Malaysia’s Madani: Disappointment After Disappointment

Two years ago, Eric, who is autistic, experienced a severe anxiety attack at Jurong East MRT station after forgetting his home keys, leading to a misunderstanding with a passerby and a security guard. A Ministry of Social and Family Development report revealed a decline in positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities like autism, despite public education efforts. SG Enable highlighted the challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities due to...

The main suspect in Germany’s deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, held strong anti-Islam views and was angry with Germany's migrant policy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack that killed five people, including a nine-year-old child, and injured 205 others in Magdeburg. Abdulmohsen, a Saudi atheist and activist, railed against Islam and Germany’s permissive attitude towards refugees from mainly Muslim countries, despite past online posts suggesting a different motive for the attack....

The food and beverage sector in the Philippines has embraced digital transformation through technologies like online ordering, contactless payments, and inventory management systems, leading to increased efficiency and profitability. Companies like Mosaic Solutions offer comprehensive platforms that streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and drive economic growth post-pandemic, with the industry projected to grow at a rate higher than the overall economy. The sector's resilience and adaptation to new technologies are key factors in its recovery...

Assoc Prof Archuleta highlighted the underrepresentation of women in healthcare and academia due to intense work cultures that do not accommodate caregiving roles. This lack of female representation in top roles leads to adverse downstream effects like fewer approved journal topics on women's health. Efforts to close the gap include policy changes for better female representation and building a culture of male allies to support women in balancing work and caregiving responsibilities. Full Article

The Ukrainian military is dropping Korean-language leaflets urging North Korean troops fighting on Russia’s side to surrender and join South Korea, with evidence suggesting North Korean soldiers are given Russian IDs to conceal their nationality. South Korean intelligence reports that Russia pays North Korean soldiers, but most funds likely go to the North Korean government. A photo purporting to show a North Korean soldier with a fake Russian ID raises questions about the effectiveness of...

The wireless telecom industry, particularly in Indonesia, is facing significant consolidation as companies like XL Axiata and Smartfren merge to compete with dominant players like Telkomsel. This trend is driven by the high costs associated with building and maintaining 5G networks, as well as geopolitical concerns regarding foreign influence. The merger between XL Axiata and Smartfren, despite Smartfren's financial struggles, aims to create a more competitive entity in the market, although the impact on consumers...