LATEST PULSE

Singapore and Malaysia are emerging as the clear leaders in Southeast Asia’s higher education landscape. A new regional ranking by Times Higher Education highlights a growing shift in academic power, with universities from both countries outperforming traditional regional competitors.   At the top of the list are National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, which secured the number one and two spots. Both in...

Donald Trump’s threats against Iran have pushed a long-brewing clash with the Vatican into the open, drawing one of the strongest rebukes yet from Pope Leo XIV, who has emerged as an unusually direct critic of the US president’s war rhetoric, moral framing, and use of religious language.   Trump’s Threat to Eradicate Iran The rift became unmistakable after Trump issued a sweeping threat to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz,...

Across Asia, the cost of medicine is rising, and recent global tensions are making the situation worse. In countries like the Philippines and Malaysia, patients are facing higher prices and growing uncertainty over supply.   The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pushing up oil prices and disrupting shipping routes. These changes are increasing transport and production costs for medicines, which are heavily traded across borders. For m...

A major carbon credit project in Indonesia is facing growing scrutiny, raising broader concerns about how global carbon markets measure climate impact.   The project, located in Sumatra and backed by a major pulp and paper group, was designed to prevent deforestation and generate carbon credits. These credits allow companies to offset emissions while supporting forest protection.   On paper, the project is significant. Covering arou...

Thailand has entered a new political phase, but the economic backdrop is becoming more difficult. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul secured a strong election victory in February and has now been officially endorsed by parliament. His conservative bloc, supported by key allies, controls the legislature. The result reflects a public preference for stability after years of political uncertainty.   However, the transition in leadership is hap...