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South East Asia
Kindergarten – The Blooms Of Malaysia’s Racial Harmony
Malaysian children go to kindergarten, also referred to as preschool, at the age of 4 to 6. Kindergarten is meant to equip children with some basic knowledge of ABCs and 123s and a window to school life. Kindergarten programme in Malaysia is provided by the Government and several of…
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South East Asia
Idyllic Early Childhood Schooling
From the age of seven till I was 12, going to primary school near my home was one of the activities I fondly looked forward to. Classes may start at 12.30 or 1 in the afternoon, but tens of my friends and I were already at school by 11 a.m.…
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South East Asia
Education system in Singapore
This year, Singapore celebrates its bicentennial of its founding in 1819 by Englishman Sir Stamford Raffles who set up the first premier school named after him. Raffles Institution (RI) is the alma mater of many illustrious Singaporeans, including Lee Kuan Yew. Education has moved up the quality ladder since, playing…
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South East Asia
Cambodian Education
The Cambodian education system has been improved for years after getting blame from the public for its poor and corrupt system during more than three decades of civil conflicts such as the Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields” regime from 1975 to 1979 when schools were completely closed and some even…
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South East Asia
Challenging Duterte: Maria Ressa and the Philippine Media
With her sharp mind, unflinching attitude and acerbic humor, journalist and businesswoman Maria Ressa has built a news brand in the Philippines that is at the center of a struggle for the future of free expression in that country. Not one to back down from a fight, Ressa is just…
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South East Asia
Duterte optimism of 2019
Pres. Rodrigo Duterte expressed that 2019 will be a better year for the Philippines, as he encouraged Filipinos to “learn from the past” so that the nation can move forward confidently. He made this message as the Office released his official statement to media last Jan. 1, 2019. Duterte…
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South East Asia
Singapore and Populism
A newspaper columnist who deigned to lecture government ministers for speaking over the head of common folk was, in turn, chided for appealing to populism that is anathema to the ruling People’s Action Party, as it smacks of politics of free lunches. “Ministers, please speak plainly to people” was the…
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South East Asia
Seizing Malaysia’s Moment
Malaysia’s historic May 9 election was dramatic, sweeping and unprecedented. A ruling party in power with seemingly impregnable advantages was ousted through the ballot box. There was no extra constitutional uprising, as in the Philippines in 1986, no military coup as in neighboring Thailand, no rioting and turmoil as in…
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South East Asia
Anti Fake News Law: A Hindrance Towards Democratization and Development
Malaysia has passed and gazetted an Anti-Fake News Act 2018 on 11th April to curb and monitor false information, slander and lies spreading on social media and news portals. This law says any one found guilty of spreading, speculating or creating fake news would be jailed for 6 years or…
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South East Asia
The Menace Of Fake News
Last April, the office of the Indian Cabinet Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ms. Smriti Irani, issued a directive. It lay down new guidelines punishing journalists for publishing fake news. Understandably, there was fierce and widespread criticism from the journalists. “These norms are an attempt to intimidate and muzzle the…
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