Gender Equality – Sure A Not

GE2025: RDU unveils potential candidates for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC

On: April 16, 2025

SINGAPORE: Red Dot United (RDU) has unveiled its five potential candidates who will likely contest the Jurong East-Bukit Batok Group Representation Constituency (GRC).

They are: non-profit organisation manager Liyana Dhamirah, waste management company director Osman Sulaiman, artist Ben Puah, marketing agency director Marcus Neo and principal software engineer Harish Mohanadas.

Ms Liyana had previously contested under RDU in the 2020 General Election for Jurong GRC, while Mr Osman contested under the Singapore People’s Party (SPP) banner for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC.

Ms Liyana, Mr Puah and Mr Harish were earlier this month unveiled as “team leads” for the party’s campaign at the five-member GRC.

RDU presented the potential candidates to the media on Wednesday (Apr 16) at 255 Jurong East Street 24, near Jurong-Clementi Town Council, which is within Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC.

The quintet, if fielded on Nomination Day on Apr 23, will be up against a People’s Action Party (PAP) slate that will be led by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and former Yuhua SMC MP Grace Fu.

Joining her are two new faces: charity director David Hoe and former Hougang representative Lee Hong Chuang. Also on the team are current Jurong GRC MP and Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information Rahayu Mazam, as well as Bukit Batok SMC MP and Minister of State for Transport and Law Murali Pillai.

Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC was formed from a merger of Bukit Batok SMC and parts of Jurong GRC, Yuhua SMC and Hong Kah North SMC following the latest electoral boundaries review. The GRC has 142,510 voters.

Jurong GRC was PAP’s best-performing GRC in the last two elections, securing 79.29 per cent of votes in 2015 and 74.61 per cent in 2020. It was previously anchored by former Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who left politics to contest the presidency in 2023.

Singapore will head to the polls on May 3.

LIYANA DHAMIRAH

Ms Liyana, 38, is the manager of a non-profit organisation focused on gender equality. She also runs a virtual services business.

In 2020, she was fielded as part of RDU’s team contesting Jurong GRC alongside Ms Michelle Lee Juen, Mr Ravi Philemon, Mr Nicholas Tang and Mr Alec Tok. They attained 25.39 per cent of the vote.

That same year, Ms Liyana was named one of the SG100 Women in Tech for her contributions to the tech and entrepreneurial space. Her book Homeless: The Untold Story of a Mother’s Struggle in Crazy Rich Singapore won the best non-fiction title at the Singapore Book Awards.

RDU said Ms Liyana has brought her “authenticity and grassroots spirit to the national stage” during the previous election.

“She continues to champion policies that uplift families, support small businesses, and address systemic inequality – with a focus on lived experience, empathy, and action,” the party added.

OSMAN SULAIMAN

Mr Osman, 50, is a director of a waste management company in Cebu, Philippines, and has contested in the last three General Elections.

His latest outing was under the SPP banner in 2020, when he contested Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC with Mr Steve Chia, Mr Melvyn Chiu, and Mr Williiamson Lee, attaining 32.77 per cent of the vote.

He is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience, having helmed two companies – one in interior design and another in debt consolidation.

“Osman believes that it’s time to stop overlooking the workers who keep this country running,” said RDU in a statement on Wednesday.

“He stands for a Singapore where every honest job is respected, and where government policies reflect the value of every citizen – not just the privileged few.”

BEN PUAH

Mr Puah, 48, is a contemporary artist and community art organiser.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and has exhibited his works across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the United States.

In 2005, Mr Puah founded Colours of Life, a community arts initiative that uses collaborative and community art to strengthen social bonds, promote well-being, and give marginalised groups a platform to express themselves. The initiative was officially opened by the late President S R Nathan and his wife.

RDU said in its statement that Mr Puah brings a “deeply empathetic and community-grounded approach to politics”.

“He believes in policies that support mental well-being, cultural inclusion, and holistic education – values he has long championed through his artistic and social practice,” the party added.

MARCUS NEO

The 33-year-old is a director of a boutique marketing agency serving law firms in Singapore.

RDU said in its statement that Mr Neo had experienced financial hardship growing up that “shaped his understanding of inequality”.

He also believes that parliament must include more people with lived experience – those who “didn’t start from privilege but built their lives through grit, failure, and perseverance”, said the party.

“With a background in data-driven marketing and a deep understanding of ground realities, Marcus hopes to bring fresh insights to policy making and champion long-term, inclusive solutions.”

HARISH MOHANDAS

Mr Harish, 39, is a principal software engineer who develops digital solutions for government and industry clients.

Prior to this, he was a civil engineer with over a decade of experience in Singapore’s built environment sector. Projects he has contributed to include Phase 2 of Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System.

Mr Harish also contributes to public discourse through opinion pieces published on socio-political news sites.

“With first-hand experience in shaping modern Singapore’s infrastructure and a strong belief in evidence-based policy, he hopes to bring a forward-thinking, systems-driven approach to parliament – one that promotes resilience, equity, and long-term national wellbeing,” said RDU.

Rollback of diversity programmes will ‘deepen divisions’ and ‘exacerbate inequality’: Edwin Tong

By: Marcus Ching

On: April 11, 2025

In: South-East Asia

A&#; SINGAPORE: The reduction of diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI ) programs will “deepen divisions” and “exacerbate inequality,” according to a report from DEI. Edwin Tong, the minister for culture, community, and youth, said on Friday ( Apr 11 ).

US President Donald Trump’s administration has reverted almost 80 professional orders from the Trump era, many of which were in favor of La programs, since taking office in January.

Big firms like Pepsi, General Motors, and others In response, Google, Disney, Intel, and PayPal have all cut back on or removed DEI links from their quarterly reports to traders.

Dismissing Defined as” a risk” in La structures “rives risks sending the wrong message to the rest of the world at a time when there are growing conflicts and polarizations, casting doubt on gender equality and equity as an international priority,” Mr. Tong said. at a dinner to raise money for SG Her Empowerment ( SHE), a non-profit organization.

He added that launching a divisive rhetoric of “us” vs.” them” does end years of fought-for benefits.

He claimed that in recent months, global standards and discussion have been attacked.

There has been a “massive reset” of La programs in the US federal government as a result of changes in the US political leadership, he said, adding that this has spilt into the private business as a result.

The secretary noted that it can include transnational results, particularly when some businesses have operations abroad.

He cited a Financial Times document that claimed some of the biggest players in the S&& market. Since Mr. Trump’s re-election, the P 500 Index has reduced or eliminated DEI words in its annual reports.

What’s troubling me the most is that these businesses have actually axed their La programs because of the shift in social attitudes and mindsets, which suggests to me that the La programs were only created because of optics, and I don’t believe that is acceptable,” he said.

Della supporters defend it on the grounds that it is unfair and ; should be replaced with a “color blind and merit-based ” society, according to Mr. Tong.

This totally misses the purpose of DEI, he continued.

We are aware of the existence of administrative discrimination and invisible biases that prevent the creation of a really fair and meritocratic society in Singapore.

This disregards the lived experience of those that DEI was meant to serve and gain by assuming that the playing area is level to begin with, which may sometimes not be the case. “

Vietnam to Trump: ‘Just Don’t Do It’ on tariffs – Asia Times

By: Bolen C

On: April 7, 2025

In: Asia

Demand for athletic shoes and equipment is apparently skyrocketing as the NCAA Championship final is set to captivate millions of sports fans in the US and above.

The March Madness game is a huge marketing opportunity for clothing giants like Nike and Adidas, whose products dominate the wood courts, as well as a display of college basketball skills.

However, these brands benefit from greater awareness in the context of the scene, and their supply chains are in danger of experiencing a crisis. The important manufacturing hub for these businesses, Vietnam, is the subject of President Donald Trump’s 46 % tax increase.

Vietnam’s rising clothing sector is now facing an existential threat that may destroy both the sector and US consumers. As the main producer of high-performance basketball shoes and apparel, Vietnam’s rising footwear sector is now the main producer of high-performance basketball shoes and apparel.

Vietnam has benefited significantly from shifting supply chains, especially as businesses have fled China to evade US tariffs that have previously been applied. Over half of Nike’s shoes generation and a sizable portion of Adidas ‘ manufacturing are currently done in Vietnam.

Trump’s extreme tariff policy implies that these well-known sportswear manufacturers will significantly raise their costs, making them both to pass price increases on to consumers or to look for alternative production locations, both of which would cause significant disruptions.

Higher tariffs was stifle investment in Vietnam’s factories, which could ultimately stifle demand, leading to layoffs and lowering economic growth in a country that has recently emerged as one of the US’s main financial partners.

The tariffs could undermine a crucial component of the global supply chain at a time when need is exploding because apparel companies are so deeply embedded in Vietnam’s business.

Additionally, Trump’s punishing tax threatens to pressure ties between the two countries at a crucial time, just as they commemorate 50 years since Saigon’s fall on April 30.

The US and Vietnam have developed a relationship that is now proper complete partners, centered on financial co-operation, regional security, and shared safety concerns in the Indo-Pacific, especially with regard to China in the South China Sea.

Trump’s incredibly high tariff runs the risk of stifling supply chains, stifling confidence, and causing Vietnam to look for other financial alliances, potentially undermining US influence in the region at a time when political security is important.

According to Morningstar analyst David Swartz, the White House’s draconian position is based on the US’s$ 123.5 billion trade deficit with Vietnam, which is the third-largest country in the world after only China and Mexico.

Vietnamese officials have attempted to reach a deal before the burdensome tariff levy goes into effect on April 9 in response.

Vietnam offered to eliminate all US import tariffs and requested that the US not impose any additional tariffs or fees on Vietnamese goods in a letter sent on April 5 from Vietnamese Communist Party chief to Trump, according to Bloomberg.

Additionally, he requested a 45-day restraint from the implementation of the tariffs. Hanoi has made diplomatic concessions, and his pledges also include assisting in the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals who have been held in the US.

In the end, multinational corporations that employ hundreds of thousands of workers in Vietnam will primarily be responsible for the 46 % tariffs that are intended for the country. These costs, however, will eventually be passed down the supply chain, causing the American consumer to suffer as a result.

When the new Vietnam-specific tariffs go into effect, for example, the price of a pair of Nike shoes, like the Nike Air Force 1, is expected to increase from an average of$ 115 to over$ 150.

Although the majority of economists concur that tariffs are a tax on businesses, in reality companies typically make up for these costs by raising prices, lowering profit margins, or moving production elsewhere.

The tariff impact for Vietnam will go beyond multinational corporations, and it will also have an impact on the nation’s workforce, who depends on manufacturing jobs from foreigners to provide for its people’s needs.

For instance, Nike has over 130 000 Vietnamese employees working for it in 75 contracted factories that produce Nike-branded goods nationwide. Nike claimed in its 2024 financial year report that it produced 50 % of its footwear and 28 % of its clothing in Vietnam.

Women, who make up 80 % of the workforce in Nike’s factories, have a significant employment opportunity thanks to Nike’s extensive manufacturing presence in Vietnam.

Many of these women are looking for better pay and financial stability and are from rural poor in the central and northern provinces. Many families have been benefited from their Nike-linked jobs as they have ascended to a global economy.

Indeed, for many of these workers, working in one of Nike’s factories is their first exposure to the formal economy, giving them access to steady incomes, legal protections, and opportunities for skill development that can lead to broader career opportunities.

Beyond providing financial benefits, Nike’s involvement in the promotion of gender equality and economic empowerment has also been significant. Many of these women serve as role models for younger generations in their communities, inspiring them to pursue careers and education.

Trump’s” Liberation Day” tariffs also result in higher prices for US consumers for a range of everyday items, especially in those whose heavily depend on Vietnamese exports, such as shoes, electronics, and textiles.

Former Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Frank Lavin has publicly criticized Trump’s “scattershot” tariffs strategy for causing conflicting outcomes, hurting the US economy, and causing volatility.

He observes other countries and businesses looking for opportunities elsewhere as the US loses its credibility as a trading partner.

Trump’s tariffs on key trading partners, including Vietnam, come at a time when the world economy was and is still highly interconnected.

In a world defined by globalization, these protectionist measures not only stymie complex supply chains but also put strain on diplomatic, economic, and possibly security relations.

A more fragmented and rebalanced global order, a “rewired” world where cooperative frameworks are increasingly undermined, is the focus of Trump’s action. That new world will have detrimental effects on a wide range of stakeholders, both in developed and developing economies.

After the NCAA finals, basketball fans will likely see higher prices and fewer options for athletic clothing after the new champion is announced.

What appears to be Trump’s economic “liberation” could have the opposite effect, harming US consumers and endangering long-held ties with a Vietnami trade partner.

James Borton is the author of Dispatches from the South China Sea: Navigating to Common Ground and a senior fellow at Johns Hopkins/SAIS Foreign Policy Institute.

Women ‘can play big peacebuilding role’

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 30, 2025

In: South-East Asia

People from all origins must actively participate in healing efforts in Thailand, according to local activists, which calls for the development of diverse policies that enable women and marginalized groups to bring about a just and lasting peace.

The King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), in collaboration with civil society organizations working for gender equality, recently held a conference titled” People and the Acceleration of Peace” to raise questions about how important women and girls are in creating a peaceful world.

Participants emphasized the need to increase women’s voices and increase their involvement in the peace process. Additionally, KPI deputy secretary general Thawilwadee Bureekul emphasized how important it is for women to play a role in political policy and decision-making, noting that their political engagement is frequently hampered by their distaste for the political system.

Only 9.5 % of Thai women seriously trust the political system, according to a study by KPI last year on public confidence in Thailand’s political and civil services, compared to only 9.3 % of Thai women who have faith in legal services. According to the KPI, this lack of trust has discouraged many women from pursuing social jobs.

Only 883 of the 4, 779 candidates for seats in the 2023 general election were women, and only 82 percent ( 82 % ) of the total were women.

According to Ms. Thawilwadee, societal expectations and a lacked community support also prevent women from getting involved in politics. Women are not included in social and political elections, which leads to less awareness and inclusion in peacebuilding initiatives. When talking about harmony, we must also take into account intertwining names, including age, she said.

She emphasized the need for LGBTQ tones to be a part of more decision-making techniques.

According to Ms. Thawilwadee, who cited KPI study, LGBTQ children were disproportionately affected by domestic violence because their families lacked acceptance. She said,” Peace had begin within families, not just at the political level.”

The responsibility of Thai people in the deep South in civil society and efforts to end world war, discussed by Rungrawee Chalermsripinyorat, a professor at Prince of Songkla University’s Peace Studies Institute.

She emphasized the need for more women participants in peace agreements. She continued,” To date, there hasn’t been a woman representing Thailand on the BRN part in the discussions with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional.”

Ms. Rungrawee claimed that only a small percentage of women are involved in the Patani activity. She said that simply adding more females to peace efforts is insufficient. Their fears are really heard and addressed, she said.

She cited the UN Women’s report” Making Women Count– No Just Counting Women” as a proof that powerful female involvement in peacebuilding depends on a number of factors, including the selection process for representatives, decision-making bodies, alliance-building, and economic support.

A welcoming social setting is also essential to ensuring meaningful relationship. Women’s responsibilities in peace transcend discussions. Their presence may include broad scale initiatives like diverse income, problem-solving workshops, public hearings, and bulk movements, she said.

Research has shown that peace negotiations are more effective when people constantly participate in them. In contrast, their isolation stifles the peace approach.

Three novels by Nobelist Han Kang explain South Korea’s fragility – Asia Times

By: Bolen C

On: March 24, 2025

In: Asia

South Korea made headlines last year for two factors. Han Kang won the renowned Nobel Prize for literature in October, and the next was much less encouraging. Yoon Suk Yeol, the region’s leader, quickly declared martial law at midnight on December 3rd, 2024, the first time this had occurred since the nation’s transition to democracy in 1987.

The court’s decision to declare martial law effective at 1 is was quashed by protesters and lawmakers in the streets.

Yoon’s arrest came at the end of the conflict on January 26. The constitutional court of South Korea has yet to rule on Yoon’s impeachment, leaving the region’s political future uncertain. Protests and counterprotests are still taking place.

At a press conference held at the Nobel Museum in Stockholm on December 6th, 2024, 54-year-old Kang made an appearance. In the end, her observations about the upcoming activities in South Korea were optimistic. ” I, also, watched as people embraced armed men, de-escalate, and stood strong against approaching troops,” she said.” I watched as people tried to stop tank with their bare hands. These instances” showed their confidence and sincerity.”

The spirit of Kang’s function is this disagreement between acts of violence and those of passion. Her books provide a crucial framework for comprehending Asian history and politics and illustrating the suffering and resilience of the Korean people.

Animal Acts: The Uprising in the Gwangju

In her Nobel lesson, Kang describes having a photobook of the Gwangju massacre at home as a child. How are people this violent, she wondered,” How are people this violent?” After the discovery, she left her with lasting issues. And still, how are they able to stand up to such enormous violence at the same time?

Yoon’s most new action echoed Chun Doo Hwan’s call for military law 44 years earlier. The military cruelly reprimanded a university protest on May 18, 1980, killing students and employees with clubs, bayonets, and firearms.

However, the Gwangju population turned on themselves, seizing arms, and forming a politician’s army that forced the soldiers to leave the town. People occupied Gwangju for weeks before the men returned and killed more local residents.

Human Acts, which spans 23 times, explores the Gwangju experience from a variety of perspectives, capturing both the uprising’s events and its future in the minds and bodies of the participants. The military suppression is still fresh in the minds of several South Korean citizens, and it is what sparked their march on December’s streets.

Violence against women: The Vegetarian

The Vegetarian, Kang’s best-known book in the UK, uses various viewpoints to inform Yeong-hye’s story, a woman who decides to stop eating meat first, then to stop entirely.

The Vegetarian raises complex issues of collusion and suffering. The patriarch world of Korea’s society is reflected in the frequently abusive behaviors of Yeong-hye’s spouse, brother-in-law, and father.

South Korea is still a seriously patriarchal and cruel nation with a proverbial culture of harassment, intimidation, and violence against women at work, home, and online despite its rapid economic growth.

Yoon abused these sex conflicts by running for president in 2022 on a system that denied the existence of gender inequality and threatened to end the government of family and gender equality. It should come as no surprise that people have spearheaded protests against Yoon and military rules.

The Jeju revolt is known as We Do Not Part.

We Do Not Part, Kang’s next book, fuses the events of the Jeju rebellion with Kyungha, a poet who travels from Seoul to Jeju isle at the invitation of her friend Inseon. Inseon sends Kyungha to care for her favorite pet birds, which she had been hospitalized for after an accident. Kyungha sets out on a shadowy investigation of the island’s aggressive past once more.

The residents of Jeju protested the section of the nation during the troubled time between the Japanese occupation and the Asian conflict. People suspected of being affiliated with the Workers Party of Korea was launched into a scorched-earth campaign by police and soldiers.

One eighth of the region’s population was estimated to have died between 25 000 and 30 000 people. The state didn’t acknowledge the rebellion and subsequent slaughter until President Kim Dae-jung commissioned an analysis in January 2000.

These events ‘ injustice and tragedy may properly be expressed. However, trust permeates the actions of ordinary people despite the crushing dreariness of Kang’s books. In-hye, Yeong-hye’s girl, cares for her as she gets more and more into her disease in The Vegetarian.

The family of the murdered girl Dong-ho, who was a kid, finds pleasure in Human Acts by saying,” Why are we walking in the dark, let’s go over it, where the plants are blooming.

The sweet descriptions of birds in We Do Not Part serve as reminders of both the weakness and resilience of life. Our relationship with others is a source of hope and resilience in Kang’s writing. We continue to live in this short, harsh world in this manner.

At the University of Strathclyde, Jessica Widner teaches English and creative reading.

This content was republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Study the article’s introduction.

UNDP urges Thais to unite for a sustainable future

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 23, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. — UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja.

A UN official has urged Thailand’s government, private sector, and areas to work together to ensure the village’s long-term prosperity.

The Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ), Kanni Wignaraja, stated in a press conference that these diverse social networks must work together to ensure inclusivity.

She also offered her thoughts on Thailand’s efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ), noting that the country still faces challenges in achieving specific objectives, such as those relating to biodiversity and the well-being of particular populations.

Next month, Ms. Wignaraja traveled to Thailand to take part in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, which took place between February 25 and February 28 at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok.

She also had the opportunity to meet with a number of officials, business leaders, and members of local neighborhoods.

She emphasized how women and girls are disproportionately affected by environmental decay and waste, and that Thailand, like many other places in the Asia-Pacific area, faces challenges in the SDGs relating to climate action, nature protection, and gender equality.

Women and girls are frequently the hardest strike when you combine the problems of climate change and natural disasters with the effects of environmental degradation, waste management troubles, and waste, she said.

” These problems affect women and girls throughout their entire life, and they manifest in issues like training, job, and equal give.”

She emphasized that all industries may contribute to a coordinated effort to promote equitable growth, particularly when it comes to addressing the negative effects on women and girls.

Ms. Wignaraja even urged Thailand to make use of its rich diversity by adopting policies like sustainability-linked financing to ensure investments prioritize the planet and people, such as those who work in social protection or those who are among the elderly, women, and girls.

When working with the leasing plan, it is crucial to consider the sustainability link financing. But you list the organic assets, and you specify where the ecology indicators are and how much it would cost to borrow them. Therefore, whether you are borrowing as a single family, as a micro-enterprise, or as a larger number at the federal level, she said.

She emphasized the value of working with the government and the private business to bring about long-term change. She urged particularly large corporations to taking responsibility for their impact on the environment and work to restore Thailand’s normal resources.

According to Ms. Wignaraja, “large companies have a huge responsibility not to damage the planet and its natural resources, nor to regenerate and enhance Thailand’s natural assets.” She even urged micro- and bankers to get involved in these combined ventures.

She said that government policies should be focused on people’s needs and incomes. This strategy ensures equal and sustainable growth.

Ms. Wignaraja traveled to Phetchaburi during her time there, where she witnessed the filing of a declaration of intent to promote bioeconomy expenditures that benefit both people and the planet.

With collaborations between the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning ( ONEp ), Krungthai Bank, and UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, Phetchaburi has become a model for public-private investments in biodiversity. The state also has a World Heritage site called Kaeng Krachan National Park and is a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.

She cited Phetchaburi as an illustration of how regional governments, businesses, and governments worked together to promote environmental protection while promoting economic growth. The state’s hospitality and shellfish farming initiatives have resulted in diverse growth at the neighborhood level.

Thailand is a fantastic example of how connecting the dots between sectors you promote success while ensuring sustainability, according to Ms. Wignaraja, noting that each state’s special perspective offers an option for development and improvement.

Through the Thailand Policy Lab, Thailand has developed novel ways to involve people in the policy process. The test, which was developed by the National Economic and Social Development Council in cooperation with the UNDP, aims to promote participation in addressing the country’s difficult challenges, particularly as Thailand transitions into an upper-middle-income state.

She continued,” I can see Thailand’s renewed interest and strong commitment to advanceing the sustainable development agenda.” It’s crucial that policies put people’s needs at the center, taking into account intersectionality and changing experiences, even though the SDGs are being localized in Thailand. By doing this, we make sure that everyone involved in the development of a sustainable future, including local governments, local governments, and international partners.

US’ DEI curbs spark local fears

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 16, 2025

In: South-East Asia

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One as he departs from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, March 14, 2025. (Reuters photo) — On March 14, 2025, US President Donald Trump leaves Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and boardeers Air Force One. ( Reuters image )

Indian advocates for female equality and anti-discrimination have been enraged by US President Donald Trump’s current executive order to destroy US federal laws of diversity, equity, and inclusion ( DEI), which has prompted them to need people to adhere to anti-discriminatory guidelines, especially in the workplace, as a means of advancing both business and the public interest.

The president’s executive order, which comes as he places a 90-day charitable delay on foreign aid, shocked the entire world, not the least of which is Thailand, where civic organizations are promoting the rights of the LGBTQ community.

They have expressed concern that the walk might have an impact on some of the most susceptible members of society.

According to Natthineethiti Phinyapincha, chairman of Trans Consulting Group, a diversity firm,” We view Trump’s professional attempt to destroy DEI initiatives as not merely backward but as suggestive of a larger problem: the misapplication of DEI over the past decades.” In some organizations, the principle is seen as unfair rather than a means of achieving equality in the workplace.

” DE I has faced resistance from those who view it as performative, divisive, or disconnected from core business outcomes for years. This is a chance to reevaluate, reevaluate, and reframe DEI for the future, she said.

According to Ms. Natthineethiti,” Trump’s action may lead Thai businesses, especially those in the multinational sector, to view DEI as a liability rather than a strategic asset” as many local businesses rely on surface-level strategies like awareness campaigns, short-term training, or token diversity hires.

Sulaiporn Chonwilai, a Tamtang Group advocacy officer, concurred that Mr. Trump’s executive order might serve as a blueprint for anti-DE I initiatives in some Thai organizations.

Additionally, it has the potential to influence discriminatory discourse around the world, particularly among conservative Thai policymakers who are unwilling to accept Mr. Trump’s decision to support domestic legal revision efforts.

The project manager for Tamtang Group, Chinthita Kraisrikul, expressed concern that Thailand might adopt the US’s example when ratifying international laws governing human rights.

She cited the Trump administration’s re-ratification of the Geneva Consensus Declaration, a global anti-abortion treaty with about 40 nations as signatories, in January.

The paper does not have any legal ramifications on member states. However, Ms. Chinthita said the paper suggests that members repeal their abortion laws, which have the phrase” The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state,” which might be perceived as a counterproductive position to a family unit run by same-sex couples in contemporary society.

According to Ms. Chinthita, the US has been lobbying for other nations to sign the agreement. Thailand’s potential signing of this agreement is very high, she continued.

HEALTH WORRIES

In the meantime, Mr. Trump’s decision to halt humanitarian aid has sparked concerns among Thai activists leading the fight against HIV/AIDS, particularly in the LGBTQ community.

The decision by Mr. Trump to stop providing humanitarian aid had an impact on health services to the LGBTQ community, particularly in terms of HIV/Aids protection and awareness efforts, according to Kittinun Daramadhaj, president of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand.

Thanks to US funding, he said,” Many LGBTQ organizations in Thailand are able to provide HIV or STIs]sexually transmitted infections ] tests free of charge.”

With their outreach capabilities and inclusive mindset, these organizations are crucial in putting an end to Thailand’s HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Some organizations have stopped operating following the funding suspension. In the wake of this, LGBTQ people who have long experienced stigma when receiving medical care from state institutions continue to be treated differently in the healthcare system.

According to Mr. Kittinun,” Trump’s action may be viewed as an indirect attempt to end lives.”

Due to the pause of the US humanitarian fund, Jarunee Siriphan, director of the Foundation for Action on Inclusion Rights ( Fair ) and the founder of the People’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ( MovED), was forced to suspend her project” GO MovED” ( Government’s Movement to Eliminate Discrimination ).

A project called GO MovED aims to end discrimination against those who have HIV.

Ms. Jarunee claimed that no money was given to her project by the Thai government. Foreign donors frequently provided sponsorship, with the US being one of the largest donors, she said.

Due to the executive order, and because the project is related to DEI, we were forced to stop working on it on January 24. We are not certain whether we can resume it after the 3-month funding pause, she said.

Apcom, a Thai company whose work focuses on HIV issues, claimed that funding for the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief ( Pepfar ) had also been halted.

The organization claimed that a number of projects, including those aimed at reducing harm, harm reduction, and basic HIV services, have completely been stopped as a result of the funding freeze. The five-year global project EpiC Program, which Pepfar and USAID have funded, aims to combat the HIV epidemic.

The President Trump’s executive order to stop Pepfar and USAID from providing foreign aid has unsettling consequences. It is crucial that we stand even closer and support one another in these uncertain times. We will overcome this challenge as well, according to Midnight Poonkasetwattana, Apcom Executive Director, by fostering trust, cooperating, and exchanging information.

Sulaiporn: Warns of the blueprint for anti-DE I policies

Natthineethiti:” Many rely on awareness campaigns.

Chinthita: Concerned about legal restrictions.

Kittinun: Life is saved by American funding.

Female politicians are ‘paving way for a more inclusive future’

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 13, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Prime Minister Office's Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai gives a keynote speech at the Bangkok Post's Women Vision forum on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill) — Prime Minister Office’s Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai gives a keynote talk at the Bangkok Post’s Women Vision conference on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Adult officials are paving the way for a more inclusive coming in Thailand, according to Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai.

In a presentation statement at the Bangkok Post’s Women Vision conference on Thursday to mark International Women’s Day, Ms Jiraporn highlighted the growing role of women in Thai culture.

She noted how usually, young girls often dream of becoming politicians, rather aspiring for professions as nurses, doctors, or teachers. Likewise, when young kids are asked the same question, desires of a political career seem far more widespread, reflecting the deep-rooted political belief that politics is a man’s website. People believe that “politics is for people, while people in leadership roles were few and much between”, she said.

However, a major change is now afoot, with people in Thailand gaining increasing identification and playing a larger role in politics, she said. Importantly, the number of female members of parliament has grown from less than 5 % in the past to nearly 20 % now, signalling a change towards a more gender-inclusive form of governance.

” A key example of this shift is former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the first woman to hold the place, who broke barriers and reshaped Thailand’s social landscape”, she said. ” Beyond being the first female prime minister, she also became the second woman to serve as Minister of Defence”.

” Ms Yingluck’s efforts to establish the Women’s Role Development Fund showcased her devotion to female equality”, she added. ” She serves as a vital source of inspiration for people across the state”.

However, despite these achievements, the number of people in Thai politicians remains below the world average of 26 %. This indicates that women still face challenges posed by political principles, standard political systems and a lack of help for children’s full participation in politics.

Ms Jiraporn next emphasised the variety of Thai girls. Thai people are not a uniform party, they include individuals from various cultural, religious and female names, as well as those living with disability.

” This variety may be reflected in policies that ensure no group of women is left behind in the government’s growth”, she said.

While some countries have adopted gender restrictions in parliament to raise the representation of women, Ms Jiraporn expressed confidence that Thai women have the potential to climb through significance rather than limits. The major, she believes, lies in creating possibilities and breaking barriers that prevent equal political involvement.

However, Ms Jiraporn stressed the importance of creating a healthy social area that is free from love conversation, personal assaults and gender discrimination.

She called on the public, the media and politicians to work together to address violence and discrimination against women politicians.

She believed that by addressing these issues, Thai women would be able to participate confidently in politics and play a significant role in driving the nation forward. Looking ahead to the next decade, the minister hopes that Thai women will occupy key roles in politics— not because of quotas but due to their true abilities.

” The goal is to create an environment where women are empowered to dream big, believe in their potential and take an active role in the development of society”, she said.

Redefining success, inspiring change

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 11, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Thai Gastronomy Ambassador Nooror Somany Steppe Master chef and founder of Blue Elephant restaurant — Thai Gastronomy Ambassador Nooror Somany Steppe Master restaurant and leader of Blue Elephant cafe

Celebrating International Women’s Day this quarter, the Bangkok Post is honouring 13 excellent ladies whose remarkable efforts have made a profound effect across different areas.

These pioneers have redefined achievements through their continuous pursuit of excellence, inspiring shift and shaping a better prospect. In acknowledgement of their remarkable efforts, we boldly present the Bangkok Post Women of the Year 2025.

This time, we shine a spotlight on creative people who serve as precursors for progress, driving change across sectors and culture. Their tales of endurance, authority, and development exemplify the power of perseverance and inclusivity in shaping a better tomorrow.

A series of specific characteristics detailing their adventures and achievement is published today and continues until tomorrow in print and online at www. bangkokpost.com

Now, we honour Siriwong Borvornboonrutai, Co-President- Finance and Accounting, B. Grimm Power Plc, Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Advanced Info Service Plc, and Nooror Somany Steppe, Master restaurant and chairman of Blue Elephant cafe.

Powering B. Grimm to success on the international level

‘ Strategic Leadership in Energy ‘

Helping the strong understand challenges with green financial growth

Siriwong BorvornboonrutaiCo-President- Finance and Accounting, B. Grimm Power Plc

Strategic Leadership in Energy Siriwong Borvornboonrutai Co-President- Finance and Accounting, B. Grimm Power Plc

Helping B. Grimm Power Plc achieve its goal of becoming a world power company requires strenuous work, with an effective input from Siriwong Borvornboonrutai, co-president for finance and accounting at the agency.

She is known for her role in working with the professional staff to set the direction for the business, not only to enhance its power generation ability, but also to maintain its money grow in a healthy way.

B. Grimm Power is a crucial income driver for the party, earning more than the other five businesses under the B. Grimm Group, especially store, healthcare, digital technology, real estate, and the lifestyle-related firms.

The company has great potential to become a power company on a global scale, with total electricity supply set to soar to 10 gigawatts, up from 4GW, by 2030, said Ms Siriwong.

B. Grimm Power also aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

” Our journey is driven by strategic expansion, financial strength and strong partnerships in which we have established a presence in multiple countries, ensuring a well-balanced portfolio across both emerging and developed markets to drive growth and resilience”, Ms Siriwong said.

She helps the company bring a global perspective to decision-making, ensuring its operations are carefully implemented by adapting to cultures in every market.

One driving force that will pave the way for B. Grimm Power to successfully run the energy business on the global stage is geographical diversification. This allows the company to minimise geopolitical risks by reducing its reliance on a single market, she said.

Ms Siriwong also helps B. Grimm Power better manage risks through her work in the company’s finance and accounting section.

In her view, if B. Grimm Power meets four criteria, mainly aimed at dealing with financial issues, the company will stand out globally.

The criteria are: a significant share of revenue from international operations, particularly from renewable power plants, the growth of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation, which will enhance overall financial performance, a positive net present value and a higher return on capital employed than weighted average cost of capital, the company’s commitment to be a leading player in the international energy landscape.

Ms Siriwong also supports B. Grimm Power’s access to large, investment-grade markets such as Europe, the US, Japan and South Korea. These economies are experiencing a surge in power demand due to electrification trends or electricity-powered life, she said.

These factors cannot be separated from the rigorous and sound financial analysis that Ms Siriwong has been conducting for the company.

Spreading equality through technology

‘ Equality and Technology Visionary ‘

Kantima LerlertyuttithamGroup Chief Human Resources Officer of Advanced Info Service Plc

Ms Kantima is committed to fostering equality through technology.

Through her leadership in developing staff, advocacy of diversity, and her social impact initiatives, Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, the group chief human resources officer at Advanced Info Service Plc ( AIS), has demonstrated a strong vision and commitment to fostering equality through technology.

Ms Kantima has more than 25 years of experience in human resources management, driving leading organisations across both the private and public sectors.

She also played a crucial role in developing AIS personnel and expanding opportunities to the wider Thai society with her commitment to fostering equality and opportunity through policies and initiatives that ensure equal access to knowledge and technology for everyone.

Ms Kantima was instrumental in establishing the AIS Academy, transforming traditional employee training into an open knowledge hub accessible to both AIS employees and the general public.

The academy is dedicated to leveraging technology to eliminate educational barriers and enhance skill development, ensuring equal growth opportunities for all.

The AIS Academy has developed courses that have enhanced the skills of more than 13, 000 AIS employees in collaboration with renowned global institutions such as MIT, Harvard Business School, Manchester University, and Stanford University.

The academy also incorporates digital platforms that enable employees to access knowledge and self-improvement opportunities equitably.

Moreover, the AIS Academy has narrowed the education gap through projects like AIS ReadDi, a digital library, ensuring that underserved communities can access books and educational materials.

Ms Kantima is also committed to fostering an inclusive culture at AIS.

She emphasises the belief that “diversity makes us beautiful”, so AIS has implemented policies that embrace and promote diversity in gender, age, ethnicity, beliefs and lifestyles.

She has also been a key advocate in shaping AIS’s corporate culture, dubbed” Fit Fun Fair”, designed to foster employee well-being, fairness and inclusion.

Fit refers to encouraging employees to maintain strong physical and mental health while equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate challenges.

Fun means creating an enjoyable work environment that fosters positive thinking and resilience in the face of challenges.

Fair applies to ensuring equal opportunities for all employees, promoting openness to diversity, and recognising outstanding performance with well-deserved rewards.

AIS was one of the first Thai corporations to officially support marriage equality by implementing inclusive welfare policies, such as financial support for employees ‘ weddings regardless of gender and special leave for gender transition.

Due to AIS’s outstanding commitment to equality and inclusion, the company was honoured with the Outstanding Private Sector Organisation Award for Rights Protection and Gender Equality Promotion from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security ( MSDHS).

Ms Kantima was also a driving force behind the” Think-In-Advance” mission, collaborating with the MSDHS to leverage AIS’s workforce and digital technology to reduce social inequalities and empower vulnerable groups.

This has led to impactful initiatives, including” Aunjai Arsa for Career Development”, where AIS employees provide digital literacy training and career development guidance to underserved communities.

She also championed the Jump Thailand Hackathon, which encourages young students to create technology-driven solutions for the elderly and people with disabilities.

A pioneer in redefining Thai cuisine

‘ Thai Gastronomy Ambassador ‘

Chef Somany” Nooror” Steppe of the Blue Elephant has been promoting’ Thai Kitchen To The World’ for almost 40 years

Nooror Somany SteppeMaster chef and founder of Blue Elephant restaurant

Thai Gastronomy Ambassador Nooror Somany Steppe Master chef and founder of Blue Elephant restaurant

Chef Somany” Nooror” Steppe is the central person behind the success of the Blue Elephant brand, where Thai heritage cuisine is her driving force.

For more than four decades, chef Nooror has been striving as an ambassador advocating Thai cuisine and culture worldwide. Her motto? ” You cannot make good Thai food without good Thai ingredients”!

Having met her business partner and husband, Karel Steppe, while studying in Belgium in the 70s, chef Nooror opened the first Blue Elephant restaurant in 1980 in Brussels with partners Chai Wayno and Somboon Insuri.

When the chef returned to Thailand, she was personal assistant to Ajarn Sisamon, the legendary guru of Thai heritage cuisine. The Blue Elephant Restaurant and Cooking School opened in Bangkok in 2002, followed by a Phuket branch in 2010. The restaurant also has branches in Malta and Copenhagen, Denmark. But that wasn’t all.

Chef Nooror’s motto played a big role, and the Blue Elephant groups began to make their own spices and curry pastes at the Blue Spice factory. The manufacturing arm of the Blue Elephant group was inaugurated in 2006 and exports products to 45 countries.

Born in Chachoengsao, chef Nooror was ingrained in the culinary world since childhood by her mother and was renowned for her famous heirloom massaman curry paste.

” One of my earliest memories was attempting to make hor mok for my mother”, she recalls. ” I was about 11 and wanted my mother to be proud of me”. The Thai fish soufflé turned out to be awful as chef Nooror forgot to fillet and debone the seabass.

” I am proud of my Thai heritage. Each dish has its own history, and I love creating as much as exploring the palace recipes of different eras or delving into the regional culinary heritage gems”, says the chef.

In promoting the” Thai Kitchen To The World” for almost 40 years, chef Nooror was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree from Kasetsart University and a Prime Minister Exporter Award. For over 30 years, she has been recognised as one of Thailand’s top chefs.

” I have been operating Thai restaurants in Europe for 45 years and have successfully expanded to multiple locations. Thai cuisine has always been popular. In recent years, the government has actively supported its global recognition through soft power initiatives led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Amazing Thailand campaign. These efforts have significantly enhanced the international visibility of Thai cuisine”, the chef told the Bangkok Post.

In 2024, the Officer Of The Order of Leopold honour was conferred upon Chef Nooror for spreading the soft power of Thai cuisine and Thai culture from Belgium to Thailand. The honour is Belgium’s oldest and highest honorary order of knighthood. Chef Nooror also holds the title of ambassador to the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer.

Despite wearing many hats, nothing seems to stop the chef. In 2019, she opened Thai Brasserie by Blue Elephant, along with Monkey Pod, restaurants under the same umbrella.

” Thailand has numerous culinary schools within various universities, providing the younger generation with the chance to learn and gain a deeper understanding of Thai cuisine. This strong foundation ensures it will continue to flourish. It will not merely persist but also be passed down and further developed by the new generation, adapting to modern trends while gaining even greater recognition on the global stage”, says chef Nooror.

Spreading equality through technology

By: Barkar Nash

On: March 11, 2025

In: South-East Asia

Described: 12 Mar 2025 at 04: 00

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Advanced Info Service Plc

Ms Kantima has more than 25 years of experience in human resources management, driving leading agencies across both the private and public areas.

She also played a vital role in developing AIS employees and expanding opportunities to the wider Thai nation with her determination to fostering equality and opportunity through policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access to knowledge and systems for all.

Ms Kantima was instrumental in establishing the AIS Academy, transforming classic worker education into an empty knowledge hub available to both AIS people and the general public.

The university is dedicated to leveraging engineering to eliminate education barriers and increase skill development, ensuring equitable growth opportunities for all.