Mass same-sex weddings in Jan 2025

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 26 Sep 2024 at 04: 00

The Marriage Equality Bill may actually become law on January 22nd, 2019, following 120 times since its publication in the Royal Gazette, and more than 1, 000 same-sex lovers did get married on that day.

Thailand will become the first country in Southeast Asia and one of the 37 nations global to allow same-sex unions.

Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the founder of Bangkok Pride and a former part of the Marriage Equality Bill commission, described this law as” a huge step toward equal rights in Thailand.”

A large ceremony will be held on January 22, 2025, in collaboration with Bangkok Pride. The goal is to include 1, 448 same-sex people participate, symbolising the number of sections of the Union Laws in the Civil and Commercial Codes that have been amended to help same-sex relationship, she said.

The event is open to any same-sex people residing in Thailand or worldwide, she added.

” The preparation for the wedding ceremony and subscription for LGBTQ people is about 50 % finish. Thus far, 183 people have registered to meet us. We also encourage communities in different regions to hold large weddings with wedding register, as they do in Bangkok, she said.

The law grants same-sex people the same legal rights as heterosexual lovers and allows same-sex people to get married. These rights include the ability to choose children, manage and gain their parent’s assets, the right to marriage, access to state security if their partner is a civil slave, and tax deductions.

People must be at least 18 years of age to record their union. But, those under 20 require parental acceptance. The law uses gender-neutral terms for married couples, referring to them as” two individuals” instead of” a man and a woman”, and replaces “husband and wife” with” spouses”.

Before the legislation goes into effect, the director to the perfect minister, Jirayu Huangsab, urged civil servants to familiarize themselves with it over the course of the next four decades. ” The operate reflects efforts to promote fairness and equality”, he said.

Continue Reading

Brookfield raises .4bn for catalytic transition fund, names four new investors | FinanceAsia

By:
On:
In: Asia, Finance, South-East Asia

Brookfield Asset Management has closed $2.4 billion for its Catalytic Transition Fund (CTF), as it seeks to raise up to $5 billion for deployment towards clean energy and transition assets in emerging markets. These include funds from CDPQ, GIC, Prudential and Temasek.

CTF was previously launched at COP28 with up to $1 billion of catalytic capital provided by Alterra, the world’s largest private investment vehicle for climate finance based in the United Arab Emirates, with the purpose of mobilising investment at scale to finance a new climate economy.

Alterra’s fund commitment has been designed to receive a capped return, thereby improving risk-adjusted returns for other investors in the fund, according to a statement. 

Brookfield has committed to provide 10% of the fund’s target to align itself with investment partners and investors.

The partnership is designed to help drive clean energy investment into emerging markets, where investment needs to increase sixfold over current levels to reach the $1.6 trillion required annually by the early 2030s in line with global net zero targets.

CTF is focused on deploying capital into clean energy and transition assets in emerging markets in South and Central America, South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

In Asia, FinanceAsia understands that target markets will include Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

The fund expects to announce its initial investments later in 2024, and a traditional first close – with additional capital from Brookfield’s ongoing fundraising efforts through its extensive network of institutional investors – is expected by early 2025.

H.E Majid Al-Suwaidi, CEO of Alterra, said in a statement: “CTF demonstrates Alterra’s catalytic capital as a powerful multiplier of climate finance to the Global South. This early momentum around CTF shows strong global demand not just for climate strategies, but for opportunities to invest in climate solutions in emerging markets.”

Al-Suwaidi said: “Alterra looks forward to working with CDPQ, GIC, Prudential and Temasek and other partners who share our ambitions to redefine how the world invests in climate solutions and go beyond business-as-usual to deliver positive impact for both people and planet.”

Mark Carney, chair and head of transition investing at Brookfield Asset Management, said: “These anchor commitments from CDPQ, GIC, Prudential and Temasek demonstrate significant momentum for the CTF.”

Carney added: “The support from the world’s most sophisticated investors for the CTF strategy underscores the unique combination of the major commercial opportunity and the climate imperative. We look forward to working with other like-minded investment partners to accelerate the transition in these critical and vastly underserved markets.”

Marc-André Blanchard, executive vice-president and head of CDPQ global and global head of sustainability, said: “Globally, around $6.5 trillion will be needed yearly for the energy transition over the next 15 years. It’s a staggering figure, and various partnerships and investments are necessary to accelerate the path forward.”

Don Guo, chief investment officer, Prudential, said: “We believe there is an opportunity to drive scalable positive change in emerging markets through investing in the climate transition. Prudential’s investment in Brookfield’s CTF underscores our belief that responsible investment is not only an environmental imperative but also a significant opportunity for growth in emerging markets.”


¬ Haymarket Media Limited. All rights reserved.

Continue Reading

Kakitangan.com signs MoU with Talentvis Academy to provide SMEs with one-stop solution for quality training

By:
On:
In: Technology
  • allows businesses to bridge the skill gap and flourish in a market that is aggressive.
  • Aims to offer Business coaching solutions, enable employees with in-demand abilities

Left to right: Zetty from Kakitangan, Effon Khoo, co-founder & CEO, Kakitangan and Joen Cheong, commercial manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia

Indonesian HR and payroll program Kakitangan.com has partnered with Talentvis Academy, a leading education company in Southeast Asia, to address the growing needed for upskilled labors. This partnership aims to give SMEs with a one-stop option for high-quality training programs, empowering employees with in-demand knowledge, the company said in a statement.

Leveraging over ten years of experience in Malaysian HR and payment requirements, with a customer base exceeding 10, 000 SMEs with over 150, 000 workers and processing a combined&nbsp, payment of over RM8 billion, Kakitangan.com stated that it is well-positioned to understand the distinctive demands of SMEs. This agreement creates a comprehensive learning experience that bridges the skills space and thrives in today’s competitive market by combining with Talentvis Academy’s carefully selected selection of specialized courses led by industry experts.

The modern platform, known as” Up and Up Training Academy,” rightly proclaims that “UP! is the only way to success.” offers a wide range of teaching options to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Talentvis Academy was established by Talentvis, a&nbsp, HR answers service. The company also introduced Talentvis Academy, which it claims to be the first one-stop coaching market in Southeast Asia to choose an “e-commerce” company model, in addition to its recruitment and outsourced services. The company claims that its system digitalizes and streamlines the whole training approval method for organizations, enabling clients to access over 200 education providers from five SEA countries with one click. Moreover, the software provides a reliable payment method with a secure gate and extensive support for HRDC-claimable courses in Malaysia. &nbsp,

Addressing the key challenges faced by HR professionals, Kakitangan.com said it has recognised four key areas to focus on: hiring strategies for best skills, successful people administration, streamlined employee exit processes, and SME-specific skillset development. &nbsp,

Effon Khoo, co-founder and CEO of Kakitangan.com, said the firm is proud to be the first Malaysian-centric HR system offering integrated training solutions tailored to Malaysian SMEs. Employees can discover and enroll in relevant training programs while managing other HR activities from a single platform, facilitating the growth of businesses within the Kakitangan.com community.

According to Ben Chew, Managing Director of Talentvis Academy,” The collaboration between Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy is expected to significantly contribute to the success of organizations in the digital transformation,” This sentiment was echoed by Joen Cheong, Commercial Manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia, who stated:” Our aim is to digitalise training management for organisations, simplifying professional development, enhancing skill-building, and fostering talent career growth”.

To commemorate this launch, Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy are offering a special promotion from September to October. Kakitangan.com customers can enjoy a 5 % discount on all sign-ups. Check out the training page: https ://kakitangan.talentvisacademy .com/

Continue Reading

Unwielded sword: Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy in the Pacific – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

This article first appeared on Pacific Forum, and it has since been republished with your type agreement. Read the original below.

In the tumultuous geopolitical pot that is the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan finds itself locked in a battle for identification, its every diplomatic maneuver shadowed by Beijing’s light. However, amid this battle lies an unnoticed instrument of impact: the&nbsp, indigenous communities of Taiwan.

Here, there is a case for asserting Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy, a strategy that would give Taiwan’s Pacific diplomacy new life and provide a counterweight to China’s drumbeat of investment and infrastructure. No for financial posturing nor violent bluster.

Taiwan’s indigenous cultures, from the&nbsp, Amis&nbsp, to the&nbsp, Atayal&nbsp, and&nbsp, Paiwan, include a mural of nations, histories, and customs stretching back into antiquity. For instance, the&nbsp, Amis Harvest Festival—a important cultural event—symbolizes the group’s strong link to their property and traditions, which could relate with other indigenous populations across the Pacific.

Also, the&nbsp, Atayal women’s weaving traditions&nbsp, function as an emblem of cultural survival in the face of modernization—skills resonating greatly with other indigenous populations striving to keep their heritage.

Unseen possibility of indigenous soft energy

These communities are now poised to become Taiwan’s most improbable ambassadors after surviving colonization and the homogenizing hands of civilization. Unlike China’s Han-centric historical monolithism, Taiwan’s indigenous individuals exemplify variety, endurance, and a dedication to preserve what others would remove.

Taiwan has made significant strides in empowering its indigenous groups, demonstrating a responsibility that can be immediately reflected in its politics. For instance, the&nbsp, Council of Indigenous Peoples&nbsp, ( CIP ) was established in 1996 to advocate for indigenous rights, preserving their languages, culture, and traditions.

Also, the&nbsp, inclusion of aboriginal representatives&nbsp, in the Congressional Yuan, and the 2005&nbsp, Indigenous Peoples Basic Law&nbsp, provide proper mechanisms to ensure that aboriginal voices are heard, not just internally but on worldwide stages.

Aboriginal soft power is a tale of endurance, life, and self-assertion that sounds across the Pacific and Southeast Asia, where aboriginal cultures, too, have been trampled by history’s heavy shoe.

China may bring roads, railways, and bridges, but it cannot build identity. In the ideological chessboard of the Pacific, Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy is a counterweight to China’s infrastructural blandishments, appealing to hearts rather than wallets.

Taiwan is a living parody of China’s cultural homogenization, praising plurality over conformity and the few’s rights over the many’s oppression.

Building bridges, not barges

For Taiwan, the Pacific Islands—with their significant indigenous populations—create ideal conditions for a renewed form of diplomatic interaction. Nations like Palau and the Marshall Islands, which already recognize Taiwan diplomatically, are ripe for a meaningful, culturally infused diplomacy.

For instance, &nbsp, Palau’s traditional knowledge systems, grounded in environmental sustainability, align perfectly with Taiwan’s indigenous wisdom about conservation. Taiwan’s indigenous peoples have centuries-old knowledge of sustainable practices, such as the&nbsp, traditional Amis agricultural system, which has long emphasized balance with the environment. This knowledge is germane to Pacific Island nations&nbsp, grappling with climate change&nbsp, and rising sea levels.

Imagine, if you will, the impact of Taiwan’s indigenous environmental wisdom on island nations confronting similar ecological challenges. The&nbsp, Indigenous Television Channel, which promotes indigenous languages and culture, has been a major supporter of cultural and language revitalization initiatives in Taiwan that aim to preserve this indigenous wisdom.

Programs like these highlight Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy as a powerful tool for forming cultural and environmental alliances with Pacific Islanders.

While Beijing pours its resources into grand infrastructure projects, Taiwan can present something more rewarding: knowledge, solidarity, and a sustainable future embedded in indigenous understanding.

Fostering indigenous exchanges—in art, language and traditional practices— Taiwan can cultivate bonds transcending geopolitics. For instance, cultural exchange programs such as between&nbsp, Taiwan and Palau, focusing on traditional crafts, dance, and language, offer a personal and profound connection. Cultural exchanges, unlike China’s transactional diplomacy, breed a loyalty that cannot be bought.

As I have argued&nbsp, regarding UK-Taiwan educational diplomacy, such soft power initiatives go beyond state-to-state relations and foster enduring partnerships through shared cultural heritage and academic collaboration. No amount of checkbook diplomacy can replace Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy once it has gained popularity among Pacific Islanders.

Cultural resonance as a weapon

China’s ambitions in the Pacific, framed as economic outreach, are transparent to anyone willing to look. Investments and infrastructure projects, as grand as they may appear, frequently leave a bitter aftertaste—debt-laden populations and cultural erasure.

Herein lies Taiwan’s opportunity: China’s inability to resonate culturally. Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy provides a model of cooperation built on mutual respect, shared heritage, and cultural preservation. Taiwan’s advocacy for indigenous rights, solidified through domestic policies and Taiwan’s participation in forums like the&nbsp, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, aligns it with global movements for indigenous recognition.

For example, Icyang Parod, the incumbent&nbsp, minister of the CIP, has been an outspoken advocate for indigenous issues internationally, showing that Taiwan is not just protecting these rights at home but exporting such values to the world.

Indigenous empowerment is a cause China is ill-positioned to counter, given the treatment of its&nbsp, own ethnic minorities&nbsp, such as the Uyghurs and Tibetans. Indigenous diplomacy, for Taiwan, delivers not purely trade and aid, but dignity and recognition.

A blueprint for action

Without strategy, Taiwan must turn this latent soft power into diplomatic clout, because all the potential in the world amounts to little. To do so, it must act decisively.

First, indigenous-led diplomatic missions should be dispatched to Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, prioritizing cultural diplomacy and environmental knowledge-sharing. Taiwan must put indigenous diplomacy at the center of its international strategy, moving it from a cultural gesture to a fundamental component.

Second, government-sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs must be launched, enabling Taiwan’s indigenous communities to connect with their overseas counterparts. The&nbsp, Taiwan Indigenous Education and Cultural Exchange Initiative&nbsp, has begun laying this groundwork, but these efforts need to be expanded to create sustainable connections.

Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, with their centuries-old wisdom, can offer much in areas like conservation and sustainable development, both of which resonate strongly in the Pacific Islands.

Third, Taiwan must make an assertive statement in international forums about indigenous rights, establishing itself as a global champion and trailblazer for these issues. Taiwan’s participation in forums like the&nbsp, World Conference on Indigenous Peoples&nbsp, will undeniably bolster its soft power, differentiating itself from China’s rigid authoritarian approach.

Of course, such a strategy is not without its pitfalls. The political sensibilities that surround Taiwan’s indigenous communities must be handled with caution because they are not monolithic. Anything less than that runs the risk of patronizing the very communities Taiwan aspires to elevate must be conducted by indigenous voices.

And then, inevitably, comes China. The red dragon will not take kindly to Taiwan’s foray into indigenous diplomacy, likely viewing it as a direct affront to its “one China” mantra. Yet, with the right framing—cultural exchange, not political provocation— Taiwan can weather this storm and come out stronger.

New frontier in Taiwan’s diplomacy

Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy is a sharpened sword waiting to be wielded. It gives the island a rare opportunity to redefine its standing on a global scale, setting it apart from China’s crass, transactional dominance, through economic coercion.

Indigenous diplomacy has the power to shift the Pacific’s axis of influence by being used with precision and crafting alliances that are rooted in connections of shared heritage and genuine mutual respect. In doing so, Taiwan can rewrite the region’s balance of power.

Taiwan must fully embrace this tactic in order to allow its indigenous peoples to lead a diplomatic revolution. Taiwan needs to speak boldly to both governments and people.

Taiwan’s indigenous diplomacy is a breath of fresh air in a world that is suffocated by the brute force of economic might. It reminds one that cultural bonds are more lasting than any contract ever signed ink.

Mitchell Gallagher ( hj0003@wayne .edu ) is a PhD candidate at Wayne State University, focusing on international relations, Taiwan studies, and the geopolitical dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. His research examines cultural diplomacy and soft power tactics.

Continue Reading

Kakitangan.com signs MoU with Talentvis Academy 

By:
On:
In: Technology
  • allows businesses to bridge the skill space and thrive in a market where competition is fierce.
  • Aims to offer Business coaching solutions, enable employees with in-demand abilities

Left to right: Zetty from Kakitangan, Effon Khoo, co-founder & CEO, Kakitangan.com and Joen Cheong, commercial manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia

The Malaysian HR and payment structure Kakitangan.com has partnered with Talentvis Academy, a premier education company in Southeast Asia, to address the growing need for upskilled laborers. This partnership aims to give SMEs with a one-stop option for high-quality training programs, empowering employees with in-demand knowledge, the company said in a statement.

Leveraging over ten years of experience in Malaysian HR and payment requirements, with a customer base exceeding 150, 000, Kakitangan.com stated that it is well-positioned to know the unique requirements of SMEs. This collaboration creates a comprehensive learning experience that bridges the skills space and thrives in today’s competitive market by combining with Talentvis Academy’s carefully selected selection of specialized courses led by industry experts.

The modern program, known as” Up and Up Training Academy,” rightly proclaims that “UP! is the only way to success.” offers a wide range of teaching options to help businesses achieve their objectives.

Talentvis Academy was established by Talentvis, a leading HR answers service. The company also introduced Talentvis Academy, which it claims to be the first one-stop education market in Southeast Asia to choose an “e-commerce” company model, in addition to its recruitment and outsourced services. The company claims that its system simplifies and digitalizes the whole training approval process for organizations, enabling clients to access over 200 coaching providers from five SEA countries in one click. Moreover, the software provides a reliable payment method with a secure gate and extensive support for HRDC-claimable courses in Malaysia. &nbsp,

Addressing the key challenges faced by HR professionals, Kakitangan.com said it has recognised four key areas to focus on: hiring strategies for best skills, successful people administration, streamlined employee exit processes, and SME-specific skillset development. &nbsp,

Effon Khoo, co-founder and CEO of Kakitangan.com, said the firm is glad to be the first Malaysian-centric Human program offering included education options tailored to Malay SMEs. Employees can discover and enroll in relevant training programs while managing another HR activities from a single system, facilitating the growth of businesses within the Kakitangan.com neighborhood.

According to Ben Chew, Managing Director of Talentvis Academy,” The partnership between Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy is expected to significantly contribute to the success of organizations in the modern change.” This sentiment was echoed by Joen Cheong, Commercial Manager of Talentvis Academy Malaysia, who stated:” Our goal is to digitalise education control for organisations, simplifying expert growth, enhancing skill-building, and fostering talent career growth”.

To celebrate this start, Kakitangan.com and Talentvis Academy are offering a particular campaign from September to October. Kakitangan.com customers can enjoy a 5 % discount on all sign-ups. Check out the training page: https ://kakitangan.talentvisacademy .com/

Continue Reading

Cambodia’s Mu Sochua cries out against China – Asia Times

By:
On:
In: Asia

In an exclusive interview with Asia Times, important exiled opposition lawmaker Mu Sochua said that without a real democracy and a functioning anti-graft program, Cambodia is destined for high debt, utilized lands, utilized lands, and depleted natural resources.

Mu Sochua, president of the Khmer Movement For Democracy&nbsp, ( KMD), a United States-based activist group, was vice president of the nation’s largest opposition party, the Cambodian National Rescue Party ( CNRP ), when the Supreme Court banned and dissolved it in October 2017.

After CNRP leaders Kem Sokha was arrested on crime charges, including unsubstantiated claims that he was working with the United States, the group has consistently maintained that these allegations were false, she and another CNRP members fled the country.

Mu Sochua continues to challenge the democratic legitimacy of the currently dominant Cambodian People’s Party ( CPP)-dominated political order, which was established through recent stage-managed elections, which the CNRP claims were neither fair nor free.

In particular, she says the West should review the application of the Paris Peace Agreements, signed in October 1993, to maintain Cambodia’s independence, self-determination through free and fair elections, and human right after years of painful legal war fueled by competing fantastic and regional power. &nbsp,

That freedom, Mu Suchua asserts, is under rising risk from China’s growing power and influence over the decision CPP.

She noted that China’s influence has grown rapidly in recent years, as evidenced by the expansion of China’s military, cybercrime, and human trafficking operations led by the Chinese mafia, the availability of loans through the Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI), and the influx of Chinese mining and construction companies. &nbsp,

As relationships with the West deteriorated on issues relating to democracy and human rights, former prime minister Hun Sen gave priority to China relations toward the end of his decades-long law. And there is no indication of a change in the royal dispatch to his brother Hun Manet, who became prime secretary in 2023.

” Cambodia is in arrears about US$ 11 billion, 40 % of which is owed to China”, she said. When we discuss the BRI, the income is not provided to us for free. It’s a loan and it has no conditions on rule of law, democracy, independent media and independent judiciary in Cambodia” .&nbsp,

” It is also a loan to force the plan of Chinese President Xi Jinping to get dominance, not just in a state or a place, but worldwide dominance”.

She said, under the Public model, Beijing offers loans to assist Cambodia develop its infrastructure, including airports, roads, dams and a new corporate canal. In return, Mu Sochua claims, China is allowed to boost its military presence in the country. &nbsp,

” It is a secret agreement made by Hun Sen and China. It is not transparent at all”, she said. Cambodia is intended to serve as a proxy power to China’s ability to influence ASEAN, the European Union, and the UN.

She asserts that with heavy debts owed to Beijing and China’s growing military presence in the country, Cambodia’s sovereignty is at stake. &nbsp,

” Our country is in debt, our people are in debt”, she said. ” Hun Sen is removing Cambodia from the West,” he said. We do n’t want to be with the West, either. We want our country to be a part of the world where people are governed by law and the people rule our country. We want the people to freely and fairly elect our leaders. We want to prioritize both human rights and freedoms.

An impoverished rural village in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. China’s wealth has not done much to help ordinary Cambodians escape poverty. Photo: Jeff Pao / Asia Times

On August 5, Xinhua reported that Cambodia began to build the US$ 1.7 billion Funan Techo Canal, designed to link the nation’s capital, Phnom Penh, to its coast.

The 180-kilometer-long canal, which was funded by China, will reduce Cambodia’s current dependence on Vietnamese ports for trade and give it access to the Gulf of Thailand.

However, the US, Vietnam and others are &nbsp, worried&nbsp, that the canal, as well as the newly expanded&nbsp, Ream Naval Base, will ultimately be co-opted by China’s military, giving Beijing a strategic southern flank in the South China Sea and pressure points on mainland Southeast Asia. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Mu Sochua said Cambodia’s strategic geography could reinforce China’s position in any invasion of Taiwan. She claimed that Cambodia would have a democratic government with the authority to overthrow the Chinese military presence, thereby preventing a potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

Foreign troops cannot be deployed on Cambodian soil under the law. Hun Sen has consistently refuted claims that his previous administration had entered any” secret” agreements that would permit China to establish a permanent military presence in the nation.

Chinese mafia hub

Hun Sen was willing to look the other way, however, as Chinese crime groups established operations in the country, often under the guise of casinos.

In a report published in August 2023, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights ( OHCHR ) estimated that there are at least 100, 000 and 120, 000 people forcibly involved in online scam centers in Cambodia and Myanmar, respectively. &nbsp,

It said victims are mostly men who are “well-educated, sometimes coming from professional jobs or with graduate or even post-graduate degrees, computer-literate and multilingual”.

According to OHCHR’s report, they were lured by phony online jobs for high-tech jobs before being illegally trafficked into scam areas where they are held by armed gangs in prison-like conditions and forced to conduct online scams. &nbsp,

In a report released in May 2024, the independent US Institute of Peace ( USIP), which was established by the US Congress in 1984, stated that Southeast Asia’s China-origin criminal networks and their online scamming operations are putting more pressure on human security globally and pose a growing threat to the US and its allies and partners around the world. &nbsp,

In a slew of elite-protected criminality spread across Cambodia, it claimed that casinos and hotels that were left vacant by the Covid pandemic’s suppression of tourism have been fortified and repurposed for online scamming. &nbsp,

The report said the return on cyber scamming in Cambodia is estimated to exceed US$ 12.5 billion annually, which was about 39 % of the country’s gross domestic product ( US$ 31.77 billion ) in 2023.

According to Mu Suchua, Chinese criminal organizations are now using Cambodia as a hub for cybercrimes, and that billions of dollars made by online con artists from Cambodia are going straight into the pockets of local tycoons under the protection of Hun Sen.

She continued,” What the international community needs to do right now is coordinate its efforts to push for targeted sanctions against the high-ranking officials in Hun Sen’s regime who are engaged in cybercrimes,” making an apparent reference to Hun Manet’s successor regime.

Deep-rooted corruption&nbsp,

The non-governmental organization Transparency International released its annual Corruption Perceptions Index ( CPI ) in January of this year, which ranks 180 nations on a scale of zero ( highly corrupt ) to 100 ( very clean ). Cambodia scored 22 while ranking 158th among 180 surveyed countries.

” Cambodia is ruled by one man, one family. Look at the amount of money they possess. A watch costs$ 3 million and Hun Sen has five of those”, Mu Suchua claimed. ” All this ill-gotten wealth is coming from cybercrimes, the extraction of natural resources and the deforestation of Cambodia” .&nbsp,

” And why are the people in Cambodia and China now in such great debt to the micro-finance institutions”? she said. In Thailand, there are two million unskilled Cambodian workers. Why did they leave Cambodia? Because of their lack of education and land,

There are about 50, 970 Cambodian migrant workers in South Korea, 22, 262 in Malaysia and 20, 056 in Japan, the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in Cambodia said earlier this year.

A woman working at a money exchange shows 500 Cambodian riel notes to photographer in central Phnom Penh March 12, 2011. The much delayed stock exchange regulator Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC) said that all prices of securities will be quoted in local currency riel. Cambodia is highly dollarized and that many foreign investors want to see US dollars quoted in the upcoming bourse. REUTERS/Samrang Pring (CAMBODIA - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR2JSDU
According to Mu Suchua, corruption is deeply ingrained in Cambodian society as a result of the CPP. Image: Asia Times Files / Agencies

More than 2.2 million hectares of land in Cambodia, according to the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights ( Licadho ), are controlled by economic land concessions ( ELCs ), a program that has resulted in numerous land disputes and environmental issues since 2022. &nbsp,

Concerning Mu Suchua’s accusations and criticizing, Asia Times reached the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, but they did not receive any responses. &nbsp,

KMD on a mission

Mu Suchua’s KMD was registered in the US state of Massachusetts in December and set foot in California in March 2024. Its main goal is to bring together Cambodian citizens by adhering to the terms of the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991.

” We want to create a platform where everyone who lives outside of Cambodia and is inside of it can come together to advance democracy, rule of law, and human rights,” she said. &nbsp,

She claimed that the KMD can communicate with local partners and users in Cambodia despite the country’s ban on social media. &nbsp,

Mu Sochua stated that the KMD will continue to lobby Western governments, chambers of commerce, and industry organizations to raise awareness of Cambodia’s deeply ingrained forced labor, political activist persecution, and general lack of democracy, rights, and freedoms. &nbsp, &nbsp,

Read: Chinese campaign blames US for Dhaka regime change

Follow Jeff Pao on X: &nbsp, @jeffpao3

Continue Reading

English Premier League, envoy take aim at illegal streaming

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 25 Sep 2024 at 06: 20

As the new basketball season begins, the English Premier League has launched an anti-piracy battle in Thailand.

For the next time in a row, the EPL is conducting its Boot Out Piracy campaign in collaboration with the British Embassy in Thailand.

The program, which promotes legitimate seeing and protects the academic house of Premier League live broadcasts, is being hosted by Thailand and Indonesia in Southeast Asia.

Key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and various officials, participated in discussions on the subject, and a special welcome was held late in Bangkok.

At the start of Thailand's anti-piracy plan, the EPL prize is displayed. Premier League

At the start of Thailand’s anti-piracy plan, the EPL prize is displayed. Premier League

The event aimed to increase awareness of the detrimental effects of theft on the sports industry and support Real Visions ‘ efforts to protect unique radio rights for Premier League games in Thailand.

Thailand continues to have one of the team’s most devoted fan bases with an estimated 38.7 million Thai fans watching EPL games legally.

However, some supporters also reportedly watch activities via illegal streaming platforms.

At the particular welcome, Catherine West, British Minister for the Indo-Pacific, addressed the importance of combating improper streaming in Thailand.

” Thailand has some of the most devoted sports fans in the world. It does n’t take long walking around Bangkok to notice that– just jump into any taxi, and within five minutes, you’ll be discussing which team will win the Premier League this year”, she said.

However, she expressed concern about the common use of illegal streaming, noting the associated hazards for fans and explaining that outlawed streaming websites introduce them to hazards such as malicious, schemes, viruses, and illegal gambling.

Catherine West

Catherine West

” A recent review revealed that 90 % of advertising on rogue websites contain high-risk content”, she warned.

The Premier League has increased its cooperation with Thai government to fight piracy, with Ms. West acknowledging that despite progress being made, challenges still remain.

” Pirates do n’t stand still. It’s important that the conversations]against pirates ] we have here remain over the coming days and months”, she said.

She urged Thai soccer fans to help the EPL legally. We want Thai fans to watch the Premier League in the safest and best possible way, and that means by paying a fee to the formal channels, she continued.

Sean Godfrey, mind of constitutional at the Premier League, emphasised the benefits of legitimate browsing.

If viewers watch the game the right way,” there’s a lot of revenue that could be generated and reinvested into community sport,” he said.

Legitimate seeing, Mr Godfrey noted, ensures money can be directed back into society growth and youth programs, helping to cultivate the next generation of soccer skills.

” We all want our great sports celebrities and groups to triumph, and a vital way to support them is by watching sports legally”, he added.

This pledge to always observe the activities in the right way, so that more money can be raised for the heroes who make our weekends special as well as for grassroots football.

Sean Godfrey

Sean Godfrey

Continue Reading

EPL, envoy take aim at illegal streaming

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 25 Sep 2024 at 06: 20

As the new football season begins, the English Premier League has launched an anti-piracy battle in Thailand.

For the next time in a row, the EPL is running its Boot Out Piracy campaign in collaboration with the British Embassy in Thailand.

The program, which aims to promote legitimate observing and protect the intellectual property of Premier League live broadcasts, is being hosted by Thailand and Indonesia in Southeast Asia.

Key stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and various officials, participated in discussions on the subject, and a special welcome was held late in Bangkok.

The EPL prize is displayed at the beginning of a Thailand battle to combat piracy. Premier League

The EPL prize is displayed at the beginning of a Thailand battle to combat piracy. Premier League

The event aimed to raise consciousness about the detrimental effects of theft on the sporting industry and support efforts to protect promotional television privileges for Premier League games in Thailand held by cable TV service Real Visions.

Thailand continues to have one of the team’s most devoted fan bases with an estimated 38.7 million Thai fans watching EPL games legally.

However, many supporters also reportedly watch activities via illegal streaming platforms.

At the particular welcome, Catherine West, British Minister for the Indo-Pacific, addressed the importance of combating improper streaming in Thailand.

” Thailand has some of the world’s most devoted sport fans.” It does n’t take long walking around Bangkok to notice that– just jump into any taxi, and within five minutes, you’ll be discussing which team will win the Premier League this year”, she said.

However, she expressed concern about the common use of illegal streaming, noting the associated hazards for fans and explaining that outlawed streaming websites introduce them to hazards such as malicious, schemes, viruses, and illegal gambling.

Catherine West

Catherine West

” A recent review revealed that 90 % of advertising on rogue websites contain high-risk content”, she warned.

The Premier League has increased its cooperation with Thai government to fight pirates, with Ms. West acknowledging that despite progress being made, challenges still remain.

” Pirates do n’t stand still. It’s important that the conversations]against pirates ] we have here remain over the coming days and months”, she said.

She urged Thai soccer fans to help the EPL legally. Through a subscription to official services, she continued,” We want Thai fans to watch the Premier League in the best quality and the safest manner possible.”

Sean Godfrey, mind of constitutional at the Premier League, emphasised the benefits of legitimate browsing.

If viewers watch the game the right way,” there’s a lot of revenue that could be generated and reinvested into community sport,” he said.

Legitimate seeing, Mr Godfrey noted, ensures money can be directed back into society growth and youth programs, helping to cultivate the next generation of soccer skills.

” We all want our great sports celebrities and groups to triumph, and a vital way to support them is by watching sports legally”, he added.

This commitment to always observe the activities in the right way so that more money can be raised for both community soccer and the heroes who make our weekends special.

Sean Godfrey

Sean Godfrey

Continue Reading

Analysis: Giving warships, funding a naval base – China’s gestures to Cambodia raise eyebrows over regional intent

By:
On:
In: Asia

Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as it is depicted in its so-called nine-dash column, but it has never fully defined what it means. This statement contradicts the sea says of Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries.

It would be impossible for China to work from Ream from a defense and military standpoint, according to Dr. Abdul Rahman of the Lowy Institute, from a position of authority in regional waters like the South China Sea or the Strait of Malacca.

” China has already built a number of military installations in the South China Sea, the majority of which were constructed using synthetic territories. These foundations, serving as local launchpads, may play a far more important role than the Ream marine base”, he said.

” Furthermore, the Ream naval base is just 30 miles from a grouping of Taiwanese military services. China conducting military operations there would not make sense because it could endanger sensitive information or make the Asian able to obstruct or prevent its ships.

According to Dr. Abuza from the National War College, China’s wider goal in using the bottom in Ream is to stop the formation of a unified local entrance against its regional states in the South China Sea.

” China’s presence that allows it to focus on Vietnam, which has overlapping states with Beijing in the contested waters”, he explained. ” Moreover, it reinforces China’s supremacy over Cambodia, making the country extremely reliant on Beijing- not just economically, but physically as well”.

China is Cambodia’s largest bilateral donation, merchant, trader, and trading partner, according to an ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute working papers published in March 2023.

With a diplomatic free trade agreement that became effective at the beginning of 2022, China strengthened its place as one of Cambodia’s essential trading partners. The pact eliminates tariffs on 97 % of Cambodian exports to China and 97 % of Chinese exports to China.

Over the past five decades, Cambodia’s exports to China had grown at an annual charge of 10.2 per share, rising from US$ 1 billion in 2017 to US$ 1.63 billion in 2022, according to state data.

China has also greatly invested in Cambodia’s system, including airports, streets, and private improvements such as hotels and casinos.

Data strong Seasia Stats reports that Cambodia is the fourth-largest victim of Foreign aid in Southeast Asia, receiving US$ 17.7 billion by 2024, behind Indonesia, Vietnam and Laos. This includes monetary assistance, financial projects, and building initiatives.

RAISING THE REGIONAL TEMPERATURE?

Experts are divided on whether growing defense ties between China and Cambodia may cause conflicts in the area. Some believe so- mainly with Vietnam, and to a lesser degree, Thailand.

Dr. Abdul Rahman noted that given the ongoing conflicts in the South China Sea, Hanoi may be particularly concerned that China is using Cambodia as a proper tool to impose pressure on its southwestern border.

” Taiwanese leaders view the construction of air defense services at Ream as a significant security threat, especially if it is managed by China,” Ream authorities said. Any applied air surveillance radar could help Chinese military personnel follow Asian aircraft as they travel through southern Vietnam, according to Dr. Abdul Rahman.

China could finally pose a danger to Vietnam from both the north and the south, combined with the prospect of Chinese naval vessels operating from Ream.

Continue Reading

Marriage Equality Bill becomes law

By:
On:
In: South-East Asia

praised as “monumental” step toward equal rights as aristocratic confirmation confirmed

PUBLISHED: 24 Sep 2024 at 22: 35

His Majesty the King has approved the Marriage Equality Bill, making Thailand the fourth nation in Asia to recognize same-sex unions after Taiwan and Nepal.

The law will become effective on January 22, 2025, 120 days after it was published in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, enabling same-sex couples to commence officially registering their unions.

” The legislation is a huge step towards equal rights in Thailand”, Waaddao Anne Chumaporn, the leader of Bangkok Pride, said on Tuesday.

On January 22, she intends to hold a large marriage for more than a thousand LGBTQ lovers in Bangkok.

The bill’s ultimate reading was approved by the Senate in June, the climax of protesters ‘ efforts for more than 20 years. An overwhelming preponderance of politicians in the lower house voted in favor of it.

The decision was welcomed at the time, with LGBT rights activists claiming that it would establish Thai rule over wedding equality in Southeast Asia.

The rules on union today uses gender-neutral words in place of “men”, “women”, “husbands” and “wives”, and also provides adoption and estate rights to same-sex couples.

The Marriage Equality Bill will be one of the most gender-inclusive legislation, according to Vitit Muntarbhorn, a respected international human rights professional and legal professor.” It will amend around 60 to 70 parts of the Civil and Commercial Codes,” she said at a new website.

He said that around 50 other rules, such as the Surrogacy Bill, Gender Recognition Bill, employment-related costs, and welfare-related expenses, need to be amended to ensure equitable and inclusive constitutional protections for LGBTQ communities in Thailand.

Continue Reading