Gender-based violence remains a neglected issue in Indonesia, UN says
The global cost of violence against women is estimated to be at least US$ 1.5 trillion, with a world bank study finding that gender-based violence can cost some countries between…
SOCIETY
World-renowned Japanese architect’s office utilises AI in design process
AI has helped the 400-member staff of architect Kengo Kuma manage 400 projects in Japan and overseas. The time saved has been spent meeting with clients or coming up with new…
Multidrug-resistant organisms found in drinking water in Bangladesh’s Chattogram
Findings revealed by a study on samples from households, restaurants, food carts, and hospitals.
Malaysian Home Ministry ordered to return seized Swatch ‘Pride’ watches
Justice Amarjeet Singh made the order after allowing Swatch's judicial review application against the authorities' raid on the watches. He said the raid that was conducted in May,…
Singapore’s civil servants to get 1.05 months of year-end bonus; junior grade officers to get additional $600
The country's Public Service Division said the government will continue to adopt a “progressive approach” in determining the bonus payment, in line with the National Wages…
Residents in Bhutan’s Samtse residents want unsolicited religious pamphlets investigated
On October 10, three local residents lodged formal complaints with the gewog administration, accusing a 52-year-old woman of distributing the religious pamphlets at their…
At least one woman raped nearly every 9 hours in Bangladesh
Data from the prominent human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra showed a total of 4,787 rape cases from January 2020 to September 2024. Legal experts, however, say the rape…
South Korea pushes for better work-life balance to ease falling birth rate
From February 2025, the government will offer tax incentives for SMEs that meet the Labour Ministry’s criteria for exemplary work-life balance practices and increase subsidies…
More Indian states and companies offer menstrual leave
Despite religious and cultural stigmas around menstruation in India, several corporations, big and small, are reviewing their human resource policies to offer time off or flexible…
Five tourists dead, including British woman and Aussie teen, after suspected tainted alcohol poisoning in Laos
The group of about a dozen tourists became ill after going out on November 12, according to British and Australian media.