How Mary Jane Veloso’s case exposes gaps in Filipino migrant protection

South China Morning Post - Sep 28, 2026

Migrant rights advocates have hailed the release of Filipino trafficking victim Mary Jane Veloso after 16 years in detention as a victorious milestone, but warn that her case exposes the dangers that still confront many vulnerable workers overseas. After coming harrowingly close to being executed years ago in Indonesia, Veloso walked free on Friday night from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City, grateful for the absolute pardon granted by Philippine President Ferdinand...

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Indonesian prison chief suspended over secret VIP compound for inmates
Sep 29, 2026

Indonesian prison chief suspended over secret VIP compound for inmates

The governor of an Indonesian prison has been suspended after authorities uncovered a suspected luxury compound for VIP inmates within the grounds, prompting a parliamentary inquiry. However, Director General of Corrections Mashudi denied the accusations during a House of Representatives commission hearing on Monday. Cibinong Prison in Bogor, West Java, came under investigation after inspectors from the Ombudsman’s office discovered a fenced-off compound behind the prison chief’s house during a...

Philippines struggles to fill 20,000 teaching jobs: ‘we are facing a learning crisis’
Sep 29, 2026

Philippines struggles to fill 20,000 teaching jobs: ‘we are facing a learning crisis’

The Philippines has 20,000 teaching vacancies to fill, a budget hearing has revealed, with sector insiders warning that the gap signals a mounting education crisis. Those in the industry are calling for transparency in the teacher hiring process, including clear figures on budget allocation and positions filled amid problems of mismatch and improper targeting of job applicants. At a House of Representatives plenary session last week, Antonio Tinio from the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)...

Malaysia’s Forest City wants a rebirth. Scams, crime stand in the way
Sep 29, 2026

Malaysia’s Forest City wants a rebirth. Scams, crime stand in the way

Behind the unmarked door of a shoplot along a quiet commercial stretch of Forest City in Malaysia’s Johor state, four customers sat tapping away, playing slot-style games on tablets. A stern-looking man stood guard at the entrance, his eyes darting around. The customers could place bets starting from around 20 ringgit (US$4.89). Instead of handing over cash, they paid for gambling credits using Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go e-wallet. They were then issued tablets from behind the counter with...

Malaysia begins sending thousands of Myanmar nationals back to war-torn homeland
Sep 29, 2026

Malaysia begins sending thousands of Myanmar nationals back to war-torn homeland

Malaysia began an operation to send nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals back to their war-torn homeland on Tuesday, pressing ahead with a government-to-government repatriation deal despite warnings that returnees could face persecution and forced conscription. The first group of 1,476 is part of an agreement to return 5,000 people held in Malaysian immigration facilities under a programme Kuala Lumpur describes as voluntary, though human rights groups say it lacks adequate safeguards. Those being...

Inside HCMC's $400M flood defense system to protect 6.5 million residents
Sep 29, 2026

Inside HCMC's $400M flood defense system to protect 6.5 million residents

After a decade of construction, Ho Chi Minh City’s ambitious VND10 trillion (US$400 million) flood control network is reaching the finish line, expected to be completed in November to shield around 6.5 million residents from urban flooding.

Dr M: 'She looked well, I didn't expect her to die'
Sep 29, 2026

Dr M: 'She looked well, I didn't expect her to die'

Ex-PM shares brief conversation with former Agong.

'Enough is enough!' DAP MP demands action against 'divisive' preacher
Sep 29, 2026

'Enough is enough!' DAP MP demands action against 'divisive' preacher

Rayer warns inaction risks fuelling public anger, reinforcing perceptions of double standards.

One Bangkok flood battle after another as Thai Airways races to clear baggage backlog
Sep 29, 2026

One Bangkok flood battle after another as Thai Airways races to clear baggage backlog

Standing water ⁠in Thailand’s capital is expected ⁠to clear within three days if there is no additional rainfall, the government has said, as flag carrier Thai Airways struggled to resume regular services following heavy rain and flooding. The ‌cabinet would discuss long-term plans to address flooding and recovery measures on Tuesday, government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises told a news briefing on Tuesday. Bangkok was hit by around 320mm (12.6 inches) of rain over two to three days last week,...

SNAPSHOT | Residents win suit against govt over 2021 floods; MOE to expand CCTV coverage in boarding schools
Sep 29, 2026

SNAPSHOT | Residents win suit against govt over 2021 floods; MOE to expand CCTV coverage in boarding schools

What's going on in the news today.

Saravanan's defence seeks early trial as prosecution needs a month for documents
Sep 29, 2026

Saravanan's defence seeks early trial as prosecution needs a month for documents

Judge sets Nov 3 for the next mention and fixing of trial dates.

Thanh Hóa promotes OCOP products through livestreaming
Sep 29, 2026

Thanh Hóa promotes OCOP products through livestreaming

In Lam Sơn Commune, home to the Lam Kinh historical site, local officials have joined producers in livestreams to introduce products and connect them with consumers.

Vietnamese language programme in Russia opens new academic year
Sep 29, 2026

Vietnamese language programme in Russia opens new academic year

This year, lessons will weave Vietnamese culture, history and everyday life into the curriculum, tailored to each age group.

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