Fundraising remains tough in ASEAN despite capital stabilisation: January Capital report

The United Nations food agency avoided drastic food aid cuts for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh by maintaining monthly rations at $12 for those in Cox’s Bazar and $13 for those on Bhashan Char island. The U.S. announced $73 million in new funding through the WFP to support over 1 million Rohingya refugees, preventing a humanitarian crisis but highlighting ongoing needs for continued support. Human rights advocates expressed concerns about the refugees' plight, emphasizing the importance...

Volunteer rescue workers in Mandalay raced against time to find survivors in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, while others mourned their losses. The extent of the catastrophe was immense, with the junta declaring a state of emergency in six regions, exacerbating existing challenges in a city already grappling with a repressive government and civil war. Despite the lack of resources and equipment, ordinary people and international aid groups rushed to help, as residents faced...

South Korean police are investigating a man suspected of inadvertently starting the country's worst wildfires while cleaning gravesites, leading to 30 deaths and 48,000ha of forest burned. The 56-year-old man in North Gyeongsang province is believed to have ignited the fire while burning tree branches near his grandparents' graves. The fires have devastated historic sites and exposed demographic challenges in rural areas. Full Article

On March 20, a fire at the North Hyde electrical substation caused a power outage at Heathrow airport for 18 hours, leaving 200,000 passengers stranded. Despite media criticism, Heathrow defended its response, but experts warn that lasting reputational damage can result from mishandled crises, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and crisis management strategies in the face of public scrutiny. Full Article

Concession stands at Kai Tak Stadium ran out of food and drinks for the second time in 24 hours, causing chaos and confusion among staff members and long waits of 45 minutes or more for customers. Gates outside the stadium remained shut, leading to questions about the effectiveness of previous test events, and long waits for taxis were exacerbated by chilly temperatures. Officials admitted to underestimating the requirements for staging the Sevens while overestimating their...

This book by Hamish McDonald explores the unique and often overlooked region of Melanesia, which is distinct from Polynesia and Micronesia due to its darker-skinned population. The author highlights the cultural and geographical differences that set Melanesia apart, shedding light on the diverse peoples and traditions that make this region so fascinating. Through clear and engaging writing, McDonald brings attention to a region that is not widely understood but is undeniably real and important in...