek
BISHKEK: The First Eurasian Economic Forum was opened in the capital of Kyrgyzstan Bishkek attended by about 2,500 participants. In his welcoming speech, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Zhaparov said the Eurasian Economic Union is capable of being a major player in the world economy…
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Society
First for Saudi Arabia as domestic flight takes off with all-female crew
JEDDAH: Saudi women have made history by flying a plane with a fully female crew. “For the first time in Saudi aviation history! #flyadeal operated the first flight with an all-female crew, the majority of which are Saudis by the newest A320 aircraft. Flight 117, flew from #Riyadh to #Jeddah,”…
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Politics
Reflections on Philippine elections
By Alin Ferrer-Garganera, Public service media practitioner Radio anchor/ broadcaster MANILA: We just concluded the national elections in the Philippines on May 9, 2022, and the results are in. To say it was shocking to many would be an understatement. Twelve new senators have been proclaimed. Almost 90% of the…
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Society
Bishkek’s mesmerizing parks – Where history, nature co-exist peacefully
BISHKEK: Taking a stroll in Ala-Too Square, the cultural and political hotspot in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, my mind went back to a lecture delivered by Professor Hyunjoon Yoo from the College of Architecture and Urbanism, Hongik University, at the AsiaN 10th anniversary forum in Seoul. The lecture in…
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Central Asia
The Burana Tower: A fascinating history of grandeur in Kyrgyzstan
By Habib Toumi BISHKEK: In the interpretation of dreams, climbing spiral stairs is a sign that you are on the right path to spiritual growth and that good things that are coming your way. That hopeful interpretation may be great, but right now I am in a dark place, trying…
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Society
For some AJA members, it is not Eid without gatherings, maamoul or Beshbarmak
By Ashraf Aboul-Yazid President, Ais Journalists Association CAIRO: The last days of April and the first days of May were very special for the members of the Asia Journalists Association (AJA), the umbrella for journalists across Asia and well beyond it. On April 25-26, members participated in the annual World…
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